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2000 FORD EXPLORER
4.0L V6 OHV•AWD•AUTOMATIC•gas
15 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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Repairs0Labor547Torque4593Fluid9DTC724Battery1Maintenance0Recalls15
P1579high severityPowertrain

Electronic Throttle Control in Power Limiting Mode

on 2000 Ford Explorer 4.0L V6 OHV · AWD

What this code means

The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system has entered power limiting (limp) mode. The PCM has restricted throttle opening due to a detected fault in the ETC system, limiting vehicle speed and acceleration for safety.

Symptoms

  • Severely reduced engine power
  • Throttle response very limited
  • Vehicle may only idle or drive slowly
  • Check Engine Light
  • Possible ETC warning light

Common causes

  • ETC system fault detected
  • Throttle body malfunction
  • Accelerator pedal position sensor fault
  • Wiring issue in ETC circuit
  • PCM detected conflicting throttle signals

Diagnostic steps

  1. Check for other ETC-related DTCs first
  2. Inspect accelerator pedal position sensor
  3. Check throttle body operation
  4. Inspect all ETC wiring for damage
  5. Key off/on cycle may temporarily restore normal operation

Repair notes

Diagnose and repair the root ETC fault. May require throttle body or pedal sensor replacement.

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Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle

🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
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