Volkswagen Tiguan 2014: Why is it going into limp home mode?
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Asked by Dean Coutts
Three times now my 2014 VW Tiguan has suddenly stopped with no acceleration. Once I'd pulled over and restarted it the car has driven OK. The second time it occurred the battery light came on. The battery was replaced after only six months. The most recent event occurred when driving up the Gateway Bridge in Brisbane in the furthest right lane causing some anxious moments negotiating traffic with no power while going up hill. I stopped the car, restarted it and was able to drive off. The dealer's diagnostic tool doesn't record any faults. They are scratching their heads and have basically said to just see how it goes. I have written to VW about this reoccurring problem and potentially life threatening issue. It appears the problem is not uncommon and asked the dealership to check the components other drivers have had issues with. "Limp home mode" was discussed as a safety feature to protect the engine, but protecting the engine is irrelevant when the car and the occupants are put in a life-threatening situation because it has gone into "limp home mode". The car is unsafe and we have no confidence in driving it. What can I do to get to the bottom of the problem?
Dean Coutts, Qld.
Answered by CarsGuide
17 Apr 2015What's happening is that the car's computer is detecting a problem and putting it into limp home mode. The idea is that you are then able to drive on at a reduced speed to get it to a dealer for repairs. What's not happening is that the dealer is not identifying a problem when they get to see the car and check it on their diagnostic equipment. It's difficult to find the cause of a problem when it is not evident when the mechanic is doing the check. There is likely to be a problem with a sensor or a wiring connection issue. The only way to find the problem when the diagnostic gear isn't telling what is causing it is to do a thorough manual check. I would be taking the car back to the dealer and telling them that you won't be taking it back until the car is fixed.
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