Find A Shop By Make  By Transmission  By Symptom  Guides  Get An Estimate 

Select Make
What is Limp Mode? – Causes & What to
Do Acura
BMW
Buick
Picture this: you are driving along when, out of the blue, your car’s transmission starts acting up. The
“check engine” light comes on, telling you that there is a problem. At the same time, your car’s Cadillac
transmission automatically shifts into second or third gear and stays there. Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for
replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your Ford
transmission model by vehicle make and model. GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jeep
Lexus
Lincoln
Mazda
Mercury

1:00 Nissan
Pontiac
Ram
Saturn
Toyota
Volkswagen
1:00
Volvo

What Transmission Do I Have?

Select Symptom

Limited to one gear and 30-45 mph, you know there is a serious problem with your car’s transmission 10 Most Common
and you have to get your car to either your dealer or transmission repair shop to have the problem Transmission Problems
diagnosed and repaired. Overheating
Transmission Fluid Leak
Naturally, the first questions that go through your head are: Why did this happen? How severe is it? and
Low Transmission Fluid
How much will it cost to fix?
Solenoid Problems

In This Guide Burnt Fluid

Slipping
What Causes Limp Mode? Shuddering
Limp Mode’s Protective Actions Check Engine /
Example Situation Transmission Light
How the Computer Determines That a Sensor is Incorrect
Torque Converter Problems
What You Should Do
Questions to Ask Yourself 4WD Transfer Case
Problems

What Causes Limp Mode?

Today, nearly every system in your vehicle is operated by the computer – including the transmission’s
line pressure, shift timing, sequence and feel. The vehicle speed sensor provides input to help control
ABS, fuel mixture, fuel injection and transmission operation. The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) Top Pages
sensor and throttle position sensor (TPS) provide the engine’s load information which is used to manage
the shift and downshifting in the transmission when you’re driving up an incline or you’ve put the pedal to What Transmission Do I
the metal. Have Tool
Transmission Cost by Model
Fail Code conditions or “Limp Mode” occurs when there is a problem with the logic of a vehicle’s – 2020 Guide
computer. When the signal value sent by a sensor to the computer is not within a pre-programmed range
Rebuild vs Remanufactured
specified by the manufacturer, it will switch to “secondary” programming. These procedures are
8 Options if Your
designed to protect the transmission from further damage that could be caused by the signal error.
Transmission Has Failed
As long as the computer is receiving signals from the MAP, TPS, vehicle speed and other sensors that 10 Most Common
fall within their “normal” ranges based on the current conditions, the transmission will operate normally. Transmission Problems &
However, as mentioned above, if it receives a signal that is outside of the expected range, it will switch to How to Fix Them
secondary/emergency operation. How to Change
Transmission Fluid Step by
The exact measures taken in secondary operation is determined by the computer’s logic as programmed Step
by the manufacturer and depends on how far outside the acceptable range the signal is (if there is any What is a Transmission
signal at all). It might react differently when the value is higher than the highest parameter than it does Flush? Cost and Process
when the value is lower than the lowest allowable value.
What is Limp Mode? –
Causes & What to Do
Limp Mode’s Protective Actions Torque Converter Problems:
Symptoms & Replacement
Cost
Transmission Solenoid:
Symptoms & Replacement
Cost
What Color is Transmission
Fluid?
Types of Transmissions and
How They Work
10 Pro Tips on Buying Used
Transmissions For Sale

Created with the free version of PDF Mage

If the signal value wasn’t far enough outside of the range to indicate a mechanical failure, the first thing
the computer will do is turn the check engine light on to alert the driver that they should have the vehicle
checked out using a code reader/diagnostic scanner to see if there are any “soft codes” listed. Soft
codes can indicate that a low priority sensor has malfunctioned or is starting to break down. If the light
goes away after restarting your car, it could mean that the sensor only failed once due to a loose Select Transmission
connection or it could be a sign that its condition is getting worse. Critical functionality is typically
unaffected by this kind of problem, but if the issue isn’t resolved, it can negatively impact the Select By Vehicle
performance or fuel efficiency of the vehicle. 4R75E / 4R75W
4L60E
Now, if the signal value from a high priority sensor (necessary for critical functions) is dangerously far
out of the acceptable operating range, the computer switches over to secondary “survival” mode. This is 4L65E
known as a “hard code”. In this mode, the computer shuts off the electronic shift solenoids. This disables 4R100
the transmission’s ability to shift gears and causes it to default to single usable gear – usually second or 4T45E / 4T40E
third. In addition, the pressure in the transmission’s fluid lines is set to high in order to protect the bands 4T65E / 4T65E-HD
and clutches from being damaged. The signals that control the line pressure are set to “full on” to prevent
4R70W
the clutch pack from a slipping dangerously.
42RLE

All of these changes result in the previously described “Limp Mode”. Instead of leaving you 46RE (A518)
stranded with a broken down vehicle, it enables the vehicle to limp home or to the nearest 47RE (A618)
service center for repairs while reducing the risk of doing further damage. 48RE
4F27E
Example 5L40E
545RFE
For example, one of situations that would cause a transmission to go into limp mode is if the cable
harness going to the transmission is damaged or detached. In this case, the computer would sense that it 5R55E / 5R55S
lost communication with the transmission, but since the harness is detached, the command to go into 5R110W
limp mode cannot make it to the transmission. However, with no power supplied to the solenoids, the line 6F50 / 6F35
pressure is set to high and the transmission is stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear – the same effect the limp mode
6T40 / 6T45
command would have.
6T75E / 6T70
62TE
How the Computer Determines That a Sensor is Incorrect 6R60
Say, for example, that the computer receives a signal from the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) stating that 6R80
the pedal is to the metal when the throttle is actually closed. It would spot this error when it compared this 6R140
status with the vehicle speed sensor, which would be signaling low or no speed. As soon as it sees this 65RFE
discrepancy, the computer will command the transmission to go into limp mode and turn the check
68RFE
engine light on. A signal value by itself can’t always be classified as an error, but when analyzed with
other sensor outputs, the computer can easily figure out if there is a problem. 8L45
8L90
9T50
9T65
10L80
10R80
W5A580
FNR5
A604 / 41TE
AS68RC
AS69RC
AW55-50SN
AW55-51
AWF21
AX4N / AX4S
The fault code of the sensor causing the error is recorded by the computer. A mechanic can use a
Allison 1000
diagnostic scanner or code reader to find the recorded codes and then look them up in a table from the
manufacturer to determine which sensor, and therefore which system is the source of the malfunction. CD4E
Many scanners are pre-programmed with these tables and return more information than just the codes. E4OD
JF506E
For example, the diagnostic scanner could return the code “35”, which indicates that the
F4A42-1
problem has to do with the transmission fluid temperature sensor. The abnormal values that
F4A42-2
were recorded and the “normal” range for the sensor could also be provided to the mechanic.
F4A4B-1
It is recommended to have a vehicle’s computer scanned regularly for fault codes – especially if the F4A4B-4
check engine light is on. This is done by most service centers during routine tune-ups. V4A51
GF4A-EL
What You Should Do Mercedes 722.6
Mercedes 722.9
If your transmission is in limp mode, your transmission has a problem and you should get it fixed as soon
as possible. Here is what you should do: Nissan RE5R05A
Nissan RE4R01A
Do not panic! Limp mode is specifically designed to limit further damage and allow you to get your Honda BB7A
car to a service center Honda BYFA
If possible, drive directly to a service center
Honda BDKA
Otherwise, drive home and call a service center to have your vehicle towed
If you do not feel comfortable driving at a limited speed, pull off the road where it is safe to do so Honda MDRA
and call for a tow Honda MDKA
It is advised that you do not continue to drive a vehicle in limp mode as it is unsafe and can cause Honda MRVA
further damage to your vehicle Honda B5SA
Honda MGFA
Honda B90A
Honda MRMA
Questions to Ask Yourself
Honda MDLA
Once your vehicle is safely in the service area, it is time to answer a few questions that will help Honda MJFA
diagnose the problem: Honda M6HA
Honda MCVA
Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for Honda SP5A
replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your Honda MRMA
transmission model by vehicle make and model. Honda BVGA
Honda BMXA
Honda BGHA
Honda B97A
Honda BDGA
Honda PGRA
Honda GPPA
Honda SMMA
Honda BCLA
Honda P36A
Honda BAYA
1:00 Honda BAXA

Created with the free version of PDF Mage

 Honda PN3A
Honda B7XA
Honda BVLA
Honda B7WA

1:00
Honda B7VA
Honda B7TA
Honda B7TA
What Transmission Do I Have?
Honda B6VA
Honda B4RA
Honda BZHA
Honda B0YA
Honda SPCA
How fast were you driving and how long had you been driving when the problem occurred? Honda MZHA
Did any lights on the dash come on? Did they come on when you started the car or after driving a Honda BYBA
while? Did they stay on?
Honda MKYA
What repairs or maintenance has been done to the vehicle in the last month?
Honda MZJA
Have you noticed any signs of a problem recently (noises, behaviors, leaks, etc.)?
Honda MT4A
Toyota A140E
Toyota U241E
More Information by Transmission Type Toyota A245E
Toyota A246E
GM Ford Chrysler Other Makes Manual / Standard
Toyota A340E
4L60E 4R75E / 4R75W 42RLE Nissan RE5R05A T56 Toyota A340F

4L65E 4F27E A604 / 41TE Nissan RE7R01A T45 Toyota A541E

Toyota A650E
4L80E 4R100 46RE Nissan RE4R01A T10
Toyota A750E
4T45E 4R44E 47RE Nissan CVT AX15 Toyota A750F
ZF 5HP19
4T40 5R55E / 5R55N 48RE Mercedes 722.6 AX5
ZF 5HP24
4T65E 5R55S / 5R55W 45RFE Mercedes 722.9 Jeep NSG370
ZF 6HP19
4T65E-HD 5R110W 545RFE Toyota AB60E TR-3650 ZF 6HP26
ZF 8HP70
4T80E 6F35 62TE Toyota U241E NV5600
ZF 8HP75
5L40E 6F50 65RFE Toyota A750E NV4500 ZF 9HP48

6L80 6R60 68RFE Toyota A750F NV3550

6L90 6R80 W5A580 / NAG1 Toyota A340F NV3500

6T40 6R140 F4A42-1 Toyota A340E G56

Recent Comments
6T45 10R80 F4A42-2 Toyota A650E MT82
Robert Joseph Mitchell Jr
6L45 / 6L50 AX4N / AX4S F4A4B-1 Toyota A541E 5MT
on Mercury Monterey
6T70 AWF21 F4A4B-4 Toyota A246E Transmission Problems &
Cost | AX4N / 4F50N
6T75E CD4E 948HP Toyota A245E
Robert Joseph Mitchell Jr
8L90 FNR5 Aisin AS68RC Toyota A140E on Mercury Monterey
Transmission Problems &
8L45 TF-80SC Aisin AS69RC Toyota V4A51 Cost | AX4N / 4F50N
9T65 GF4A-EL ZF 5HP24 Travis.Littlefield on What
Transmission Do I Have Tool
9T50 JF506E ZF 6HP19
Anonymous on GMC Envoy
10L80 A4LD ZF 6HP26 Transmission Problems &
Cost | 4L60E
Allison 1000 C6 ZF 8HP70 Anonymous on 4l60e
TH400 AODE ZF 8HP75 Christopher Duszka on
Toyota Sienna Transmission
TH350 E4OD ZF 948HP Problems & Cost | A541E

700R4 AOD Honda BYBA Christopher Duszka on

Toyota Sienna Transmission
Aisin AW55-50SN Honda MZHA Problems & Cost | A541E

Aisin AW55-51 Honda MKYA Donnie Thomas on Chevy

Cobalt Transmission
Honda MZJA Problems & Cost
Linda Soto on GMC Terrain
Honda MT4A
Transmission Problems &
Honda SPCA Cost | 6T40 | 6T70
Zach on What Transmission
Honda B0YA
Do I Have Tool
Honda BZHA

Honda B4RA

Honda B6VA

Honda B7TA

Honda B7TA

Honda B7WA

Honda BVLA

Honda B7XA

Honda PN3A

Honda BAXA

Honda P36A

Honda BCLA

Honda GPPA

Honda PGRA

Honda BDGA

Honda B97A

Honda BGHA

Honda BMXA

Created with the free version of PDF Mage

 GM Ford Chrysler Other Makes Manual / Standard

Honda BVGA

Honda SMMA

Honda SP5A

Honda MCVA

Honda M6HA

Honda MDLA

Honda MJFA

Honda BJFA

Honda MJBA

Honda MRMA

Honda B90A

Honda MGFA

Honda B5SA

Honda MDKA

Honda MRVA

Honda MDRA

Honda BDKA

Honda BYFA

Honda BB7A

Problems by Make & Model

Model

Acura CL

Acura MDX

Acura TL

BMW X5

Buick Enclave

Buick Lacrosse

Buick Lucerne

Buick Rendezvous

Buick Rainier

Buick Regal

Buick Terraza

Cadillac CTS

Cadillac DTS

Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac SRX

Cadillac STS

Cadillac XTS

Chevy Avalanche

Chevy Blazer

Chevy C1500

Chevy C2500 HD

Chevy C3500 HD

Chevy Camaro

Chevy Cavalier

Chevy Cobalt

Chevy Colorado

Chevy Equinox

Chevy Express 1500

Chevy Express 2500

Chevy Express 3500

Chevy Express 4500

Chevy HHR

Chevy Impala

Chevy K1500

Chevy K2500 Suburban

Chevy Malibu

Chevy Monte Carlo

Chevy S10

Chevy Silverado 1500

Chevy Silverado 2500 HD

Chevy Silverado 3500 HD

Created with the free version of PDF Mage

 Model

Chevy SSR

Chevy Suburban

Chevy Tahoe

Chevy Trailblazer

Chevy Traverse

Chevy Uplander

Chevy Venture

Chevy W3500

Chevy W4500

Chrysler 200

Chrysler 300 - 300M

Chrysler Aspen

Chrysler Pacifica

Chrysler PT Cruiser

Chrysler Sebring

Chrysler Town & Country

Dodge Avenger

Dodge B1500

Dodge B2500

Dodge B3500

Dodge Challenger

Dodge Charger

Dodge Dakota

Dodge Durango

Dodge Journey

Dodge Magnum

Dodge Grand Caravan

Dodge Nitro

Dodge Ram 1500

Dodge Ram 2500

Dodge Ram 3500

Dodge Sprinter 2500

Dodge Sprinter 3500

Ford Crown Victoria

Ford E-150

Ford E-250

Ford E-350

Ford E-450

Ford Edge

Ford Escape

Ford Excursion

Ford Expedition

Ford Explorer

Ford F150

Ford F250

Ford F350

Ford F450

Ford F550

Ford F53 Motorhome Chassis

Ford Five Hundred

Ford Flex

Ford Focus

Ford Freestar

Ford Fusion

Ford Mustang

Ford Police Interceptor

Ford Ranger

Ford Taurus

Ford Thunderbird

Ford Windstar

GMC Acadia

GMC C1500

GMC C2500

Created with the free version of PDF Mage

 Model
GMC C3500

GMC Canyon

GMC Envoy

GMC G1500

GMC G2500

GMC G3500

GMC K1500

GMC K2500

GMC Savanna 1500

GMC Savanna 2500

GMC Savanna 3500

GMC Sierra 1500

GMC Sierra 2500 HD

GMC Sierra 3500 HD

GMC Sonoma

GMC Suburban

GMC Terrain

GMC W3500

GMC W4500

GMC Yukon

Honda Accord

Honda Civic

Honda CR-V

Honda Fit

Honda Odyssey

Honda Pilot

Honda Ridgeline

Hummer H2

Hummer H3

Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai Elantra

Infiniti G35

Infiniti QX4

Infiniti QX56

Isuzu Ascender

Isuzu Axiom

Isuzu NPR

Isuzu Rodeo

Isuzu Trooper

Jeep Commander

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Liberty

Jeep Wrangler

Lexus GS300

Lexus GS400

Lexus GX470

Lexus IS300

Lexus LS400

Lexus LS430

Lexus LX470

Lexus RX300

Lincoln Aviator

Lincoln LS

Lincoln Mark LT

Lincoln MKC

Lincoln MKS

Lincoln MKT

Lincoln MKX

Lincoln MKZ

Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln Town Car

Lincoln Zephyr

Mazda 2

Mazda 3

Created with the free version of PDF Mage

 Model

Mazda 5

Mazda 6

Mazda 626

Mazda CX-7

Mazda CX-9

Mazda Tribute

Mercury Grand Marquis

Mercury Marauder

Mercury Mariner

Mercury Milan

Mercury Montego

Mercury Mountaineer

Mercury Sable

Mini Cooper

Nissan Altima

Nissan Armada

Nissan Frontier

Nissan Maxima

Nissan Murano

Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Quest

Nissan Rogue

Nissan Sentra

Nissan Titan

Nissan Versa

Nissan Xterra

Pontiac Aztek

Pontiac Bonneville

Pontiac Firebird

Pontiac G5

Pontiac G6

Pontiac G8

Pontiac Grand Am

Pontiac Grand Prix

Pontiac GTO

Pontiac Montana

Pontiac Torrent

Pontiac Vibe

Ram 1500

Ram 2500

Ram 3500

Ram C/V

Ram Dakota

Saturn Aura

Saturn Ion

Saturn Outlook

Saturn Relay

Saturn Vue

Toyota 4Runner

Toyota Avalon

Toyota Camry

Toyota Corolla

Toyota FJ Cruiser

Toyota Highlander

Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota Matrix

Toyota RAV4

Toyota Sequoia

Toyota Sienna

Toyota Solara

Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tundra

Volkswagen Jetta

Created with the free version of PDF Mage

 Model
Volkswagen Routan

Volvo C30

Volvo C70

Volvo S40

Volvo S60

Volvo S70

Volvo S80

Volvo V40

Volvo V50

Volvo V70

Volvo XC70

Volvo XC90

OBD2 Transmission Trouble Codes

DTC Code

P0218

P0702

P0705

P0730

P0740

 Subscribe 

Tell us about your transmission problem 

Your Name 

Email Not Required 

Post Comment

8 6 TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS  

Donna  10 months ago

03 GMC Yukon . Changed out transmission. Now when engine gets warm. It goes into limp
mode
Reply

Anonymous  1 year ago

Recently changed ignition in 98 jeep Cherokee now drive doesn’t work but first and second
does
Reply

Tenn  1 year ago

It’s in limp mode 2000 Chrysler lhs and gear selector indicator says in all gears have
replaced input output sensors as well as tcm
Reply

Robert Silas  1 year ago

Transmission appear to go into limp mode. However no check engine light no codes
Reply

Ellen  1 year ago

Goes in limp mode

Reply

Bob  1 year ago

 Reply to
showing your tits should help with me getting out of limp mode…

Reply

Thomas Silvey  2 years ago

I’ll replace the battery in alternator a few months ago the battery light is stayed on ever since
and now it’s having transmission problems get somebody please tell me what my problem
could be

Reply

Thomas Silvey  2 years ago

I have a 2005 Mercury Mariner replace the battery and the alternator a few months ago
battery light has stayed on and now having transmission problems could someone please
enlighten me on what’s going on

Reply

Karen  2 years ago

 Reply to
You have to reprogram your transmission back to your system. I have an 2005 f250,
I had to put key in ignition, turn it on, but not crank it, put the truck in neutral wait 2

Created with the free version of PDF Mage

 seconds put it in drive wait 2 seconds and do that 5 times, put it in park, turn off,
then back on and crank. It was fixed.
Reply

Bob  1 year ago

 Reply to
fucking karen
Reply

« Previous 1 2 3 4

Pages Need Transmission Pricing? Search This Site

About To view our 2020 replacement transmission

Search …
Transmission Costs pricing guide, click here.

Find A Local Shop

Contact


Copyright © 2024 - Transmission Repair Cost Guide

Created with the free version of PDF Mage