Traction control light

Tiny
HBARKER
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 55,000 MILES
My engine light and traction control came on and car lost power. What are the possibilities?
Monday, September 19th, 2011 AT 1:34 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
Hello,

This is a common problem it most likely means the throttle bore needs to be serviced here is a guide to help fix the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Monday, September 19th, 2011 AT 5:53 PM
Tiny
BRITISHDOLL161985
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for this post I had this problem and had to follow the guide all fixed I love this site.
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 1:16 PM
Tiny
CEAUX JARMON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 139,000 MILES
Hey, my check engine light and traction control light came on. What could be the problem?
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Friday, November 15th, 2019 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Unfortunately I need the exact code numbers not code descriptions? You need to have the computer scanned for codes. That is the starting point, that is the first thing I would do if I had the car in front of me.
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Friday, November 15th, 2019 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RENEE L
  • ADMIN
  • 1,260 POSTS
Hi CEAUX ,

If you decide you would like to conduct the scan yourself here is a link to an article that features written step by step instructions and pictures explaining how to do the scan yourself, also I have included a link to our YouTube channel with a how to video on code scanning.

This is applicable even if your check engine light is not on.

Most scanners are inexpensive to purchase, you can purchase one online from sites like Amazon.com

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Once you have the codes please get back to us so that we can further assist you. We are always happy to help.

Thank you for visiting 2CarPros.com.

Kindest regards,
Renee
Admin
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Friday, November 15th, 2019 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,540 POSTS
  • 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 130,000 MILES
When temperature outside is below 65 degrees the traction control lights up and engine goes into engine power reduced lights up. This happens randomly at any time while driving.
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Friday, November 15th, 2019 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
The most likely cause is a front wheel bearing assembly. GM has been having a huge problem with them for many years. Due to the design, the wheel speed sensors don't generate much of a signal to start with, and in as little as 15,000 miles the wheel bearing can develop normal play that would go unnoticed on any other car brand but on yours that causes the signal to drop so low that the computer can't read it. That makes it look like that wheel is going slower than the others so the traction control kicks in to slow the other one down that it thinks is spinning.

On any other brand you replace only the wheel speed sensor when it fails. GM likes to build their cars with large assemblies to cut down on labor cost and time on the assembly line. That means you get to buy the wheel speed sensor AND the wheel bearing whenever you need either one of them.

To verify the bearing / sensor is the cause of the problem, your mechanic will perform a test drive with a scanner that lets him view live data. He will be able to see the speeds being reported by all the wheel speed sensors when the false activation occurs.
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Friday, November 15th, 2019 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ACEBOWLER187
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 74,000 MILES
Yesterday I had a problem with my malibu dying every five feet and the engine power reduced message coming on plus the engine light and traction control. It had rained alot too. Today its dry and cold so I tried the car this morning and it started good with no power reduced light on no traction control light on just the engine light. And despite all that it didnt die anymore and runs good.
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Friday, November 15th, 2019 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
The engine check light is indicating that there is a set fault code in the ECU, you will require a scan to read this code, post what code is read hear for further assistance.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Friday, November 15th, 2019 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
I would check the ignition module, as they tend to take on moisture and cause these problems
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Friday, November 15th, 2019 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Yes, I agree with mark, if there is a check engine light on or even if its not on anymore, there should be a code stored and would be the best thing to do to help diagnose this problem
joe
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Friday, November 15th, 2019 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)

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