P2440 / P1444 Fail-Safe or Limp Mode Question

I have a 2006 Tundra 4x4 Limited 4.7l that just displayed the engine light and went into limp mode at the same time.Codes are P2440 and P1444. I realize that I have a major tear down to get the valves and smog pump replaced (don't want to use bypass as I live in California). I have a mechanic about 3 hours away that will be doing this work, however would like to know if this can be taken out of limp mode and safely driven that distance (safely) without using a bypass? I have not driven this truck again since the engine light came on and would like to know if this is now permanently in safe mode or is this a sporadic condition that comes and goes? Thanks for any insight you can provide.

 

Does it comes immediately back if you reset it with a code reader?

Maybe you can reset it continually until you get to your mechanic on the back roads.

 

Hello Jack, Thanks for your reply. I have only read the codes and did not erase them until I had more information on what could be done. The truck ran great for several days and this just happened yesterday on a short drive. Came back home and parked it- and read the codes only.

 

Do you think that resetting the codes will actually take the truck out of limp mode temporarily?

 

Our 2008 sequoia (4.7L V8) has similar codes for a valve stuck closed/open (can't recall which) we just reset the codes, and drive it.

The air Injection system only runs for the first 30-60 seconds after startup on our truck to help get the emissions check sequence within tolerance. I'm assuming that it's the same for you, but not totally sure.

Edit: Also, once we reset the engine codes. They stay off for the day if it's cold. Anything below 40°F or so. If it's hot, we usually don't have an issue with it as odd as that sounds.

 

It’s hard to say. I have an O2 code which will go away for a while after I reset it. Since you know what the issue is and it won’t damage your engine, I can’t see a reason to not try it.

Obviously you don’t want to be traveling at 70 mph+ on the highway if it happens again, so that’s why I suggest using the back roads. I have AAA+ which will allow me to be towed for free up to 100 miles for just such an occasion.

 

It will definitely take it out of limp mode but the ECU determines when it wants to put it back into limp mode. Reset, take a short trip and see how long it lasts before treking 3 hrs away !

 

Thank you for the suggestions. I have AAA also, and that would be a great backup plan. I think I will try resetting the codes and see what happens. Also, Tundra2, does your Sequoia actually go into the fail-safe mode or limp mode when the check engine light comes on. And if so, how long can you usually drive your vehicle between returning engine lights? Thanks

 

OK, thanks- just saw the suggestion from BubbaW-thank you.

 

Just remember that standard AAA will only tow you to the closest AAA repair facility while AAA plus gets you up to 4 tows/year with a range of up to 100 miles to a place of your choosing.

 

Also, does anyone know if driving in the limp mode (besides having no power) does damage to the engine?

 

Thank you Jack. I have the premier AAA which will give me one tow up to 200 miles, and my wife is also on the plan and gets another 200. However, have to use it wisely. Thanks for the heads-up.

 

It shouldn’t. It’s only there to let you know you have an issue to take care of immediately.

I could see if it were a transmission issue, you wouldn’t want to drive it any further. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what the fault is to determine if continued driving could do further damage.