"limp mode"

[polock169]

this limp mode is a bunch of crap. What I want to know is if there is a sensor that says something is wrong.....and puts it in limp mode...........is there a way to bypass that sensor to get the rest of the life out of the tranny. it goes "LIMP" but is there any type of temperary viagra for it????

[SteveB05]

First, please delete your double post.

There are a lot of sensors that inform the control modules of system status...many of which can cause the programming to go into a limp or baseline mode. Specifically, it sounds like you are speaking of the PCM (powertrain control module)...is the transmission stuck in 2nd gear?

You can try disconnecting the battery for a few minutes to reset the computers. If there is a problem though, it will go right back into "limp" mode. Plus this can cause other temporary drivability issues (start - die, rough idle, etc).

[android606]

There are a whole laundry list of conditions that can cause the TCM to go into limp mode. You may not need any "Viagra", you might just need a new speed sensor, or the connector on the solenoid pack could be loose, dirty or broken.

One thing is for certain; if you keep driving it that way, you'll burn it up. A $35 speed sensor problem can cause a $2200 transmission overhaul problem pretty quickly.

The only way to find out is to pull the codes from the computer and find out why the heck it's limping.