The impacts of limp mode

Limp mode is a security function that activates after your vehicle detects an engine fault. Think of it as a ‘cleaning in progress’ sign. Except instead of cleaning, your machine tries to fix itself, and instead of asking for caution, it’s a full-fledged roadblock stopping you from doing much of anything at all.

Limp mode is common for engines that have DPF and AdBlue systems in place. So if your machine is post-2013 and prone to limp mode, how is this likely to impact you?

Lower profitability

Say you’ve got a hundred machines in your fleet and each one goes into limp mode for two days a year. That’s two hundred days of efficiency you’re missing out on. Two hundred days you were unable to use the equipment, losing you money. You’ll have a machine operator unable to do his work but still being paid his wage. Great for him; not so great for you.

If you have to worry about whether your machines can withstand a week of straight work, you restrict your export potential. If you’re a seller of these machines, your reputation will take a massive hit if your equipment seemingly lacks in reliability. As will your profits.

Increased expenses

Limp mode is indicative of a pretty serious fault. As the owner of the equipment, the repairs are up to you. As if buying the machines in the first place wasn’t enough, now you’ve got to fork out the money to rectify their regular meltdowns. 

This gets even worse if issues arise while you rent them out. Your customers are going to want their job done, and not want to waste time having their mechanic look to see if its a quick fix. If it isn’t, they might just work in limp mode, leraving the machine in an even worse state. Then you’re looking at more severe unplanned expenses.

Less efficiency 

It’s an obvious one, but if your machines are spending time at reduced function – or worse, idle and unusable – they’re not exactly being efficient.

You’re looking at some unhappy customers when a month’s worth of work takes two and they’re expected to pay double for the rentals.

In business more generally, engaged teams show 21% more productivity. Why should we view machine productivity any different? If machines function properly and at full efficiency, then business operations will benefit. Happy customers = happy you.

It’s all well and good buying a shiny, new machine. Until the DPF and AdBlue systems start playing with your machine’s efficiency. Limp mode can be a big source of frustration and have negative impacts on your own business, as well as your customers’.

You can leave limp mode in the past with one of our kits. At DPF Doctor, we want your machines to always be at their most efficient. We offer kits to bypass both DPF and AdBlue systems that are as simple as two or three plugs and you’re away. If you have any questions or want to inquire about a specific kit, get in touch on +44 (0) 1234 567890.