Limp Mode Scan codes

LIMP MODE

Limp mode has hit car owners like a pandemic, a pandemic that was pre-planned by the automotive industry, knowing full well that most car owners would be at a loss to repair it themselves and that it was  going to be a source of steady profit, a bonanza, a money spinner, a cash cow, a golden goose for them.

Virtually every car owner have experienced the wrath of Limp mode at some time or the other and are often helpless when it happens. Those of you who haven't had the displeasure of encountering Limp mod surely will, its just a matter of time - virtually guaranteed.

STANDARD FEATURE

Limp mode is a standard feature programmed into all post-1996 vehicles to protect their engines and driver / passenger when something goes awry with its EPC system, steering or braking system, etc.  The ever-aware sensing software will activate this feature when it detects abnormal readings from sensors, or compromised mechanical part operations that could potentially cause damage to the vehicle or harm to its occupants.

Every time when Limp mode is triggered the ECU will store a DTC in its non-volatile memory for later retrieval. And since Limp mode can be caused by any of several different engine components, the only way to track down the Limp mode problem is by way of a OBD-II scan tool. Scan tools may be considered the vaccines against this Limp mode pandemic, implying only those who have one will be able to fix their own cars.

ON BOARD DIAGNOSTICS

OBD-II (on-board diagnostics ver2) gave rise to a scan tool market and these scan tools comes in several makes and models, with capabilities ranging from the most basic to the most intricate costing from as little as a few bucks to tens of thousands. Most of the low end scan tools are VW compatible though some are not, whereas all the high end scan tools are compatible to virtually all cars, trucks and bikes.

SCAN TOOL

So, if your a car owner / DIY mechanic, it is imperative to get yourself a decent  aftermarket VW-Audi diagnostic scan tool. If you own an Audi,  Porsche, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini,  SEAT, Škoda or Volkswagen I would suggest that you invest in the USB Cable KKL 409.1 VAG-COM Auto Scanner Scan Tool for VW/Audi (Blue) for starters. This cable supports the ISO9141 and KWP2000 transmission protocols and is usable with VCDS lite downloadable from the Ross tech website absolutely free. I started out with this rig and later bought several dedicated scan tools as well as bluetooth dongles that work with cellphones and software for my tablet. None as good or even comparable to VCDS (VAG-COM) HEX-V2 which surpasses the performance of most generic OBD-II tools, but its VW specific.

ELECTRONIC POWER CONTROL

Limp mode limits the amount of power to your engine and transmission thus delivers poor engine performance. EPC (electronic power control) may be lit and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)(K83) may also be lit. 

Limp mode scan codes:-

000289 (P0121) - Throttle Position Sensor (G69): Implausible Signal

000290 (P0122) - Throttle Position Sensor (G69): Signal too Low

004243 (P1093) - Bank 1; Fuel Measuring System 2

000545 (P0221) - Angle Sensor 2 for Throttle (G188): Implausible Signal  

000808 (P0328) - Knock Sensor 1 (G61) Signal too High - Intermittent

05445 (P1545) - Throttle valve control system, Malfunction

05464 (P1558) - EPV throttle Drive - G186, Electrical malfunction in circuit

01314 - Engine control module / No Communications

17252 (P0868) - Transmission Fluid Pressure Adaptation at Limit

             

WIRING HARNESS

As can be seen from the above, all these Limp mode scan codes / faults are associated with a VW wiring  harness problem and is normally a connector problem but it can also be the a failed throttle body, a knock sensor, the torque circuit, a brake light. The gears inside of the throttle body can strip or becomes clogged with dirt. Remember the last resort is a failed engine control unit (ECU).