{"id":2424,"date":"2022-07-16T02:47:49","date_gmt":"2022-07-16T02:47:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/?p=2424"},"modified":"2023-01-10T04:12:50","modified_gmt":"2023-01-10T04:12:50","slug":"reduced-engine-power-warning-causes-and-how-to-fix-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/reduced-engine-power-warning-causes-and-how-to-fix-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Reduced Engine Power Warning (Causes and How To Fix It)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A reduced engine power warning on your car\u2019s dashboard means your vehicle isn\u2019t performing as it should. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bad sensors or transmission failure can trigger a reduced engine power warning. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Depending on the cause, there are several ways to fix this problem, including checking the battery and replacing the fluids.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Reduced-Engine-Power-Warning-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Reduced Engine Power Warning\" class=\"wp-image-2425\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Reduced-Engine-Power-Warning-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Reduced-Engine-Power-Warning-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Reduced-Engine-Power-Warning-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Reduced-Engine-Power-Warning-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Reduced-Engine-Power-Warning.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contents<\/p>\n<\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/reduced-engine-power-warning-causes-and-how-to-fix-it\/#What_Does_Reduced_Power_Warning_Mean\" title=\"What Does Reduced Power Warning Mean?\">What Does Reduced Power Warning Mean?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/reduced-engine-power-warning-causes-and-how-to-fix-it\/#Why_Would_Engine_Power_Be_Reduced\" title=\"Why Would Engine Power Be Reduced?\">Why Would Engine Power Be Reduced?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/reduced-engine-power-warning-causes-and-how-to-fix-it\/#What_Causes_a_Reduced_Engine_Power_Fault\" title=\"What Causes a Reduced Engine Power Fault?\">What Causes a Reduced Engine Power Fault?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/reduced-engine-power-warning-causes-and-how-to-fix-it\/#How_to_ResetFix_Reduced_Engine_Power\" title=\"How to Reset\/Fix Reduced Engine Power\">How to Reset\/Fix Reduced Engine Power<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/reduced-engine-power-warning-causes-and-how-to-fix-it\/#Can_You_Bypass_Reduced_Engine_Power_Fault\" title=\"Can You Bypass Reduced Engine Power Fault?\">Can You Bypass Reduced Engine Power Fault?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/reduced-engine-power-warning-causes-and-how-to-fix-it\/#How_Much_Does_It_Cost_To_Fix_Engine_Power_Reduced\" title=\"How Much Does It Cost To Fix Engine Power Reduced?\">How Much Does It Cost To Fix Engine Power Reduced?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/reduced-engine-power-warning-causes-and-how-to-fix-it\/#Can_I_Drive_With_Reduced_Engine_Power\" title=\"Can I Drive With Reduced Engine Power?\">Can I Drive With Reduced Engine Power?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/reduced-engine-power-warning-causes-and-how-to-fix-it\/#Final_Notes\" title=\"Final Notes\">Final Notes<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_Reduced_Power_Warning_Mean\"><\/span><a><\/a>What Does Reduced Power Warning Mean?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A reduced engine power warning on your dashboard means your car has an internal issue. The problem in the car\u2019s system is sending a notification to the powertrain control module (PCM).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Problems related to reduced power include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Engine functioning abnormally<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trouble accelerating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unable to shift gears<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fuel not reaching the engine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be frustrating and worrying to see the reduced engine power warning illuminate on your dashboard, but it\u2019s better than your car dying by the side of the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s called the fail-safe mode because it gives you time to get home or to a mechanic without damaging your engine even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, your car might get you to your destination with no problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This warning doesn\u2019t always mean the engine reduces power immediately\u2014it can let you know what will happen next time you start the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Would_Engine_Power_Be_Reduced\"><\/span><a><\/a>Why Would Engine Power Be Reduced?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When your car\u2019s systems aren\u2019t functioning, your <a href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/diagnosing-fixing-a-bad-transmission-control-module\/\">control module<\/a> will reduce power to the engine to prevent further trouble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Otherwise, your vehicle might strain to work and die while driving. The reduced power mode gives you a chance to stop safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Causes_a_Reduced_Engine_Power_Fault\"><\/span><a><\/a>What Causes a Reduced Engine Power Fault?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Any time a warning appears on your dashboard, you can check your owner\u2019s manual to see what it might mean for your specific make and model. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many manufacturers add detailed information about warnings to help you understand the underlying problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If there\u2019s no information in your manual, consider these common factors that cause a reduced engine power warning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Transmission Failure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Anything dealing with your transmission might feel like a huge problem, but it doesn\u2019t have to be. <a href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/why-do-i-have-to-change-my-transmission-fluid\/\">Changing your transmission fluid<\/a> is a quick fix to try and find the root of the reduced power warning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the fluid doesn\u2019t make a difference, it might be a more serious transmission problem that a mechanic can repair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Loose Connection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are countless wires under the hood of your car. A wire that isn\u2019t correctly connected could cause the reduced power warning to illuminate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pop the hood and see if all cables clamp to their connectors. Check that the ground wire is secure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While you\u2019re looking at connections, keep an eye out for damaged wires as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Clogged Catalytic Converter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uti.edu\/blog\/automotive\/catalytic-converter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">catalytic converter<\/a> converts exhaust gasses into less harmful substances. It can get dirty and clogged over time, whether your car is aging or due to improper engine function. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A clogged catalytic converter means you\u2019re putting dangerous gas in the air every time you drive. It can also compromise your <a href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/do-engine-performance-chips-work-on-cars\/\">engine performance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Throttle Body Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many parts associated with the <a href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/throttle-body-replacement-cost-for-various-car-types\/\">throttle body<\/a> can cause a reduced power warning. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZV5jeWW3wPY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">throttle actuator control<\/a> can cause reduced power if it\u2019s faulty or dirty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The butterfly valve lets air into the engine, and without the right amount of air, the engine will misfire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/general\/how-to-reset-throttle-position-sensor\/\">throttle position sensor<\/a> also promotes free movement of air in relation to the gas pedal. If this sensor isn\u2019t working right, it can\u2019t get information from the gas pedal to make the engine respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Defective Mass Air Flow Sensor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/uncategorized\/bad-mass-air-flow-sensor-symptoms-and-replacement-cost\/\">mass air flow sensor<\/a> is between the engine air filter and intake manifold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like several parts of the <a href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/smells-clean\/top-recommendations-for-throttle-body-cleaners\/\">throttle body<\/a>, it measures how much air enters the engine to keep the car running. This sensor sends data to the control module. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If it\u2019s defective, it sends incorrect information that can cause the engine to struggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Reduced-Engine-Power-Warning-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Reduced Engine Power Warning \" class=\"wp-image-2426\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Reduced-Engine-Power-Warning-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Reduced-Engine-Power-Warning-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Reduced-Engine-Power-Warning-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Reduced-Engine-Power-Warning-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Reduced-Engine-Power-Warning-2.jpg 1999w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_ResetFix_Reduced_Engine_Power\"><\/span><a><\/a>How to Reset\/Fix Reduced Engine Power<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several situations where you can fix the problem yourself. If you\u2019re handy, you might have no trouble fixing the throttle or catalytic converter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if you\u2019re unsure of the cause or don\u2019t know your way around a car, a mechanic can fix the warning for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Tools and Equipment Required<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the problem, you might need different tools and supplies. To tighten connections and remove car parts for cleaning, you\u2019ll need a screwdriver and wrench. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re changing your transmission fluid, you need a jug of the right fluid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 1: Check the Car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Check your car to see what might have triggered the reduced power warning. You can tighten loose connections yourself. If the problem is with the throttle body, you can clean it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadaguides.com\/Cars\/Shopping-Guides\/catalytic-converter-replacement-time\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">replace the catalytic converter<\/a> and save a little money in terms of labor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, you can replace damaged wires or clamp them back to their connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 2: Test the Battery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can <a href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/battery\/how-long-does-it-take-to-charge-a-car-battery\/\">test the car\u2019s battery<\/a> if you have a multimeter or visit an auto part shop if you don\u2019t. The results will let you know if the battery can still power your car or if you need a replacement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, you\u2019ll know if your battery is the problem because there will be other system issues along with the reduced power warning, but it\u2019s still worth checking out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 3: Replace Transmission Fluid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The engine and transmission are closely linked, so replacing the fluid is always a good idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can\u2019t find any other cause for the reduced power warning, it\u2019s worth <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mobil.com\/en\/lubricants\/for-personal-vehicles\/auto-care\/vehicle-maintenance\/how-to-change-transmission-fluid-and-filter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">changing your transmission fluid<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 4: Go to the Mechanic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The steps above are some of the most straightforward options you can fix on your own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your car is still in fail-safe mode after you try those remedies, it\u2019s best to take it to a mechanic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Towing your car is the safest way to transport it instead of driving in fail-safe mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_You_Bypass_Reduced_Engine_Power_Fault\"><\/span><a><\/a>Can You Bypass Reduced Engine Power Fault?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, you can bypass reduced engine power by checking wire connections, cleaning all sensors, replacing the throttle, and changing the transmission fluid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are minor problems, and by fixing them, you bypass the larger issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Does_It_Cost_To_Fix_Engine_Power_Reduced\"><\/span><a><\/a>How Much Does It Cost To Fix Engine Power Reduced?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of this repair varies depending on the root cause. It can cost anywhere from $100 to $500. When you take the car to a mechanic, they\u2019ll run a diagnostic scan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At that point, they can give you a quote for parts and labor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_Drive_With_Reduced_Engine_Power\"><\/span><a><\/a>Can I Drive With Reduced Engine Power?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, you can drive with reduced engine power, though you might have trouble accelerating or shifting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But your vehicle goes into the fail-safe mode for a reason\u2014to let you get to a safe spot before your car dies. Therefore, you shouldn\u2019t drive too far or too often in fail-safe mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your car runs at low speeds in fail-safe mode, which can cause traffic problems or even a wreck. Driving too far in fail-safe mode can also cause further damage to the engine and other systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s best to safely park your car and call a tow truck when you see this warning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Notes\"><\/span><a><\/a>Final Notes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A reduced power warning is a sign that something is wrong with your car\u2019s internal systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you see this alert on your dashboard, you have time to stop safely before getting help with the underlying issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you fix it yourself or go to a mechanic, proper care ensures you won\u2019t experience more serious car problems.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A reduced engine power warning on your car\u2019s dashboard means your vehicle isn\u2019t performing as it should. Bad sensors or transmission failure can trigger a&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2425,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2424","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-engine","wpcat-8-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2424"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2424"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2424\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2769,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2424\/revisions\/2769"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2425"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2424"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2424"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2424"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}