Has your Can-Am ATV or UTV ever experienced sudden power loss while driving? It could be because your machine goes into a mysterious mode called “Limp Home Mode”. Here’s what you need to know.
Limp mode, also called Limp Home Mode, is a safety feature in vehicles that reduces the engine power when a fault is found. It allows drivers to continue their journey safely to a service center for repairs.
The mode is named so because it restricts power output to prevent potential harm, but still allows for a smooth journey to the intended destination or repair shop.
In this blog post, you’ll learn how limp home mode is activated, how to detect it, reset it, and much more. Keep reading!
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Have all Can-Am Vehicles Limp Mode Installed?
Most modern Can-Am ATVs, UTVs, and roadsters like Spyder and Ryker have Limp Mode installed as a standard safety feature. But it’s best to check the manufacturer’s specifications to see if a particular model has this feature.
If you own a Can-Am ATV or UTV, it’s very likely that your machine has limp mode installed. It is possible that certain older or less advanced models may not include the ‘Limp Home Mode’ feature.
If your vehicle does not have a limp mode, you will need to rely on your judgment and driving skills to ensure that the vehicle does not further damage until it can be serviced.
Also read: Are Can-Ams Reliable, Check Your Model Here!
How Does Limp Home Mode Work?
When the ATV or UTV detects an issue that could cause damage, Can-Am Limp Home Mode restricts the engine power and speed. The vehicle onboard computer turns on this feature, which checks various sensors and systems for possible problems.
Limp Home Mode is activated when an issue is detected in the vehicle, such as a malfunctioning sensor or low oil pressure.
The vehicles’ breakdown can be particularly traumatic, especially when the vehicle encounters a challenging terrain or a busy roadway. You know there is no repair facility or a safe location nearby.
Limp Home Mode can help prevent accidents by reducing engine power output. This will ensure that the operator and passengers remain safe until the vehicle is repaired.
Also read: Can-Am Defender Front Differential Problems and Fixes!
What Is The Speed When Limp Mode Is active?
A can-Am ATV or UTV with Limp Home Mode is restricted to a maximum speed of around 10-15 mph. For cars, the speed is reduced to approx. 35 mph.
The maximum speed at which a vehicle in Limp Home Mode can travel varies depending on the vehicle make and model, as well as the underlying cause of the mode.
What Causes Limp Mode Home To Be Activated?
Your Can-Am machine can go into limp-home mode due to various reasons. Below are some main causes:
1. Wiring Issues
The vehicle’s computer system relies on a complex network of sensors and wiring to ensure optimal performance. If the wiring is bad, like a broken or corroded wire, or a short circuit, it can stop the sensors from getting a signal, and Limp Home Mode will turn on.
Engine wires can be damaged by these things:
- Overheating
- Vibration
- Dirt
- Freezing temperatures
- Moisture
- Improper installation
- Rodents and animals
2. Malfunctioning Sensors
The Limp Home Mode function may be activated to prevent damage to the engine or transmission, if one or more sensors in the vehicle are malfunctioning. Over time, these sensors can become damaged, malfunction, or fail due to wear and tear, electrical issues, or other factors.
For example, a faulty throttle position sensor can cause the engine to malfunction because it is not receiving the correct signals from the accelerator pedal. This can lead to reduced power and speed.
Here are some other sensors that might cause Limp mode.
- Engine temperature sensor
- MAF sensor
- O2 sensor
- MAP sensor
- Boost pressure sensor
3. Low Transmission Fluid Level
The transmission fluid is a key part of how the transmission works. It lubricates, cools, and pumps hydraulic pressure to various parts.
When there isn’t enough transmission fluid, the transmission may not work properly, such as slipping gears or poor shifting performance. A Limp Home Mode may be triggered when the vehicle onboard computer detects low transmission fluid levels.
4. Overheating
When the vehicles’ engine overheats, it can cause significant damage and lead to the activation of Limp Home Mode.
A clogged radiator, a malfunctioning cooling system, and low coolant levels are some of the factors that can cause engine overheating. Sometimes, external factors, like extreme weather conditions or driving in stop-and-go traffic, can also cause the engine to overheat.
5. Brake System Malfunction
The vehicle may operate at reduced power and speed due to a brake system malfunction.
If you suspect that a brake system malfunction is causing Limp Home Mode to activate in your vehicle, it’s important to address the issue immediately to ensure the safety of everyone on the road or in the field.
Another possible cause could be the belt. See next video how to check if this is the case.
How Do You Know When Limp Home Mode Is On?
The Can-Am Limp Mode can be detected when a vehicle suddenly loses power, slows down, and limits its speed. Warning lights on the dashboard show this.
If you think your vehicle’s Limp Home Mode is on, here are some symptoms to verify:
1. Limited RPM Range
The presence of Limp Home Mode may result in the engines’ ability to rev beyond a certain point, despite increased throttle application. The RPMs will be limited to about 2000 units.
2. Transmission problems
The transmission can be affected by the Limp Home Mode. Because the vehicle’s safety is preventing you from shifting to the third gear, you may notice that you cannot shift to the third gear.
3. Warning Lights are on
If you see the Check Engine light or any other warning lights on the dashboard, Limp Home Mode may be on. But there can be many other reasons why warning lights come on.
4. Strange noises
Are you encountering unfamiliar voices emanating from your vehicle? Your engine can make knocking, clunking, or grinding noises. This is because the engine isn’t working at full power, which can cause vibrations and other strange noises.
5. Poor Performance
If you feel like the vehicle’s acceleration isn’t working normally, Limp Home Mode is probably the problem. Other auxiliary functions, such as lights, may also stop working.
How to Reset Can-Am Limp Home Mode?
Here’s how to reset Limp Home Mode on your Can-Am ATV or UTV.
Remove the key from the ignition and disconnect the cables from the battery. Start with the black (-) cable and then the red one. Leave the battery disconnected for at least 30 minutes before reconnecting it. Then drive for a while and see if all the warning lights are off, and you can drive your vehicle normally again, without limp mode. By driving, the onboard computer can reset.
The board computer will reset itself if the voltage is removed for 30 minutes. The reset will restore the computer to its initial configuration and, hopefully, restore the home mode to its default settings. I recommend that you visit a dealer if this is not the case because there is more to it than you can solve yourself.
If the Limp Home Mode is still on, a mechanic should look at it and fix the problem.
Resetting Limp Home Mode may be a temporary solution, but it doesn’t fix the problem.
Is It OK to Drive in Limp Home Mode?
It is generally safe to drive in Limp Home mode for short distances at reduced speeds. If you try to turn off Limp Home Mode, it can hurt your safety and cause more damage to your Can-Am, such as a total engine failure and more expensive repairs later on.
It’s not recommended to try to bypass Limp Home Mode unless you’re sure that the mode is working and your machine isn’t broken.
Regular vehicle maintenance and inspection can help prevent issues that could trigger Limp Home Mode and maintain optimal vehicle performance.
Summary
The Can-Am Limp Home Mode is a safety measure that protects ATVs and UTVs from problems that might be found.
It limits engine power and speed, so you can go to a special repair facility safely. The main reasons for the problem are faulty wiring, malfunctioning sensors, low transmission fluid levels, the engine overheating, and problems with the brake system.
