If you’re a proud Jaguar owner and have found yourself dealing with the dreaded “Failsafe Engine Mode,” you’re not alone. This mode is a safety feature designed to protect your vehicle’s engine and other parts from bigger damage. However if you find yourself trying to get to Myrtle Beach for a day of fun, but you can’t get out of failsafe, you’ll find yourself frustrated – especially when you’re unsure about what caused it or how to get it out of failsafe mode.
What is Failsafe Engine Mode?
Failsafe engine mode, also known as limp mode, is a safety feature that kicks in when your Jaguar’s engine control unit (ECU) detects an issue that could potentially damage the engine or other vital components. Once your vehicle is in this mode, it limits the car’s performance, allowing you to drive at a reduced speed to prevent further damage while giving you the opportunity to get to a mechanic or repair shop. You want to make sure to recognize that the activation of this mode usually is telling you that there is an underlying problem.
Common Causes of Failsafe Mode
Before attempting to get your Jaguar out of failsafe engine mode, it is a good idea to find out what triggered it in the first place. We often see this happen with transmission issues. Issues such as low transmission fluid, slipping gears, or malfunctioning sensors can confuse the engine control unit (ECU), causing it to engage failsafe mode. We also often see the engine sensors like the mass airflow or oxygen sensors causing things to act up and trigger the failsafe.
Electrical problems, including damaged wiring, blown fuses, or poor electrical connections, are another frequent cause of failsafe mode activation. If you see these problems starting, you are going to want to get into a shop to get your Jaguar back to working properly.
Overheating is a common cause, as it can lead to engine damage. You can find yourself stuck on the side of the road with smoke rolling and that’s the last thing you want!
Steps to Get Your Jaguar Out of Failsafe Engine Mode
If your Jaguar is stuck in failsafe engine mode, follow these steps to resolve the issue and restore your car’s normal performance.
- Check for Visible Issues Start by performing a basic visual inspection of your vehicle. Check under the hood for any obvious problems, such as low fluid levels, disconnected hoses, or loose wiring.
- Turn Off the Engine and Restart Sometimes, a simple restart can clear minor faults that triggered failsafe mode. Turn off your Jaguar, wait a few minutes, and then restart the engine. You don’t want to just turn off and on quickly, you’ve got to let it sit a few moments. Sometimes the system just glitches and needs a restart to get back to working order.
- Check the Vehicle’s Diagnostic Codes Failsafe engine mode is often triggered by a specific fault code. If you come into our shop we can help you with the codes and give you an idea of what they mean.
- Address the Identified Problem If you identify a specific issue, such as low transmission fluid or a malfunctioning sensor, you want to fix it right away or you’ll be stuck in the failsafe mode.
- Clear the Error Codes Once the issue has been resolved, use the OBD-II scanner to clear any stored error codes. You will need to come to a shop to have this done and we certainly can help you out!
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried to get your Jaguar 
out of failsafe mode and you still are unable to, you will want to reach out to a professional. At My Euro Pro, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing complex issues with European vehicles including the Jaguar. Whether you are coming through Charleston or Myrtle Beach, SC, you can stop in and see one of our technicians.
Whether it is just a simple fluid top-off or a much larger issue requiring professional diagnostics, acting quickly can help prevent costly repairs down the road. If you’re unsure how to resolve the issue or need assistance getting your Jaguar out of failsafe engine mode, My Euro Pro is here to help.
* White Jaguar XF Car image credit goes to: Different_Brian.