Question: My engine has been notably weaker recently, with less speed and longer acceleration times. Plus, the reduced engine power warning light just popped up on my dashboard. I’d like to return my engine to prime working condition. How much does it cost to fix an engine with reduced power?
Answer: The cost to fix an engine with reduced power depends on a variety of factors, so you’ll need to take your car to the mechanic as soon as possible to find out what the issue is. The mechanic will use an OBD-II scanner to diagnose what is exactly wrong with the engine. The diagnosis could take a few hours.
When the car’s powertrain control module or computer senses a problem, the vehicle may go into safe mode to help prevent further damage. This causes the car to run at limited power, reducing the car’s speed and engine performance.
When you see the reduced engine power light on your dashboard, take your car to the mechanic immediately to determine how serious the problem is. If you see your check engine light flashing, this means the issue is serious—stop driving the car and have it towed to a nearby mechanic for immediate attention.
In general, the cost of these repairs can vary greatly depending on what’s causing the problem. A mechanic will need to determine what is wrong.
Why is the reduced engine power light on?
Here are a few possible culprits for why the reduced engine power light is on:
- A wire, harness, or clamp is damaged or has become loose
- The oxygen sensors are failing
- A fuel system that has carbon buildup on the backside of the valves
- The throttle position sensor has an issue
- The catalytic converter is clogged
Except for the catalytic converter, the other repairs are not major.The pricing varies, depending on the parts and labor involved to get your car back in shape. However, replacing a clogged catalytic converter can cost more than $1,000.
The best way to find out what’s wrong is to bring your car to a repair shop. Don’t delay as the issue could get worse, making the repairs more costly.
While most engine maintenance repairs aren’t covered, there are repairs and costs that could be covered by an extended car warranty. These could cover the drivetrain components so that if there were a major problem, the warranty would cover it. Car warranties won’t cover a loose connection or an oil change but they may cover a blown engine, depending on the policy’s limits on the car’s age and mileage.
A well maintained car could last from 200,000 to 300,000 miles. But if you skip oil changes, tune-ups and routine maintenance, your car’s performance and lifespan will wear out sooner. To keep your engine running efficiently, make sure you follow your car manual’s maintenance schedule.
Andrea Richard is a writer and editor with nearly 15 years of experience crafting content for a variety of industries. In writing for Jerry, Andrea’s mission is to deliver relatable and informative content so readers can better understand the costs associated with car ownership and car leasing. A native Floridian and a road trip enthusiast, Andrea first learned to drive on a Honda Accord when CDs were still a thing. She has served on the Society of Professional Journalists Florida board of directors and volunteers as a judge for national journalism contests. Her work has earned several awards for feature writing, investigative reporting and branded content campaigns.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
