Check engine light, traction off light and low traction lights on and don't know why

by Alicia
(Danville, Pa 17821)

I was just told that the harness is going out on my car. There are three lights that come on and they are the service vehicle soon light the low traction light and the traction off light. sometimes when I go to slow down it makes a weird noise. It feels like the brakes are slipping or something isn't registering right. I know the brakes are fine but I want to know what could happen if I don't get this fixed. I don't have the money at the moment. My car is 2004 Pontiac Grand Am SE. It has a 6cyl motor and is front wheel drive.

Steve Says

Thanks for your question Alicia. It is very unlikely that your wiring harness is going bad. The most likely cause of your problem is a fault in the traction control system on your car. The PCM (your cars computer) has probably noticed this fault and turned on the Service Engine Soon light. The fact that it does not seem to be braking correctly worries me and I think you should get it checked out very soon. The first thing you should do is have your codes read. Most auto parts stores and many auto repair shops will do this for free. This might tell you a little about what is going on with your car. After you have this done you do need to have this problem diagnosed. Ask your friends and neighbors who they take their cars to and go visit some of the recommended shops. Take your car to the shop where the people treat you well and seem to care about you and your car and seem to know what they are talking about. Then tell them that you would like a diagnosis and repair estimate ONLY and that you do not want your car repaired at this time. It will cost come money but you will at least know what is wrong with your car and how much money it will cost to get it fixed.

It is very important that you find out what is going on with your car by having it diagnosed. There are lots of reasons that the computer might be turning these light on and there is no way to tell what the reasons might be without having the diagnosis done. After you know what the problem is you can make a better decision as to whether it is safe to drive or not. This problem might not be an emergency but you definitely get it looked at as soon as you can afford it.