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Warning lights

Reduced engine power / limp mode

The engine computer has limited power to protect the engine or transmission from a detected fault.

Urgency:Service soon

Is it safe to keep driving?

Slowly, and only to a nearby shop. The car will feel very sluggish and may not exceed 30 to 40 mph. Avoid highways.

Likely causes

  • Throttle body or pedal position sensor fault
  • Turbocharger boost fault
  • Transmission fault
  • Overheating

Typical repair cost (US)

$100 – $2,500

A throttle body clean at the low end; a turbo or transmission repair at the high end.

A typical range, not a quote. Actual cost depends on the car, the shop and the fault.

What to do now

  1. Pull over, switch off for a minute and restart — it sometimes clears a transient fault.
  2. Have the codes read; limp mode always stores a code.