Limp mode?

Tiny
DANNY CLAY
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
When I am driving the car after a few miles or so it acts as if it has shut off, but engine is still running. When I give it gas it does not respond. I reset ECM and works fine for a day or two then starts the same thing over. Any ideas? It throws a transmission code. Could this cause this problem. Thanks
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 AT 8:56 AM

20 Replies

Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

The first thing I would do is perform a CAN scan. It will check all the systems on your car including the transmission and possible code it has stored. Here is a tutorial showing what is involved with a CAN scan:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Once you have this performed get back to us with any code information that was stored in your vehicle's computer and we can then properly diagnose. After that we can also provide you with diagnostics steps and wiring diagrams if needed. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 AT 9:12 PM
Tiny
DANNY CLAY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
The scanner kicked out these two codes: P0420 and P0706. Any help will be much appreciated.
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Thursday, March 4th, 2021 AT 12:01 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

The code P0420 is for catalytic converter inefficiency. Here are a few tutorials for you to view showing testing and replacement:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/catalytic-converter-replacement

The code P0706 is transmission related. I've attached picture diagnostic code steps below for that transmission code as well as steps on how to remove and replace the catalytic converter. Hope this helps and let us know what you find. Keep us updated and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny--
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Thursday, March 4th, 2021 AT 2:37 PM
Tiny
DANNY CLAY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
The car has a new catalytic converter on it and still stalls out like I said before. Was thinking it could be the TCM. Your thoughts?
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Friday, March 5th, 2021 AT 7:02 AM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

I would perform the diagnostic steps to rule out the range selector-(neutral safety switch) before just changing the TCM. Let us know what you find and keep us updated. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Friday, March 5th, 2021 AT 9:07 PM
Tiny
DANNY CLAY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
The NSS is fine. Car runs and gears work fine. Problem is when driving it seems to stall but engine is still running. It just has no throttle response. You can shut it off and wait about 15 minutes and it will start and run about 5 mile or so and repeat same stall again. I have reset the ECM and it runs okay a few days then starts same thing again. It's starting to get on my time to get rid of it list.
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Saturday, March 6th, 2021 AT 2:13 AM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

I've attached picture steps below on how to replace the TCM- transmission control module on your car. After replacement a professional scan tool will need to be used to relearn-calibrate the new module. Let us know if you have any further questions on this issue. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Saturday, March 6th, 2021 AT 3:46 PM
Tiny
DANNY CLAY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Replaced it but still have same problem. Guess it is something no one can solve.
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Sunday, March 7th, 2021 AT 5:11 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

I would perform a fuel pressure test to see if you have a weak or faulty fuel pump that is not supplying adequate fuel pressure and possibly causing the weak throttle response. Here is a tutorial showing what is involved for a fuel pressure test:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

If you don't have access to a fuel pressure tester most auto parts stores have a tool loaner program and can rent you one. The fuel pressure specification for your car is with Key On- Engine Off 53-60 PSI. Get back to us after performing this and we'll go from there. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Monday, March 8th, 2021 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
It sounds like you have a dirty throttle bore. this guide can help fix it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please let us know what happens.
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Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
DANNY CLAY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
This doesn't make any since. Had a new cat put on and had same problem. So I had them replace the new cat as defective and put another one on. Cured the problem. Who knew. Thanks for your help guys.
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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 5:15 AM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
You're welcome!
Glad to hear you were able to fix the problem. Hopefully it was covered under warranty or being defective do you had no out of pocket expense. Thanks again for using 2CarPros and we hope you will use or site again the the future when needed.

Danny-
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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
CRHAGA00
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2009 CHEVROLET AVEO
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
I bought a 2009 chevy aveo LT 2 years ago and noticed the trans wasn't shifting right and there were other noises. I replaced the O2 sensors and was told the rings in the trans were being worn down when it slips causing my fluid to turn black. I have had the fluid flushed and filter replaced 3 times since. My current problem started this past winter when the hold light would come on and flash causing the trans to not shift into higher gears. Then 2 months ago the check engine light came on also. After that the car started to lose power and shake. We replaced the plugs and coil pack fixing the power and shaking but the hold light and check engine light came back on only this time I don't seem to have the shifting problem but the temp gauge and air condition stop working when the lights are on which is 99% of the time. Any ideas? I know it is called limp home mode caused by faulty sensors but where do I start?
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 6:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Start by having it scanned for codes and let me know the exact code numbers not code descriptions? That's where we need to start.

this guide can help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/reduced-power-limp-mode
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 6:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CRHAGA00
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
It reads 3 codes but all are the same. P0128 coolant thermostat (coolant temp below thermostat regulating temp). Does the thermostat need replaced or is it reading this because the gauge isn't working?
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 6:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
That's the code for a bad thermostat but that wont put you into limp mode though. Did you do a free code scan at the auto parts store?Or use a diyer scan tool?
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 6:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CRHAGA00
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I bought a code reader and did it myself.
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 6:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Your code reader wont show all the codes in all the computers unless you spent a lot of money and bought a professional one that can read all the codes.A thermostat stat code wont out that car in limp mode.
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 6:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TCHAVEZ71
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have an 09 aveo stuck in lomp mode. It happened after a hot pos cable came into direct contact with the trans directly. I replaced every accessible trans sensor with no change, tested to make sure I had ref voltage going to all sensors and finally replaced the tcm. Only to have it not communicate. Gm dealership said that the tcm needs no programming and shout work out of the box. Which is contrary to everything ive heard. I contacted a trans specialist in town who assured me that it did need to be programmed or "flashed" however after he had my car for a few weeks he called and told me that the tcm I bought is not right. And it doesnt contain the propper programming for my car. Its a 2009 chevy aveo ls. 1.6 litre with alsin 4 speed. The shop told me that the car I have was actually produced in south korea and is more of a daewoo than a chevy. So what it boils down to, im almost positive the tcm is the issue ( no speedo stuck in third. No hold light") I just need to know if there really is daewoo progaming for my 2009 chevy and where can I find it?
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 6:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Iam sorry but your going to have to start your own question. One person per question otherwise it gets way to confusing for everyone including other people searching questions to help them fix there cars.
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 6:00 PM (Merged)

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