I was driving my 2000 Catera when the TC (traction control) light went on, shortly after, the check engine light also came on and I lost power. The engine never shut off, but the car did not respond to the gas pedal. I pulled over and waited about 10 or 15 min. then I was able to drive off with the engine light still on. I was on my way home when the TC light came on again and I again lost power. This time I waited half an hour before I started the car again and was able to drive the additional 15 miles home. The engine light has remained on. Any ideas on what this could be? Never happened before - Thanks.
You should be on the road to recovery once you get the codes read. There is a problem that trips the computer into the “barely run” mode. That means that the problem cannot be diagnosed without some code.
That CEL (check engine light) is just a kid in class waving her hand trying to get you attention because she has the answer. You need to have the codes read. Some places will read them for FREE. Try Autozone or Advanced Auto Parts. Get the exact code (like P0123) not just their translation into English and post it back here.
Regarding warning lights:
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if the coolant temp light comes on, shut off the engine ASAP
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if the oil warning light comes on, shut off the engine ASAP
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if a FLASHING MIL/CEL comes on, shut off the engine ASAP
ASAP means driving to the berm of the highway right now and not waiting for the next exit.
But if the MIL/CEL is not flashing, then it’s not an urgent indicator.