Car went in to limp mode after setting off in morning dash saib drivetrain gdrive moderately cleared shortly afterwards did it again in evening cleared after run for a while

losing AF50% is not normal ever.
you have a leak.
to ground
to passengers toes
to engine oil pan, ouch.
to tranny oil pan if MAIN engine RAD has A/t BOX COOLER. INSIDE.
THE 2004 CAR THE PCM MAY NOT LET ENGINE RUN WITH ECT READING ROASTING HOT. SAME IS TRUE FOR tranny TEMP SENSOR ROASTING HOT.
why not get the car checked out. in a real shop.
driving any overheated car invites huge damage to the engine, cracked and warped heads.!
hope you save it I do.

Well you either have a shorted component or a shorted wiring harness. Buy a factory wiring diagram booklet and follow the circuit, start disconnecting components in the system until the short goes away. If everything that the fuse powers is disconnected and the fuse still blows then you have a shorted wiring harness, look for areas where there is allot of movement or heat from the engine exhaust. You can try this site for a wiring diagram, it may have one. http://bbbind.com/free_tsb.html

You have to clear the codes. But if the problem wasn't fixed it will go right back to limp mode. Have the codes read and repost. Vehicles go to limp mode to save a critical part of the engine or drivetrain.

Many of todays cars have a mode called Limp Mode. The Motor and Computer talk to each other and if faults are found? The Limp Mode (( Short for Limp on home mode )) will be set in the Computer. Go to your local Auto Zone and ask them to Scan the OBD 2 fault codes with their reader. Or pay the dealer. It may be something really simple. My Check Engine light was on the other day because the Gas Cap was loose. This Scanner told us the problem and we tightened the Gas Cap. After 3 times driving the car with it tight .... The Check Engine light went off.

NO, you need not a new ecu, but a diagnostic tool for your diy work.
i recommend you this one MULTI Diagnostic, it is easy to operate.

The only time a vehicle goes into limp mode is when there is ****** problems, so I would take it to the ****** shop for code retrivel and if I am not wrong there might be problem with the Input/Output speed sensors BUT do have it checked first.

the car has the capablilites to give data and codes. You gunna need a professional if you dont have access to a scanner and multimeter. Otherwise were just guessing.
I hate telling people that its out of their hands but sometimes its best to let the pro diag it and then you can repair it if you capable

I would not recommend any trip until the car is repaired. The symbol in the dash means the car was in limp mode. It could be caused by the T/P sensor, this is the most likelt problem.

Take your positive cable off battery and wait a few minutes..This resets the computer and takes it out of limp mode.Theres been a lot of problems in the dash so if you can find an auto zone and have them scan it They'll do it for free.But as far as the lights my truck does the same thing. Just flick your fingers on the buttons and they should flash..The plug in the back of buttons was loose..

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/joe_a3369546f8067589

I have the same make and model. Overall a really nice car. I was driving down the freeway yesterday when the car jolted and I lost the gear lighting on my dash. The car drove in 'limp' mode the remainder of the way home. I started it up this morning and it ran fine for about 15 minutes then it went back to 'limp' mode and the dashboard gear indicatior lights went out again. Research indicates this is the Transmission control module which is located under the passanger side floorboard. In my case there is moisture in this area