Crazy dashboard lights won't go out

[babydriver]

There didn't seem to be an appropriate place to post this question in the sub forums, so I will place it here.

This morning I was leaving for work. About 1 minute after I started the car it threw a CEL code. About 2 minutes later, the traction control light came on and stayed on. I tried the on/off switch several times for this feature; no dice, it stayed on. When I set the cruise control, it didn't come on, but the light did. I turned off cruise but the light stayed on also.

I tried restarting the car, but the same lights came on and stayed on. None of the other dashboard warning lights are on. None of these systems would appear to be connected to each other.

Before I take this to the dealer for warranty work, is there some simple issue that I can fix myself?

Thanks.

[go_a_way1]

Originally Posted by babydriver

There didn't seem to be an appropriate place to post this question in the sub forums, so I will place it here.

This morning I was leaving for work. About 1 minute after I started the car it threw a CEL code. About 2 minutes later, the traction control light came on and stayed on. I tried the on/off switch several times for this feature; no dice, it stayed on. When I set the cruise control, it didn't come on, but the light did. I turned off cruise but the light stayed on also.

I tried restarting the car, but the same lights came on and stayed on. None of the other dashboard warning lights are on. None of these systems would appear to be connected to each other.

Before I take this to the dealer for warranty work, is there some simple issue that I can fix myself?

Thanks.

If you have a cam issue (among other things) they will both come on as your traction control may not work properly due to an issue the engine is having. I would take it to the dealer if the codes don't go away on their own by the end of the day

[Cole]

Cruise won't work if you have a CEL. But, I do believe the Slip light coming on is a bad thing.

[Tcoat]

That is the famous "limp mode" that you have probably heard of. It usually appears for the more important CEL issues. The only way to deal with it is to read the code and correct the issue. If you do not have the equipment to read the code then the dealer is the only answer. Don't drove it too long before getting it dealt with though.

[Ashikabi]

I had this same problem when I wrecked my car. That was a year ago so my memory is kinda foggy, pretty sure it was my ABS sensor that ended up fixing it. Make sure it's not damaged and not loose

[go_a_way1]

Yeah it could also just be a wheel speed sensor

[Ashikabi]

Originally Posted by go_a_way1

Yeah it could also just be a wheel speed sensor

Shit, maybe that was it, ABS was the only sensor I could think of on the wheel but I think you're right.

[Tcoat]

Depending on the CEL code of course it could be any sensor in the car. Limp mode is not restricted to brake or control sensors.

[Ashikabi]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Depending on the CEL code of course it could be any sensor in the car. Limp mode is not restricted to brake or control sensors.

Check all sensors on the car.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Ashikabi

Check all sensors on the car.

You have any idea how many that is or where they all are??????
And how do you "check" them?
Just reading the code will tell exactly what the problem is without messing around guessing.

[Ashikabi]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

You have any idea how many that is or where they all are??????
And how do you "check" them?
Just reading the code will tell exactly what the problem is without messing around guessing.

Obviously I'm joking. I thought about googling exactly how many sensors there are just too spite you but I'm too lazy.

OP, since you have the exact problem I did including the traction lights, I would lean toward a wheel or brake sensor since those seen lie they would have the most impact on traction control. I expect the CEL and cruise are a byproduct of the limp mode. A scan should point you in the right direction though

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Ashikabi

Obviously I'm joking. I thought about googling exactly how many sensors there are just too spite you but I'm too lazy.

OP, since you have the exact problem I did including the traction lights, I would lean toward a wheel or brake sensor since those seen lie they would have the most impact on traction control. I expect the CEL and cruise are a byproduct of the limp mode. A scan should point you in the right direction though

The traction control light comes on regardless of the CEL. It is part of the limp mode indicator. Could be a cam sensor or even a MAP issue.

[Ashikabi]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

The traction control light comes on regardless of the CEL. It is part of the limp mode indicator. Could be a cam sensor or even a MAP issue.

So traction control doesn't work if your cam is out if position? That just sounds irresponsible

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Ashikabi

So traction control doesn't work if your cam is out if position? That just sounds irresponsible

Actually you can't turn it off and the ECU restricts revs among other things when in limp mode. The car pretty much shuts down to the basics so that you can not push it too hard and make things worse. That is why it is called "limp mode".
I actually wish that some of my old cars had such a thing as it would have saved me thousands of dollars if the car had just said "I don't feel good and don't want to do that right now".