Last updated on January 24th, 2024
An engine can suffer a loss of power after it has been in use for a long time and it could be because of some defects in the engine when this happens, the car will not be able to function properly.
When there is a power loss, all that might be required of you is to bypass the reduced engine power of your vehicle.
This article will give answers to the “how” question and other frequently asked questions on bypassing reduced engine power.
You might find it difficult to find out where in your car there is a power loss if you do not know what to look out for.
Read on to find out what it means when you get the “reduced engine power” notification pop-up on your dashboard screen and what could have caused it.
What causes Reduced Engine Power?
When a “reduced engine power’’ warning sign pops up on your dashboard, it most likely is an indication that your car’s performance has been reduced to protect your engine.
This happens because the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) automatically switches into reduced power mode when it detects a problem in the car’s system.
The “panic mode’’ can be triggered by the least significant imbalance between sensors.
1. TAC System of a Car
Most modern cars come with a throttle actuator control (TAC). Whenever there is a failure of any of the systems, especially the TAC system the ‘’reduced engine system’’ dashboard warning light comes on.
A faulty electronic fan clutch or fuel system malfunction is usually the cause of a TAC system problem.
2. Clutch Failure
You should suspect a clutch failure when the symptoms of reduced engine power are accompanied by squeaky sound and pulsation problems.
Transmission service should be the first point of call for solution-seeking to the problem.
3. Problem with the Oxygen Sensor
When the oxygen sensor detects a significant level of oxygen leaking from the exhaust system, they accordingly adjust the engine’s air/fuel mixture and this can result in a possible problem.
Any resulting problem from the oxygen sensors can cause the ‘’reduced engine power’’ warning light or ‘’check engine’’ light on the dashboard screen.
4. Faulty Connections
A “reduced engine power’’ warning might crop up as a result of a faulty cable connection.
In this case, you would need to troubleshoot by checking the clamp, cable, and harness for a faulty connection and be repaired it.
5. Defective Mass Airflow Sensor
The computer engine might incorrectly read the amounts of fuel injected and when this happens, it might result in a defective or dirty air mass sensor.
A defective mass airflow sensor can cause the activation of the “reduced engine power’’ light.
How to Override Reduced Engine Power
Except for difficult cases, you should be able to fix your car problems when they appear. Highlighted below are the steps that can help you override engine power-reduced problems when they appear.
Check the Cables Connection
Loose wires, clamps, or harnesses are one possible cause of limp mode.
Make sure to check for loose connections or a weak ground connection after you must have disconnected the battery, if any loose connection is found, reconnection and repair of the cables should be done immediately.
Check the Oxygen Sensor
If the oxygen sensor is dirty, you will have a problem with your vehicle. So if you notice that your oxygen sensor is malfunctioning and not working properly, try cleaning it first.
If after cleaning it doesn’t work, go ahead to try replacing the old sensor with a new one.
Check the Throttle
A difficult condition in the throttle can cause the throttle position sensor to override all of the sensing devices or even the entire sensing body.
When this happens, just go straight for a new replacement. They are not costly so you can always get one easily when the need arises.
Check the Airflow Sensor
Your vehicle might have gone into limp mode as a result of a faulty air flow sensor.
If you are wondering where in your vehicle the airflow sensor is located, check near the vehicle’s air filter or in between the manifold intake and the air filter.
Once you locate it, wipe it clean with a dry clean cloth. If you are still unable to resolve the problem, just get a new airflow sensor.
Check the Electric Control Unit
If the “engine power reduced’’ sensor is coming up as a result of a problem with the electric control unit, you most likely will need to reach out to technical assistance for repair.
You might be asked to either upgrade the existing electric control unit or be asked to purchase a new control unit.
Check the Vehicle’s Battery
Your vehicle’s battery might have corroded or there might be some loose connections in it and this is what you are to check for when you are checking.
The simple solution to a corroded battery causing a problem is to remove the corrosion from the battery and reconnect the cable, that is if it hasn’t depleted. If the battery’s condition is so bad, then it is best to completely replace the battery.
Related topic: what is an AGM battery type
Check the Catalytic Converter for Clogging
When clogging happens in the catalytic converter, it may cause a “reduced power mode” light to come on.
The catalytic converter is under the vehicle. It is very expensive to replace it but when the need arises, you have no choice but to.
Check the Transmission Fluid
A slipping electronic fan clutch or a reduced oil transmission level can cause the reduced engine power light to come on.
The only way to resolve this is to check if the transmission fluid is low and needs replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to remove reduced engine power?
To completely remove and fix the reduced engine power issue, it might be best to find your way to an expert in the field. A mechanic or an automobile servicing center will do. As an expert, they will find it easier to run the engine control unit and carry out a complete check-up on the vehicle to fix whatever issues might have, removing the reduced engine power message once and for all.
Well, if you like to try things out and probably fill in the gap of an expert. You can get the “reduced engine power” message removed by first scanning the vehicle by means of whatever high-quality scanning tool that you trust to get the trouble code. The scan results will pretty much point to you what or where exactly the problem is. Go ahead to fix the issue if you can.
Is driving with reduced engine power safe?
There is no straight answer to this question. Or maybe I should say that performing an unsafe act is risky and might cause an accident, it could be minor or major. Most times, reduced engine power issues are minor and might not necessarily pose a risk to the vehicle user. However, if the reduced engine power issue is a major one, it is totally risky to want to drive with it. Why? Because it could result in engine accidents and very serious cases resulting in a fire.
So how do you know if the reduced engine power issue is a minor or a major one? The only way to go about that is to inspect and check engine lights regularly for early warnings. With the causes of reduced engine power highlighted above, you can be able to guess what your vehicle’s issue is. It is best and safe to have your vehicle checked by an expert technician.
Final Words
The reduced engine power issues highlighted above are the most common.
However, it is not odd and uncommon if the problem with your vehicle does not match any of the above-highlighted issues. In such a case, please seek expert assistance.
You have the full details of how to bypass reduced engine power by yourself. Just maybe you are a step closer to becoming an expert in understanding how your vehicle operates.
Do let us know how this article helped you in the comment section. If you have any further questions as regards this article, drop a word for us too.
