Fail-Safe/Backup Function
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
When a malfunction of a main sensor or actuator is detected by the PCM, the transaxle is controlled by pre-set control logic to maintain safe conditions for driving.
The following Fig 1 shows how the fail-safe/backup function affects vehicle drive ability and operation.