What Does Engine Power Reduced Mean? - Vehicle Freak

• Brian Onyango

Updated on March 30, 2024

The Engine Power Reduced warning light appearing on the dashboard is always accompanied by the sudden loss of power, unresponsiveness to gas input, and even the inability to go beyond a certain RPM. But what does it mean, and why does the power cut off?

The engine power reduced warning light indicates that the flow of fuel and/or air to the engine has been restricted. It comes on when a vehicle needs maintenance or repair, but it does not guarantee that your car is about to break down.

What Causes Engine Power Reduction?

There are a few different things that can cause your engine power to be reduced. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. A clogged fuel filter

The fuel filter is responsible for keeping dirt and debris out of the fuel line. Over time, it can become clogged with gunk, which restricts the flow of fuel to the engine and causes the reduced engine power warning light to come on.

If you’re seeing the reduced engine power warning light, it’s a good idea to check your fuel filter and see if it needs to be replaced.

2. Dirty spark plugs

Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders. If they’re dirty, it can cause misfires, which can lead to the reduced engine power warning light coming on. If your spark plugs are dirty, they’ll need to be replaced.

3. Dirty Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor

The MAF sensor measures the amount of air flowing into the engine. If it’s dirty, it can cause the engine to run lean (too much air and not enough fuel) or rich (too much fuel and not enough air). Either way, this can trigger the reduced engine power warning light.

4. A faulty oxygen sensor

The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. If it’s not working properly, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich. This can trigger the reduced engine power warning light.

If you’re seeing the reduced engine power warning light, it’s a good idea to have your car checked out by a mechanic. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and get your car running properly again.

5. Catalytic converter is going bad

The catalytic converter is responsible for converting harmful emissions into harmless gases. If it’s going bad, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich. This can trigger the reduced engine power warning light.

If you’re seeing the reduced engine power warning light, it’s a good idea to have your car checked out by a mechanic. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and get your car running properly again.

6. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is dirty or faulty

The EGR valve helps reduce emissions by recirculating a portion of the exhaust gas back into the engine. If it’s dirty or not working properly, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich. This can trigger the reduced engine power warning light.

Those are just a few of the most common causes of the reduced engine power warning light. If you’re seeing this light, it’s important to have your car checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.

FAQs

Can I Drive With Reduced Engine Power?

Yes, you can drive with reduced engine power. However, it’s not recommended. If your car is running lean or rich, it can cause damage to the engine.

Additionally, if the problem is with the catalytic converter, driving with reduced engine power can cause damage to the converter and lead to even more repairs being needed.

When you’re seeing the reduced engine power warning light, it’s a good idea to have your car checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and get your car running properly again.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix the Cause of the Power Loss?

The cost of fixing a decreased engine power problem will range from $5 to $2,000, depending on the sort of problem you have.

For instance, replacing a filthy air filter will only set you back $5 if your engine’s performance is harmed by it while replacing an incorrect catalytic converter costs around $2,000.

The cost of fixing engine power reduced will vary depending on the problem. If you need to replace your fuel filter, it will be a relatively inexpensive fix. However, if you need to replace your catalytic converter, it will be a much more expensive repair.

Can Bad Spark Plugs Cause Reduced Engine Power?

Yes, bad spark plugs can cause reduced engine power. If your spark plugs are dirty or damaged, they can cause the engine to run lean or rich. This can trigger the reduced engine power warning light.

If you’re seeing this light, it’s a good idea to have your car checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and get your car running properly again.

Can Needing an Oil Change Cause Reduced Engine Power?

Yes, needing an oil change can cause reduced engine power. If your oil is dirty or low, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich. This can trigger the reduced engine power warning light.

If you’re seeing this light, it’s a good idea to have your car checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.

How to Bypass Reduced Engine Power?

There is no way to bypass reduced engine power. If your car is running lean or rich, it can cause damage to the engine. Additionally, if the problem is with the catalytic converter, driving with reduced engine power can cause damage to the converter and lead to even more repairs being needed.

How Long Does It Take to Fix Reduced Engine Power?

The time it takes to fix a reduced engine power problem will vary depending on the problem. If you need to replace your fuel filter, it will be a relatively quick fix. However, if you need to replace your catalytic converter, it will be a much more time-consuming repair.

What Are Some Common Symptoms of Reduced Engine Power?

Some common symptoms of reduced engine power include the engine running lean or rich, the reduced engine power warning light being triggered, and the car not running as smoothly as usual.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to have your car checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Can I Ignore the Reduced Engine Power Warning Light?

It’s not a good idea to ignore the reduced engine power warning light. If your car is running lean or rich, it can cause damage to the engine.

Additionally, if the problem is with the catalytic converter, driving with reduced engine power can cause damage to the converter and lead to even more repairs being needed.

When you see the reduced engine power warning light, it’s a good idea to have your car checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Conclusion

The Engine Power Reduced warning light is serious, as it not only indicates a problem that needs your immediate attention, but it also affects the performance of the vehicle until the issue is resolved.

There are a number of causes for the engine power reduced issue, so I suggest starting off with a quick , and then deciding whether you want to solve the issue yourself, or have it done by a professional.

Here are some other related topics for you to check out:

How To Bypass Reduced Engine Power?

5 Bad O2 Sensor Symptoms (Causes, Fixes & Replacement Cost

What Does Service Electronic Throttle Control Mean?