We all know what flags a check engine light, but what problems cause a "restricted performance" or "engine fail safe" message to appear? I can't find a list of possible causes anywhere. Do these messages always flag a OBDII code? If a "restricted performance" message were to appear, should the issue be dealt with any more urgency than a check engine light?

I've had "restricted performance" with a yellow light due to a vacuum leak which causes makes the engine run lean. I get Engine fail safe when I have throttle body issues. But, what else can trigger these messages?

 

I don't know of a list for each car or engine management system but I guess you could go through each fault and see if it has a default action of 'LIMITS ENGINE SPEED' or 'CLOSES THROTTLE' etc.

I just read the DTCs, find a fault and a solution.

Here is the DTC summary for your car.

bob gauff