Crazy dashboard lights won't go out

[Ashikabi]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Actually you can't turn it off and the ECU restricts revs among other things when in limp mode. The car pretty much shuts down to the basics so that you can not push it too hard and make things worse. That is why it is called "limp mode".
I actually wish that some of my old cars had such a thing as it would have saved me thousands of dollars if the car had just said "I don't feel good and don't want to do that right now".

Can't turn what off?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Ashikabi

Can't turn what off?

The traction control. The dash lights sort of mean the opposite to normal when in limp mode. The buttons will not work and the controls are locked on.

[Ashikabi]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

The traction control. The dash lights sort of mean the opposite to normal when in limp mode. The buttons will not work and the controls are locked on.

Anyone try pedal dance during limp mode? Just curious. I've never done the pedal dance myself

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Ashikabi

Anyone try pedal dance during limp mode? Just curious. I've never done the pedal dance myself

I don't remember reading about anybody that did. You would be nuts to though since if the problem was engine related you could be playing with fire.

[babydriver]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

That is the famous "limp mode" that you have probably heard of. It usually appears for the more important CEL issues. The only way to deal with it is to read the code and correct the issue. If you do not have the equipment to read the code then the dealer is the only answer. Don't drove it too long before getting it dealt with though.

Thank you! I can clear the code this evening and see how it goes.

[babydriver]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

The traction control. The dash lights sort of mean the opposite to normal when in limp mode. The buttons will not work and the controls are locked on.

That is exactly what's happening, Tcoat.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by babydriver

Thank you! I can clear the code this evening and see how it goes.

Be interesting to see what it is.

[babydriver]

CEL code: P0171, A/F mixture too lean. I already know the cause; E-85, which I've been using for a couple of weeks. I richened up the mixture using Unichip standard maps as much as I could, but apparently not enough. As soon as I cleared the code, everything went back to normal.

However, it seems clear to me that (especially in the cooler months) I can't run E-85 all the time. So back to pump gas for now, give this some further thought and study and perhaps in the spring I'll try again.

BTW, the triple point of pure ethanol is 150K (-272.15 C or -457.87 F). That is freakin' cold. Its flash point is 16.6 C or about 62 degrees F, which is why you can't have any ignition source around it even at room temperature.

Thanks for the advice, all. It did the trick.

[Ashikabi]

Originally Posted by babydriver

CEL code: P0171, A/F mixture too lean. I already know the cause; E-85, which I've been using for a couple of weeks. I richened up the mixture using Unichip standard maps as much as I could, but apparently not enough. As soon as I cleared the code, everything went back to normal.

However, it seems clear to me that (especially in the cooler months) I can't run E-85 all the time. So back to pump gas for now, give this some further thought and study and perhaps in the spring I'll try again.

BTW, the triple point of pure ethanol is 150K (-272.15 C or -457.87 F). That is freakin' cold. Its flash point is 16.6 C or about 62 degrees F, which is why you can't have any ignition source around it even at room temperature.

Thanks for the advice, all. It did the trick.

E85 is good stuff. I'm running flex fuel on ecutek. I didn't the extra for flex fuel just in case of this exact scenario

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by babydriver

CEL code: P0171, A/F mixture too lean. I already know the cause; E-85, which I've been using for a couple of weeks. I richened up the mixture using Unichip standard maps as much as I could, but apparently not enough. As soon as I cleared the code, everything went back to normal..............

............. It did the trick.

That would have been good to know from the get go........

Glad it's fixed .....



humfrz

[Tcoat]

Glad it was an easy one.


That all explains why E85 is almost unheard of up here. A fuel that does not work well in the cold (I physically chuckled at the thought of what Austin "cooler temperatures" may be) would not be a good idea here. I bet there are not 4 stations that have it within 200 miles of me.

[FRSBRZGT86FAN]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Glad it was an easy one.


That all explains why E85 is almost unheard of up here. A fuel that does not work well in the cold (I physically chuckled at the thought of what Austin "cooler temperatures" may be) would not be a good idea here. I bet there are not 4 stations that have it within 200 miles of me.

Do you not have 10% ethanol in fuel in canada either?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by FRSBRZGT86FAN

Do you not have 10% ethanol in fuel in canada either?

We have 10% yes. In fact it is required for regular gas now. It is just the E85 that is very rare.

[jvincent]

Actually there are still several brands that have no ethanol in their 91 octane up here. Shell, Ultramar, and Esso to be specific.