Limp mode: Codes, Causes & Fixes
Limp mode (also called reduced power or fail-safe mode) is the vehicle protecting itself: the engine or transmission computer limits power, RPM or gear selection after detecting a fault. Typical triggers are throttle pedal or throttle body faults, turbo boost problems and transmission sensor or solenoid faults. Drive gently to a safe place or a shop; restarting may clear it temporarily, but the stored codes show the real cause.
165Codes
3.3Average severity
28%High or critical
4%DIY-friendly
Severity distribution
Most viewed
P0299
Powertrain
The turbo or supercharger isn't building the boost pressure the engine computer is asking for.
Moderate
P0606
Powertrain
The engine computer failed its own internal self-test – check its power and grounds before…
Moderate
P0700
Powertrain
The transmission computer found a fault and asked for the check engine light – read the TCM…
Moderate
P2002
Powertrain
The ECU thinks the diesel particulate filter isn't trapping soot properly — or it can't measure…
Moderate
U0073
Network
A module saw so many errors on CAN bus A that it shut off its own transmitter.
High
U0100
Network
Another module stopped hearing from the engine computer on the CAN network.
High
All codes (159)
C1130
Nissan · Chassis
The ABS/VDC unit isn't getting a valid engine signal from the ECM, so it switches stability…
Moderate
P0001
Powertrain
The PCM can't drive the solenoid that meters fuel into the high-pressure pump. Often a no-start…
High
P0045
Powertrain
The engine computer sees an open or shorted circuit to the solenoid that controls turbo boost.
Moderate
P0046
Powertrain
The boost control solenoid circuit is intact, but boost doesn't follow what the solenoid…
Moderate
P0068
Powertrain
The airflow the engine measures doesn't match what the throttle opening says it should be.
Moderate
P0087
Powertrain
Measured fuel pressure has dropped well below what the engine computer is asking for.
High
P0088
Powertrain
Rail pressure is running well above the value the engine computer is commanding.
Moderate
P0089
Powertrain
The fuel pressure regulator is getting its commands but pressure isn't responding the way it…
Moderate
P0090
Powertrain
The engine computer sees an electrical fault in the wiring or coil of the fuel pressure control…
Moderate
P0102
Powertrain
The MAF signal is too weak for the PCM to accept, so it treats the circuit as dead…
Moderate
P0108
Powertrain
The MAP signal is pinned near 5 volts, so the PCM sees impossibly high manifold pressure even…
Moderate
P0121
Powertrain
The throttle position reading is electrically valid but doesn't agree with engine load, airflow…
Moderate
P0122
Powertrain
The throttle position signal fell to nearly 0 volts, lower than a closed throttle could ever…
Moderate
P0123
Powertrain
The throttle position signal is stuck near 5 volts, so the PCM sees wide open throttle even…
Moderate
P0190
Powertrain
The signal from the fuel rail pressure sensor has dropped out or become unusable to the engine…
Moderate
P0192
Powertrain
The rail pressure sensor signal voltage has fallen below the lowest value a working sensor can…
Moderate
P0193
Powertrain
The rail pressure sensor signal is stuck near the 5-volt limit, above anything a working sensor…
Moderate
P0200
Powertrain
The ECU found a fault in the injector control circuits that it can't pin on one cylinder, often…
High
P0216
Powertrain
The ECU can't control or confirm injection timing, usually on a diesel with an electronic…
High
P0217
Powertrain
The engine overheated. Stop driving: continuing can warp the head, blow the head gasket…
Critical
P0218
Powertrain
The transmission fluid got hotter than the computer allows, from heavy load, low fluid…
High
P0221
Powertrain
The second throttle angle signal leaves its window or stops following the plate, so power…
Moderate
P0234
Powertrain
Boost rose above the safe limit the engine computer allows, so it may cut power to protect…
High
P0235
Powertrain
The engine computer found an electrical fault in the boost pressure sensor's wiring…
Moderate
P0236
Powertrain
The boost sensor's signal is electrically OK, but its readings don't make sense compared…
Moderate
P0237
Powertrain
The boost sensor signal has dropped near zero volts, reading less pressure than the atmosphere…
Moderate
P0238
Powertrain
The boost sensor signal is stuck near 5 volts, so the computer sees impossibly high boost…
Moderate
P0269
Powertrain
Cylinder 3 isn't pulling its weight, or is pulling too hard, and the fuel correction for it…
Moderate
P0275
Powertrain
The fuel correction for cylinder 5 is past its limit. Only engines with five or more cylinders…
Moderate
P0299
Powertrain
The turbo or supercharger isn't building the boost pressure the engine computer is asking for.
Moderate