Trac off light and Service Engine Light ON

[ashypoo86]

Lastnight my car worked absolutely fine, this morning it was cold, i warmed it up for 10 minutes, and began to drive, the trac off light was on, and I could tell it was running normaly, the RPM's weren't normal either, I drove about 5 miles, then my Service engine soon light came on, then it started blinking, and then it went back staying steady. What is the problem?!!!!!!!!!!!!

[crys36]

Originally Posted by ashypoo86

Lastnight my car worked absolutely fine, this morning it was cold, i warmed it up for 10 minutes, and began to drive, the trac off light was on, and I could tell it was running normaly, the RPM's weren't normal either, I drove about 5 miles, then my Service engine soon light came on, then it started blinking, and then it went back staying steady. What is the problem?!!!!!!!!!!!!

First of all you don't mention what year or engine but I'll throw in my 2 cents. My fiance' has a 2000 GA with the V6 and sometimes she would just hit a bump and the car would stall,service engine light and so-on. Her trac-light was on because she hit the button on the side of the shifter and did'nt realize it. You have to get the car to a shop to have the computer scanned for the code of the service engine. Hers would go on and then go off the next day. Not so simple 1 would seem. When the temp guage read nothing and the service light was on we took it in and found a cracked intake manifold where the sensor screws in. The aluminum is so thin there. Then found injectors not properly sealing pulling air past them. Both were remedied. Now 3 weeks later the light is on again. It go's back to the shop tomorrow. Car runs perfect. I expect to find some sensor or another leaky injector.My mechanic is great and very patient with the problems.Also found that the wires that run the fuel pump at the tank--if you just nudged them you could turn off the pump. That was the stalling problem-the wires were checked and the pins at the plug in were cleaned and filled back up with electrical grease. Hope you have some better luck than I. I'll tell ya what the next code reading is tomorrow. I also own a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport--talk about needing a good mechanic!!!

[freakinmeow]

I have a 96` grand am and when the service engine soon light blinks its suppose to be a emission problem whichs means its probably fouling a plug and not firing on all cylinders this would also explain your rpm problem to. But as far as the trac light it could be a number of things. When was the last time it had a set of spark plugs put in it??

[Werm9]

Originally Posted by crys36

First of all you don't mention what year or engine but I'll throw in my 2 cents. My fiance' has a 2000 GA with the V6 and sometimes she would just hit a bump and the car would stall,service engine light and so-on. Her trac-light was on because she hit the button on the side of the shifter and did'nt realize it. You have to get the car to a shop to have the computer scanned for the code of the service engine. Hers would go on and then go off the next day. Not so simple 1 would seem. When the temp guage read nothing and the service light was on we took it in and found a cracked intake manifold where the sensor screws in. The aluminum is so thin there. Then found injectors not properly sealing pulling air past them. Both were remedied. Now 3 weeks later the light is on again. It go's back to the shop tomorrow. Car runs perfect. I expect to find some sensor or another leaky injector.My mechanic is great and very patient with the problems.Also found that the wires that run the fuel pump at the tank--if you just nudged them you could turn off the pump. That was the stalling problem-the wires were checked and the pins at the plug in were cleaned and filled back up with electrical grease. Hope you have some better luck than I. I'll tell ya what the next code reading is tomorrow. I also own a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport--talk about needing a good mechanic!!!

a blinking light means its really important to get it serviced unlike a solid SES light

[GMMerlin]

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.

This system is called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON or check engine light comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system before any problem is apparent. This may prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also designed to assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.

Notice: If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after awhile, your emission controls may not work as well, your fuel economy may not be as good, and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered by your warranty.

Notice: Modifications made to the engine, transaxle, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with other than those of the same Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle's emission controls and may cause this light to come on. Modifications to these systems could lead to costly repairs not covered by your warranty. This may also result in a failure to pass a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.

This light should come on, as a check to show you it is working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. If the light does not come on, have it repaired. This light will also come on during a malfunction in one of two ways:

Light Flashing -- A misfire condition has been detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and may damage the emission control system on your vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be required.
Light On Steady -- An emission control system malfunction has been detected on your vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be required.
If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to your vehicle:

Reducing vehicle speed
Avoiding hard accelerations
Avoiding steep uphill grades
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible
If the light stops flashing and remains on steady, see "If the Light Is On Steady" following.

If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the engine. If the light remains on steady, see "If the Light Is On Steady" following. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous steps, and see your dealer for service as soon as possible.


If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system malfunction by considering the following:

Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?

If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install the cap. See Filling Your Tank . The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn the light off.

Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?

If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition will usually be corrected when the electrical system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.

Have you recently changed brands of fuel?

If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See Gasoline Octane . Poor fuel quality will cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.) This will be detected by the system and cause the light to turn on.

If you experience one or more of these conditions, change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.

If none of the above steps have made the light turn off, your dealer can check the vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical problems that may have developed.

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or may begin programs to inspect the emission control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle registration.

Here are some things you need to know in order to help your vehicle pass an inspection:

Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the SERVICE ENGINE SOON or check engine light is on or not working properly.

Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if you have recently replaced your battery or if your battery has run down. The diagnostic system is designed to evaluate critical emission control systems during normal driving. This may take several days of routine driving. If you have done this and your vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD system readiness, your GM dealer can prepare the vehicle for inspection.

[shawn23]

i had the same problem in my 99 grand am and it was a sensor that goes to the manifold next to teh battery. I had a new battery put in at meineke ( where they tried tot ell me i needed a new alternator for $400) and when they put in the new battery the sensor that is in teh tubing from teh manifld had becomeunplugged it cost me 13.99 at autozone to get teh piece and put it back in you might wanna check that

[Crystal3477]

I had the same problem with my 2000 GA 90K. One morning I was driving to work about 70 mph and my trac light came on, my car started to stumble then my service engine soon light came on blinking, I pulled over to see what was up and my car lost all power. I waited a minute and started it back up and my service engine soon light didnt come back on, trac light was off. I drove about another 5 or so miles it did the same thing again. I had to drive 25miles and my car did that 4times. When I left work to go home, it didnt do it at all but I drove about 60 mph. The next day when I left for work I set up a time to bring it to the shop and I my car did the same thing from the day before and when I turned to bring it back to my house it completely stopped all together and left me stranded. Thank God for cell phones!, anyway, I had to have it towed and when it finally got to the shop, they told me it was my fuel pump, it costed me $400 to get it fixed, but that was with towing and I didnt use a dealership mechanic.

[GT1GrandAM]

I have a 2002 GA and I have 3 lights coming on -- ABS, Trac Off and Service Engine soon light. I read somewhere in this board that the hub might be going bad? Anybody else know about this? because we just purchased the hub and it is $280 a piece! We don't know which wheel to change so we purchased 2 and see if it's the front ones. Any thoughts?

[stetzz05]

ok i have a 97 2.4 and any time the check engine light comes on the trac off light does too and is un responsive to the button on the shiftert. i can zero out the check engine light then the trac light also goes off and is responsive untill the engine light comes back on. was solved by a new set of plugs for a p0300 code. would be helpfull to know codes. also anyone else know if is typ for trac light to appear automatically with the check engine?

[showstopper_88220]

I had that problem as well with my 99. I checked all 4 wheels and an ABS sensor had came loose and when i plugged it back in, the lights went off. make sure they fit into the socket tight and it should turn it off.