Limp mode?

**jmill22** · 08-12-2019, 07:53 PM

I've had this issue happen to me twice when my 2012 abarth wouldn't go past 6 psi on the stock boost gauge. It also feels slower too. Today it happened and I pulled over and turned the car off for about 30 seconds. Turned it back on and it was back to normal hitting about 20 psi. Could this be a mechanical problem or is it just the car's way of telling me that it's in limp mode due to heat?

**KellyfromVA** · 08-12-2019, 08:06 PM

If it truly went into Limp Mode, it should have turned on the Money Light (Check Engine). Have you pulled those codes?

**Saponetta** · 08-12-2019, 11:24 PM

I've had my car do this before with no codes. It will probably throw a code if you let it go for a few miles or so. Maybe you're havi mg same issue. On my car it was the bypass valve plug somehow getting a bit loose. It's got a red retainer clip, but try snuggling it on while the car is running, dont **** it off amd see if it corrects it.
I dont know what kind of intake you have, but I noticed it because the car was making the low throttle low boost surging noise at full throttle and 6psi. Meaningnhte bypass valve wasnt operating. If you have a completly closed intake and camt hear your bypass valve, you wouldnt be able to hear it not functioning. So try that and see if it fixes it. Yes, it's kind of a limp mode. If the c mputer doesnt see the resistance of the bypass valve it will limit boost to avoid potential damage to the turbo. Although I dont see how it could he damaged. If you let off the gas pedal, the turbo is no longer loaded and pressurizing the intake. It only has tr he existing prssuriesed volume. AMD on a multiair, the throttle isnt closing all the way so air in reasonable v ol lumen is continually drawmed thru the intake mani amd its additional intake volume, and then into the cylinders.

**jmill22** · 08-13-2019, 02:11 AM

I also had no CEL. Thanks for the help guys I'll try that out.

**sonicsdaman** · 08-13-2019, 07:13 AM

I'll bet 99.9% you just triggered the high/low boost safety/limp mode. If you WOT under 3k rpm in 5th it will set it off. You will also lose cruise control (light will go out on the dash). This is easy to avoid and is 'fixed' with a key turn cycle

**jmill22** · 08-13-2019, 09:53 AM

I've heard of this and I don't think this is it. It happens immediately after I start the car. I can feel the difference in the throttle pedal. Also I've never WOT in 5th gear cause it just feels like it lugs the engine so I always drop a gear or 2. Thank you.

**jmill22** · 08-13-2019, 10:03 AM

Is it possible that you could post a picture or send me a picture of the red retainer clip you are talking about. I've only had my abarth for a little over a year now and I'm still learning how this car works.

**Saponetta** · 08-13-2019, 03:52 PM

Well, I cant promise you this is wrong. But I had same symptoms. With a cowl intake, I could clearly hear my bypass valve not operating though.
This pic is of a 124 spider I believe. And has aftermarket crap. But basically its identical setup to your abarth. He just has a

gfb dv sandwiched between the tirbo and the bypass valve.

The arrow points to the bypass valve solenoid. On that black solenoid there is a plug. It has a red plastic retainer clip similar to what youd find on a coil plug or something. Make sure its snug amd the clip is fully installed to help keep it snug. I would push clip down with a screwdriver, unplug it. Then firmly replig it in AMD push clip back into place.

To get to it, your probably going to have to remove the intake hoses like you would to change your oil filter. Whole thing should take 5 minutes sstart to finish. Just meed a flat head screwdriver.

Cant promise this is your issue, but I had same symptoms amd it fixed it.