Limp mode 2019 A-Spec
Thread Starter
Cruisin'
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 8
Limp mode 2019 A-Spec
I was driving on the highway about 75mph and I was trying to pass someone. Then my engine cutout and the engine light came on. I was unable to accelerate I believe it’s called “limp” mode. I had to pull over, shut the car off and turn it back on and everything is fine.
Has as anyone had this issue? I use premium gas, and the car has 1500 miles on it.
Has as anyone had this issue? I use premium gas, and the car has 1500 miles on it.
Thread Starter
Cruisin'
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 8
Acura had the car for 4 days, no codes when the hook the ODB2 scanner and there were no codes. they called a couple of other dealers and acura support to see if its a common problem or its a freak thing. They had another 19 RDX that had the same limp mode issue and they determined that it was there was a bad plug, which they checked on my car. so i basically got a 4 day car wash.
the 18 RDX loaner felt like a $40K CRV compared to the 19 RDX
the 18 RDX loaner felt like a $40K CRV compared to the 19 RDX
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Thread Starter
Cruisin'
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 8
The 2018 trunk seemed smaller since I load it up for weekend trips and I couldnt hold as much, handling was decent but might have been because the car didn’t accelerate as quickly
One thing better in the 18 was the trans shifted smoother. I’m used to driving stick so smoothness wasn’t a priority.
They definitely did a total redesign on the the interrior for 2019, all for the better. I never considered an RDX until I saw the 19. Hopefully it lasts. I have 184k on a 2011 outback and 142k on an 09 MDX both had normal maintenance and no major problems
One thing better in the 18 was the trans shifted smoother. I’m used to driving stick so smoothness wasn’t a priority.
They definitely did a total redesign on the the interrior for 2019, all for the better. I never considered an RDX until I saw the 19. Hopefully it lasts. I have 184k on a 2011 outback and 142k on an 09 MDX both had normal maintenance and no major problems
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 3,001
Likes: 1,026
From: New Yorkie, Hudson Valley
Acura had the car for 4 days, no codes when the hook the ODB2 scanner and there were no codes. they called a couple of other dealers and acura support to see if its a common problem or its a freak thing. They had another 19 RDX that had the same limp mode issue and they determined that it was there was a bad plug, which they checked on my car. so i basically got a 4 day car wash.
the 18 RDX loaner felt like a $40K CRV compared to the 19 RDX
the 18 RDX loaner felt like a $40K CRV compared to the 19 RDX
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 308
Likes: 60
From: TN
Sorry to resurrect this thread, but.....
i had had this experience tonight. I have had the car a little over a week, about 800 mile s so far. I turned right on red and someone was headed my way pretty quick. I gunned the engine and thought I saw a little black smoke out the back. Next thing I knew there was no acceleration and the check engine light was flashing. I got to where I could pull over safely, turned the car off, let it set a minute, then started back up. Ran fine after that.
A couple of things I noticed. The RPMs seemed to be above 6000 and it was almost like I tried the hard acceleration etween shifts. I was in sport mode when this happened.
My dealer is about 150miles away, so I am just going to watch what is happening.
Just wanted to let folks here know in case it happens some more.
Billy
Forgot to mention, I have a SH AWD, Advance.
i had had this experience tonight. I have had the car a little over a week, about 800 mile s so far. I turned right on red and someone was headed my way pretty quick. I gunned the engine and thought I saw a little black smoke out the back. Next thing I knew there was no acceleration and the check engine light was flashing. I got to where I could pull over safely, turned the car off, let it set a minute, then started back up. Ran fine after that.
A couple of things I noticed. The RPMs seemed to be above 6000 and it was almost like I tried the hard acceleration etween shifts. I was in sport mode when this happened.
My dealer is about 150miles away, so I am just going to watch what is happening.
Just wanted to let folks here know in case it happens some more.
Billy
Forgot to mention, I have a SH AWD, Advance.
Last edited by billyt1963; Aug 8, 2018 at 08:22 PM. Reason: More information
Thread Starter
Cruisin'
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 8
let us know if they find anything, i was also in sport mode when it happened. i didn't notice any smoke, but i'm in NJ and the air is always off color...i've put 2000 miles on since it happened and so far so good.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 329
Likes: 111
From: Ontario
I have an OBD reader and I havent noticed anything odd during normal driving. I would also be curious to see if the ECU limits boost under certain circumstances like many past turbo cars I have owned does. Some of them would limit boost if the car wasnt up to operating temps or low on gas.
Billy when this limp mode happened, was the car fueled and up to temps?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 308
Likes: 60
From: TN
When you say fueled I assume you are asking how much gas in the tank? It was probably between 1/2 to 3/4.
I had just driven about 20-30 minutes, so it should have been sufficiently warmed up.
Something odd I have noticed Since this happened. I don’t remember the auto-stop kicking in lately. I am overly sensitive to it now, so I will notice when it does kick in.
Thanks for the explanation. Being new to a turbocharged vehicle, I am sure I am going to have more learning to do.
Billy
I had just driven about 20-30 minutes, so it should have been sufficiently warmed up.
Something odd I have noticed Since this happened. I don’t remember the auto-stop kicking in lately. I am overly sensitive to it now, so I will notice when it does kick in.
Thanks for the explanation. Being new to a turbocharged vehicle, I am sure I am going to have more learning to do.
Billy
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 128
Likes: 21
I also had this issue accelerating on a highway ramp, I accelerated to get to traffic speed, then engine light flash and limp mode. Pulled over and restart cleared it. I dropped the car to the dealer and they did not get any code. But they are hanging on to the car and asking Acura about it.
Stuck with a 17 TLX loaner, my RDX is so much batter.
Stuck with a 17 TLX loaner, my RDX is so much batter.
Then Id suggest it was probably an over rev situation and the temp limp mode was a result. If it didnt stay in limp more and/or didnt show any codes Id also suspect it wasnt anything major. Limp mode is often in place so you dont do any damage by over revving or over boosting the engine.
I have an OBD reader and I havent noticed anything odd during normal driving. I would also be curious to see if the ECU limits boost under certain circumstances like many past turbo cars I have owned does. Some of them would limit boost if the car wasnt up to operating temps or low on gas.
Billy when this limp mode happened, was the car fueled and up to temps?
I have an OBD reader and I havent noticed anything odd during normal driving. I would also be curious to see if the ECU limits boost under certain circumstances like many past turbo cars I have owned does. Some of them would limit boost if the car wasnt up to operating temps or low on gas.
Billy when this limp mode happened, was the car fueled and up to temps?
I dont think it's an "over-rev" condition... as that indicates a physical condition of the pistons kissing the valves.
perhaps, "over-boost" would be the more appropriate term?
where there is TOO much air for the turbo...as the condition is ripe for it..."in acceleration"
in any case, an OBDII reader will tell if the car is overboosting..
I doubt the car is limiting boost until it goes into limp mode..
which means something like an overboost condition can trigger the limp mode thus limiting boost...
Last edited by justnspace; Aug 15, 2018 at 07:32 AM.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 329
Likes: 79
From: Kansas
Most all of these problems are due to an undercharged battery. Most of these problems happen to newly purchased cars. The cars sit around and are moved around in the dealership without every really being driven. The battery goes slightly low. This is enough to cause all sorts of sensors to malfunction. The solution is very simple. Charge the battery on a slow charger overnight. That's also the reason the vehicle won't set a code. There is no malfunction. The problem is low voltage, which won't set a code. So purchasing an OBDII scanner won't really help in this situation. If you do nothing, the problem tends to go away anyway.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 259
Likes: 29
From: Minnesota
Most all of these problems are due to an undercharged battery. Most of these problems happen to newly purchased cars. The cars sit around and are moved around in the dealership without every really being driven. The battery goes slightly low. This is enough to cause all sorts of sensors to malfunction. The solution is very simple. Charge the battery on a slow charger overnight. That's also the reason the vehicle won't set a code. There is no malfunction. The problem is low voltage, which won't set a code. So purchasing an OBDII scanner won't really help in this situation. If you do nothing, the problem tends to go away anyway.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 128
Likes: 21
Most all of these problems are due to an undercharged battery. Most of these problems happen to newly purchased cars. The cars sit around and are moved around in the dealership without every really being driven. The battery goes slightly low. This is enough to cause all sorts of sensors to malfunction. The solution is very simple. Charge the battery on a slow charger overnight. That's also the reason the vehicle won't set a code. There is no malfunction. The problem is low voltage, which won't set a code. So purchasing an OBDII scanner won't really help in this situation. If you do nothing, the problem tends to go away anyway.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 308
Likes: 60
From: TN
Has anyone that has experience limp mode noticed if you auto idle is still working?
i had limp mode happen a week ago and have not noticed auto idle since. I haven’t done much testing yet, haven’t even told the dealer.
Billy
i had limp mode happen a week ago and have not noticed auto idle since. I haven’t done much testing yet, haven’t even told the dealer.
Billy
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 128
Likes: 21
Auto idle is still working for me.
I just got the car back from service after they worked with it for 3 days. They can't find any code and did a bunch of test after talking to Acura and still come back with nothing. Acura actually told them it's the VSS causing limp which the service manager didn't believe because it's the engine light that was blinking and I had to pull over to get it clear out. All he can do is log this instance in the Acura network. Maybe enough of us report in they will take this seriously.
I just got the car back from service after they worked with it for 3 days. They can't find any code and did a bunch of test after talking to Acura and still come back with nothing. Acura actually told them it's the VSS causing limp which the service manager didn't believe because it's the engine light that was blinking and I had to pull over to get it clear out. All he can do is log this instance in the Acura network. Maybe enough of us report in they will take this seriously.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 308
Likes: 60
From: TN
It is just a loss of power. Car will just go between 30-40 and the check engine light flashes.
I found out after it happened, the owners manual says the check engine light flashes, stop the car for 10 minutes. I stopped for 1 minute tops. Haven't had that trouble again, just no auto idle.
Billy
I found out after it happened, the owners manual says the check engine light flashes, stop the car for 10 minutes. I stopped for 1 minute tops. Haven't had that trouble again, just no auto idle.
Billy
Racer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 259
Likes: 29
From: Minnesota
Unfortunately I joined the club here today and had the most terrifying event on the interstate. I was at speed (70-ish) and pulled from the middle lane to pass a semi. I got just clear of him when I saw an amber flashing light in the lower portion of the dash. It had been raining and thought maybe it was traction control kicking in. Then I realize I lost almost all power. My foot was to the floor, tach was steady at 3000 and I had to move two lanes over in *big* hurry as my speed was dropping fast (was on an incline). I make it to the shoulder where I see the amber engine light is solid. I stopped the engine, open/closed the driver door then restarted. No warning lights and I’m able to take off again.
Not being overdramatic in any way but I was just north of Madison on I-39. A couple miles prior I was surrounded by semi trucks. This could have gone very bad. I’ve lost a bit of confidence in the RDX and under no circumstances will I let my wife drive it. I’m pretty sure she would not have realized what was going on.
I’m on mobile so I can’t see the original poster but what “plugs” were replaced? Spark plugs?
i appreciate any help. Also be careful executing aggressive maneuvers in this thing.
Not being overdramatic in any way but I was just north of Madison on I-39. A couple miles prior I was surrounded by semi trucks. This could have gone very bad. I’ve lost a bit of confidence in the RDX and under no circumstances will I let my wife drive it. I’m pretty sure she would not have realized what was going on.
I’m on mobile so I can’t see the original poster but what “plugs” were replaced? Spark plugs?
i appreciate any help. Also be careful executing aggressive maneuvers in this thing.
Last edited by Fury63; Aug 20, 2018 at 06:44 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 259
Likes: 29
From: Minnesota
Thanks Billy. I appreciate your post. I’ll pay attention to the s/s system to see if it acts differently. I was in Sport mode as well. Coincidentally I put my first tank of 87 octane in this morning. I was at a quarter tank or so and filled it shortly after this with 93. I’m not lying. This really shook me.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 377
Likes: 59
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 118
Likes: 25
Ugh, sorry this happened to you. This is absolutely terrifying thinking this can happen to any of us at any time.
Everyone should definitely report these incidents so hopefully Acura will put the effort into finding a solution.
Everyone should definitely report these incidents so hopefully Acura will put the effort into finding a solution.
Thread Starter
Cruisin'
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 8
Sorry to hear it happened to you as well, I put on about 3700 miles since it happened and it hasn’t gone into limp mode if that makes you feel better. I have gone from 50 mph to 90+mph mutiple times with no issues.
I’ve never gone as low as 87 oct. but I ran a full tank of 89 oct but I was getting less gas mileage and the car felt less peppy. 20 mpgs vs 24mpgs. I could have been more traffic that week for you trolls who are going to give a lesson on octane. But for the extra $0.35 per gallon I decided to keep it at 91-93 oct
id suggest taking it in to Acura when it’s dirty, at least you get a free car wash, and a loaner. It will also help our cause if this is an on-going issue
I’ve never gone as low as 87 oct. but I ran a full tank of 89 oct but I was getting less gas mileage and the car felt less peppy. 20 mpgs vs 24mpgs. I could have been more traffic that week for you trolls who are going to give a lesson on octane. But for the extra $0.35 per gallon I decided to keep it at 91-93 oct
id suggest taking it in to Acura when it’s dirty, at least you get a free car wash, and a loaner. It will also help our cause if this is an on-going issue
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 25
Likes: 4
I was driving on the highway about 75mph and I was trying to pass someone. Then my engine cutout and the engine light came on. I was unable to accelerate I believe it’s called “limp” mode. I had to pull over, shut the car off and turn it back on and everything is fine.
Has as anyone had this issue? I use premium gas, and the car has 1500 miles on it.
Has as anyone had this issue? I use premium gas, and the car has 1500 miles on it.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 25
Likes: 4
Sorry to hear it happened to you as well, I put on about 3700 miles since it happened and it hasn’t gone into limp mode if that makes you feel better. I have gone from 50 mph to 90+mph mutiple times with no issues.
I’ve never gone as low as 87 oct. but I ran a full tank of 89 oct but I was getting less gas mileage and the car felt less peppy. 20 mpgs vs 24mpgs. I could have been more traffic that week for you trolls who are going to give a lesson on octane. But for the extra $0.35 per gallon I decided to keep it at 91-93 oct
id suggest taking it in to Acura when it’s dirty, at least you get a free car wash, and a loaner. It will also help our cause if this is an on-going issue
I’ve never gone as low as 87 oct. but I ran a full tank of 89 oct but I was getting less gas mileage and the car felt less peppy. 20 mpgs vs 24mpgs. I could have been more traffic that week for you trolls who are going to give a lesson on octane. But for the extra $0.35 per gallon I decided to keep it at 91-93 oct
id suggest taking it in to Acura when it’s dirty, at least you get a free car wash, and a loaner. It will also help our cause if this is an on-going issue
No matter what the case, it needs to be reported because its a safety issue, and those types of issues sometimes can be fixed with fixing software and how things react with each other.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 25
Likes: 4
I can confirm I had the same problem, but the battery is not issue. Car was driving for a hour and a half being charged by the alternator. No signs of any power loss either. No systems flickered or reset. HUD, AC, and radio were still functional
Racer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 259
Likes: 29
From: Minnesota
Sorry to hear it happened to you as well, I put on about 3700 miles since it happened and it hasn’t gone into limp mode if that makes you feel better. I have gone from 50 mph to 90+mph mutiple times with no issues.
I’ve never gone as low as 87 oct. but I ran a full tank of 89 oct but I was getting less gas mileage and the car felt less peppy. 20 mpgs vs 24mpgs. I could have been more traffic that week for you trolls who are going to give a lesson on octane. But for the extra $0.35 per gallon I decided to keep it at 91-93 oct
id suggest taking it in to Acura when it’s dirty, at least you get a free car wash, and a loaner. It will also help our cause if this is an on-going issue
I’ve never gone as low as 87 oct. but I ran a full tank of 89 oct but I was getting less gas mileage and the car felt less peppy. 20 mpgs vs 24mpgs. I could have been more traffic that week for you trolls who are going to give a lesson on octane. But for the extra $0.35 per gallon I decided to keep it at 91-93 oct
id suggest taking it in to Acura when it’s dirty, at least you get a free car wash, and a loaner. It will also help our cause if this is an on-going issue
i have an appointment Thursday which I’m sure will be a waste of time since it’s likely not repeatable.
