The Can-Am X3 is a specialty utility vehicle that offers tremendous capability, but with so many different models and manufacturer variations of the vehicle on the market, owners may not realize there is a Check Engine light involved. When equipped with specific CAN-AM OEM parts, the X3 is equipped with a check engine light for diagnostic purposes, but there is also another mode lingering in the background.
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Limp Home Mode
The limp home mode helps protect your transmission if damage is detected. Your transmission has many solenoids that control fluid flow and change gears. If one or more of these solenoids fail, the transmission will go into “limp” mode, which limits the operational abilities of your car to prevent further damage.There are a few symptoms that can tell you if your car is in limp home mode.
The check engine light will be illuminated on your dashboard.Your car will be limited to only one gear. You won’t be able to accelerate past a certain point or go faster than 20-30 mph.You may get a flashing “check engine” light on your dashboard. This is usually caused by misfiring spark plugs or a problem with the fuel system.
Diagnose the Cause
If your X3 is displaying the check engine light and putting itself into limp mode you will need to diagnose the cause of the issue. Diagnosing a check engine light or limp home mode is not something that can be done over the internet.
If you have a scan tool capable of gathering diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the X3’s engine control module you may be able to narrow down your search.If you do not have a scan tool or are unable to determine what is causing the check engine light to illuminate you should take it to your local dealer for diagnosis.
Check the Gas Cap
Inspect the gas cap for proper positioning and tightness. A loose gas cap will trigger a “Check Engine” warning light. If the warning light comes on, you may not be able to pass an emissions test, depending on where you live.To remedy this issue, try tightening the gas cap until you hear it click into place. If the warning light stays lit, schedule an appointment with your local dealer for further assistance.
Tighten the spark plugs
If you have an older model, tighten the spark plugs. This is a very common issue with these vehicles. The engine is very powerful and the spark plug holes loosen up after running it for a while.
It can be an easy fix or it can be difficult depending on how hard it was to get the spark plugs out. Make sure that you use anti-seize compound when reinstalling the spark plugs so they don’t become too tight again.
Check the Fuel Filter
Before you start tearing into the ECU, check the fuel filter for debris. If it was out of warranty and you probably ran a bunch of crappy gas through it.I replaced my clogged fuel filter and all was good. The limp mode is designed to save your engine when things go wrong.
It will shut down cylinders, restrict boost and throttle response.You can’t just reset the ECU, if that were possible everyone would be chasing their tails trying to figure out what is wrong with their car.
Check and Replace any Damaged Hoses or Clamps
- Check and replace any damaged hoses or clamps.
- Check the engine coolant level, add if necessary (refer to coolant level check in this section).
- Check the radiator cap for proper operation.
- Clean the radiator of debris.
- Check for worn or broken drive belt(s), condition and tension.
- Check for a restriction in the cooling system.
- Clean the cooling fins on the radiator, oil cooler and intercooler, if equipped.
Check for Vacuum Leaks
- Check for vacuum leaks (L-head engines). On Chrysler L-head engines, gasket leakage at the carburetor base or air cleaner mounting can draw air into the carburetor and cause the engine to run lean.Check for vacuum leaks (OHV engines). Vacuum leaks in modern OHV engines are more likely to occur at intake manifold gaskets, intake manifold fittings (especially EGR), throttle body gaskets, and fuel pressure regulator vacuum lines.
- Check for vacuum leaks (all engines). A leak down test is a quick way to check engine vacuum integrity: With the engine idling and warm, remove a spark plug wire, insert a screwdriver blade in the end of the wire and hold it about 1/2 in. away from a ground.
- The screwdriver should not spark when the engine is revved. If it does spark, check all vacuum hoses, EGR valve and PCV system.Check for worn throttle shafts (carbureted engines). Excessive play in throttle shafts makes idle mixture adjustment difficult or impossible to maintain.
- Check both primary and secondary shafts by grasping them with a pair of needle-nose pliers and moving them back and forth. There should be no perceptible movement.
Conclusion
The limp home mode on the Can-Am X3 can be manually activated by starting the ignition with the key and without touching the throttle. At this point, you may want to take a moment and make sure that you’re at least half a mile away from any other vehicles before you proceed. If you’ve started up the vehicle correctly with no throttle, then the next step is to grab both of your front brake handles, pull them in towards each other, push at least one button for reverse, turn either of the front wheels, and then release your brake lever.
