Common causes for limp mode?

[MPG_LOL]

Hi guys,

I fired up my car this morning on a cold start and it immediately went into limp mode (raised redline to 1000, limited redline, limited power).
I drive the car regularly , ambient temps in the high 50s.

When I got to my destination I restarted the car and it was no longer in limp mode.

Any idea what the cause may be? I've already replaced the throttle actuators.

Mileage is about 108,000.

Thank you

[crypticc]

Could be anything without a code reader? Mine went into limp mode and turned out to be supplementary brake pump. But without pulling codes you'll have no way of knowing.

Good luck

[6ixSpd]

Scan it or get a Magic 8 ball.

[1MOREMOD]

You got a busted ass gf?

[MPG_LOL]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

You got a busted ass gf?

She's been eating too much in quarantine and my car is trying to send a subliminal message?

[1MOREMOD]

That could be it!

[fs34]

Second for scanning. Limp mode is an end state, so many things can cause it.

TBAs are the first that people throw out, but you should have codes. There’s a ton of stuff that it could be.

I went into limp mode from a bad ground. It was a bitch to figure it out.

[Scrippy]

I got $20 on a TA if anyone wants to bet?

[bsd damon]

Mine went into limp mode when my Junction Box melted (behind the glove box).

[exnoodle]

Mine did that and it was the Fuel Tank Breather Valve.

This valve gets gunked up and wont fully close, allowing fuel vapors into the intake creating a rich condition at start up resulting an random misfiring and then going into limp mode.

Inconsistent closure of this valve may explain your symptoms. Mine went bad @ 113K, so we are close in mileage.

Link to what the part looks like, unsure if this one will fit your car.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...RoCn1cQAvD_BwE

[Vedubin01]

Originally Posted by exnoodle

Mine did that and it was the Fuel Tank Breather Valve.

This valve gets gunked up and wont fully close, allowing fuel vapors into the intake creating a rich condition at start up resulting an random misfiring and then going into limp mode.

Inconsistent closure of this valve may explain your symptoms. Mine went bad @ 113K, so we are close in mileage.

Link to what the part looks like, unsure if this one will fit your car.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...RoCn1cQAvD_BwE

Actually it gets stuck open.... and I just purchased one for under $40 shipped new.


https://www.rmeuropean.com/Products/...G14-V6795.aspx

[Mvy]

Question on this one. If you have issues filling the tank where the pump auto fill constantly cuts off, is that at all related to fuel tank breather valve?

[Mvy]

Originally Posted by MPG_LOL

Hi guys,

I fired up my car this morning on a cold start and it immediately went into limp mode (raised redline to 1000, limited redline, limited power).
I drive the car regularly , ambient temps in the high 50s.

When I got to my destination I restarted the car and it was no longer in limp mode.

Any idea what the cause may be? I've already replaced the throttle actuators.

Mileage is about 108,000.

Thank you

Did you ever pull codes? Im getting limp modes like this and wonder if its related. I too already did TAs so dont think its that. But I got a bunch of weird codes after letting the car sit too long so i am trying to rule out battery and the like now that its getting used more.

[ag902]

Hi All, Same has happened to me, wonder if I could get some advice:
Actuators rebuild were installed in last 300 miles. New battery and oil change which initially said it was too full. Took out 1 litre and now it shows as just above minimum.

Had the oil tested and showed very low metrics of copper/lead. After each the codes were most likely reset but have come back again

Here is what happens:
1- Car starts. Goes straight into limp mode
2 - Doesnt like to idle. Then just turns off
3 -Slight tick but nothing that sounds horrific.
4 - Drive car for 5 mins. Restart. Limp mode gone. Car seems to drive fine (perhaps a little clunky on gears).

Im reading it could be:
Coils and plugs
Actuators could actually be bad (even though changed)
Sensors in bank 1 & 2 need changing
Exhaust leak
Idle Actuator value
Fuel pump pressure.

Any ideas on how to isolate the problem. How reliable are the error codes in helping diagnose the true problem.

Car is 2010 70k DCT. Its been great but its starting to wind me up

[ha9981]

Without pulling and sharing the codes it's just guess work.

[GotV8?]

I just changed my TA last month and went into limp mode 600 miles of driving later due to Brake Boosters went bad due to some brake fluids that overflowed (when I had brake fluid flushed) and took out sensors!!! You need to scan codes...it makes it easier to narrow down the issue. Gluck

[walt mckenna]

Originally Posted by MPG_LOL

Hi guys,

I fired up my car this morning on a cold start and it immediately went into limp mode (raised redline to 1000, limited redline, limited power).
I drive the car regularly , ambient temps in the high 50s.

When I got to my destination I restarted the car and it was no longer in limp mode.

Any idea what the cause may be? I've already replaced the throttle actuators.

Mileage is about 108,000.

Thank you

I have had a similar experience...... On the first start of the day, car goes into limp mode, displays check engine light, and disables traction control. This happens only once every couple of weeks and only twice has it happened on the second start of the day. No codes displayed/recorded.

I logged all starts for a few weeks to determine a pattern but only determined: happens most often on first start, does not clear until the engine is turned off, never comes on after the engine is running, and happens at irregular intervals.

To solve the problem, I changed my starting sequence: insert key fob in dash, press start button without pressing brake so that ECU and related systems power up, depress brake pedal, and then press start engine. This procedure has eliminated the problem, but the root cause is still a mystery.