Low traction and low engine power light, engine not starting

Tiny
C.CARLTON
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 98,000 MILES
I just had a blower motor fixed and an oil change about two days ago, and the car was running fine when I brought it home. However, when I tried to drive it today my car alerted me that I had low traction and low engine power. I maybe drove a block before realizing that the car wasn't going to let me go much above 20 MPH and that it took forever to get going. I returned home and parked it, and when I checked on it later this evening, the engine wouldn't start at all.
Saturday, January 2nd, 2021 AT 7:26 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

The idea that there was an indication related to low traction, there is a good chance it is related to a wheel speed sensor. However, that shouldn't prevent it from starting but will reduce power.

What I would suggest is to have the computer scanned to determine if there are diagnostic trouble codes that will point us in the right direction. Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

I realize most people don't own a scan tool, but oftentimes a parts store will lend one to you.

If that isn't possible, then before we start checking wheel speed sensors, we need to get it running. Take a look through this link and let me know if it helps. It explains the most common causes of a crank no start condition.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

If the starter isn't engaging, confirm the battery is good. A weak battery or faulty alternator allowing voltage to drop can cause all of these issues as well.

Here is a link that explains how to load test the battery at home:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, January 3rd, 2021 AT 8:00 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

The way your car is running in reduced power mode means a diagnostic fault code should be stored in your vehicles computer. Just a basic check engine light code reader will be able to access codes. Here is a YouTube video from our site that explains a CAN type scanner that can read all systems on a vehicle and also a CAN tutorial for you to view:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

After you perform this kind of test on your vehicle get back to us with the code information and we can then properly diagnose the issue your car has. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros. Happy New Year.
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Sunday, January 3rd, 2021 AT 8:04 PM

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