Q: Check Engine Light on; car stays at one speed

asked by on January 29, 2016

The Check Engine Light is on, as well as warning lights for ABS, ESP, BAS, brake lining. The car stays at one speed.

Hello. It sounds like you have a transmission problem. If the transmission is staying in one gear, I would have your transmissions inspected by a certified mechanic. Since the other control units are missing, information provided by the transmission control unit in those systems will not be active. This is the reason your ABS and ESP lights are on. You may need to go to a transmissions shop if the vehicle needs a full transmission rebuild or replacement.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I use the low traction mode?
Your vehicle may be equipped with an Allison Transmission or a Hydra-Matic 6-Speed Automatic Transition. If so, you will have a Low Traction Mode that can make it much easier to drive your car in inclement weather or slippery conditions...
Truck idling high
Hi there. You may need to have the carburetor adjusted or you have a binding throttle high idle choke linkage. A major vacuum leak can be something that can lead to having a high idling vehicle. A primary cause for...
Rough idling, shaking, sluggish engine
Hello. It sounds like there may be a misfiring condition (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-misfiring-engine) in multiple cylinders. A misfire means that one or more of the spark plugs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-bad-or-failing-spark-plugs) in the vehicle’s engine are not firing properly. This will cause the engine to...
the check engine light appears and it gives us the code P0170
The P0170 trouble code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0170-obd-ii-trouble-code-fuel-trim-malfunction-bank-1-by-andrew-quinn) does not necessarily go with your vehicle, but it indicates fuel control problems. I recommend the following: Have the fuel pressure tested to see if it is too low or high. Make sure that the...
P0171 & P0174
These two trouble codes are both related to the oxygen sensors located after the catalytic converter detecting that your vehicle is running lean. There could be a fuel pressure problem, vacuum leak, a vacuum hose left unplugged, an intake air...
On a 2008 enclave there is a p0018 code. How do you know if it's a failed sensor or timing chain?
Hi there. Locate the crankshaft position sensor and check for power to it with the key on. If there is power, then with using a paper clip to back probe the wiring with the plug installed on the sensor, check...
My 98'Saturn won't shift out of 2nd gear. Could it be a shift solenoid for 3rd & 4th?
Hi there. Are there any lights on; check engine, transmission, etc.? A code retrieval may be helpful if there are any codes stored. Codes/data could lead a qualified technician in the right direction of diagnosis as this could be a...
My Camry is starting at 2000 rpm's.
Sounds like there is a vacuum leak that is causing the engine to rev up high. If there is no vacuum leak, then the Idle Air Control Valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) could be stuck causing the engine idle to fluctuate on startup....
When my car is in drive, and I am at a stop light, foot on brake, the car rocks back and forth. it happens after a complete stop.
Hi Colton. Thanks for sending in your question. The cost of repairs would depend on what's causing these symptoms. In some cases, it's due to debris being stuck in the transmission, that can be removed by flushing the transmission fluid...

Related articles

P0010 OBD-II Trouble Code: "A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
P0010 code definition The P0010 code is associated with your engine’s mechanical variable valve timing. Due to emissions and performance standards, manufacturers...
P0266 OBD-II Trouble Code: Cylinder 2 Contribution/Balance Fault
P0266 P0266 code definition Cylinder 2 Contribution/Balance Fault What the P0266 code means This diagnostic trouble code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-is-the-on-board-diagnostics-obd-system) indicates that the powertrain control module (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-is-a-vehicle-s-electrical-control-unit) has detected that the reference voltage from the fuel injector on cylinder 2 has fallen...
P0823 OBD-II Trouble Code: Gear Lever X Position Circuit
P0823 means the PCM registered a fault in the transmission shift mechanism, caused by faulty shift/torque converter solenoids, or speed sensors.