Traction control light came on and also read reduce reduce engine power

MELVIN_ISTHEFKNMANS

MEMBER
2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV
6.0L
V8
AUTOMATIC
247,000 MILES

Car was sitting in park with motor running for about five minutes when Traction Control light came on and a few seconds later engine started to idle really high. Then a few seconds later engine kind of idled back down, but was sounding really rough. Turned the motor off and immediately let motor sit for a few minutes. Then turn the truck back on traction control was off. Drove for about a minute or so and the light came back on. Vehicle was running unusually rough.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,896 POSTS

Hi,

The light coming on usually is the result of a wheel speed sensor but can be something different. Now, if the computer thinks the tires are slipping, it will a power loss to help prevent the slipping. Hence, the rough running.

Now, the best and easiest thing to do is check for diagnostic trouble codes using a scanner. I realize most people don't own one, but often times a parts store will do it for free. I don't know if the vehicle is safe to drive and have it done.

If you want to check the wheel speed sensors to see if any are bad, here are links to help do it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/abs-wheel-speed-sensor-test

You will need a multi meter to do the check. Here is a link to help with that:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know if I can help. Also, if you do have it scanned, let me know the code that is found. It will help me point you in the right direction.

Take care,
Joe