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uk Transport & mobility emergencies plug-in hybrid fault mode • phev power reduced • reduced power warning • limp mode hybrid • hybrid system fault • ev power limited • car lost power after stopping • dashboard warning after pull over • motorway breakdown hybrid • smart motorway stop safely • roadside breakdown safety • hazards on and wait • won’t accelerate properly • vehicle in fail-safe mode • high voltage hybrid safety • orange cables warning • recovery call for phev • restart didn’t clear warning • pulled over safely already

What to do if…
your plug-in hybrid enters a fault mode and power is reduced after you have pulled over safely

Short answer

Stay safe where you are, make the car “secure” (park, lights as needed), and treat this as a breakdown until a professional confirms it’s safe to drive.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t “test it” by rejoining traffic to see if power comes back.
  • Don’t repeatedly restart or drive-test the car if the warning stays on after one restart.
  • Don’t touch orange (high-voltage) cables/components or try to “reset” anything by disconnecting batteries.
  • Don’t attempt roadside repairs on a motorway or other high-speed road.
  • Don’t place a warning triangle on a motorway.

What to do now

  1. Lock in safety where you are. Put the car in Park (or neutral with handbrake fully on, if applicable).
    • Use hazard lights if you’re causing an obstruction, you’re on a shoulder/emergency refuge area, or you’re close to moving traffic. If you’re fully off-road in a safe parking place, use lights appropriate to conditions.
  2. Decide whether to stay in the vehicle or get out (location matters).
    • If you’re on a motorway/high-speed road: only exit if it’s safe to do so, and get well away from traffic/behind a barrier where possible. If you cannot safely exit or reach a safer place, stay belted in and call 999 and ask for the police (or use the in-car SOS/eCall if you have it).
    • If you’re off the road (car park, lay-by, quiet street): it’s usually safer to stay with the vehicle while you arrange help, unless you feel at risk where you are.
  3. Check for “stop now” or overheating/fire cues. Look for messages like Stop safely, temperature warnings, burning smell, smoke/steam, hissing, or unusual heat from under the car.
    • If any of these are present: move people away from the vehicle and call 999.
  4. Do a single calm “reboot” attempt (only once). If there are no urgent warnings, turn the car fully off, wait a short moment, then restart and see whether the warning and reduced-power mode remain. If it persists, assume the car is not fit to drive.
  5. Call for professional help (don’t self-diagnose at the roadside).
    • Contact your breakdown provider (AA/RAC/Green Flag/insurance). If you’re on a motorway, use a roadside emergency telephone where available and safe (it helps identify your location). Otherwise, use your mobile and share your location using driver location signs/marker posts if you can see them.
    • For non-emergency motorway assistance/advice, you can also contact National Highways (0300 123 5000) when safe to do so.
    • Tell them clearly: “plug-in hybrid, reduced power / fault mode,” and ask what recovery method they need (some vehicles require a flatbed per the handbook).
  6. Reduce high-voltage risk while waiting. Don’t open covers marked with high-voltage warnings; don’t handle any exposed wiring (often orange). If it’s safe and you’re not near live traffic, put on a high-vis jacket before leaving the vehicle.
  7. If you must wait near traffic, protect yourself. Keep your seat belt on. Keep passengers calm and inside unless and until you can safely move behind a barrier or to a safer place.

What can wait

  • You do not need to figure out the exact fault, clear codes, or book servicing right now.
  • You do not need to decide today whether it’s safe to continue using electric mode or to charge—follow the car’s on-screen instructions and the recovery/garage advice.
  • You do not need to negotiate repair costs at the roadside.

Important reassurance

Modern plug-in hybrids are designed to reduce power to protect the system. It feels alarming, but treating it as a safety-first breakdown (rather than forcing the car onward) is the right move.

Scope note

This is first steps only to keep you safe and prevent avoidable damage. The next stage is professional diagnosis and manufacturer-specific recovery instructions.

Important note

This is general information, not mechanical or legal advice. If you’re on a motorway/high-speed road or feel unsafe, prioritise personal safety and call emergency services.

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