Rep Power: 118

Basically I am wondering what the purpose of the car going into "limp mode" when it has a harmless problem. For example, when I recently changed the transmission on my Civic, I didn't get the torque converter lockup solenoid connector fully seated, so it came loose while I was driving, a harmless problem that wouldn't affect divability or damage anything. However, the stupid thing went into limp mode and locked itself in 4th gear, which definitely affects drivability and creates a dangerous situation when the car can't accelerate reasonably quickly, and could maybe even be dangerous to the transmission if it runs hot from the slipping of the overloaded torque converter while trying to accelerate from a low speed.

Is this some kind of government mandated feature to make the car dysfunctional if there is an emissions related problem so the driver notices it or something? Or is it just a way to make people rush to the dealer to have the problem fixed since the car becomes dysfunctional over a minor problem? Thanks in advance!

 
Rep Power: 366

it's in there to stop clueless drivers to stomp the gas when something is not right.
It could severely damage the car parts.
No government involved.

Other interpretation is to make you buy viagra when its limp.

from wiki:
"to go into "limp mode" (some manuals say "limp home mode")."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_4L80-E_transmission

 
Rep Power: 221

it's to prevent engine/transmission damage ffs