The first thing I will say is "no I do not have a code"--because it gives me about 32 different ones! Checked it twice--first time was after it: 1. Suddently went from starting up at the very touch of the key, to having to crank it a few times, 2. Service Traction Light came on, 3. Service Engine Light came on. 4. Began shifting really hard into gear. My son did it at the shop where he works but is a tire guy. Showed every code in the book I think. He cleared them, but I did not get the car back in for another check for a week later:
1. Car stopped shifting into high gear--stuck in 2nd or 3rd--automatic tranny. Son put it back on the reader and it shows 32 different codes! How do I narrow it down? It seems that the starting issue came first, then the service traction msg came on AFTER I was driving through some water and slid a tiny bit.

 

The usual cause is the under hood fuse box has separated or the red power wire to it has corroded.

Here is a youtube that sorty of shows you how the fuse box works.

 

x2 what donbrew stated, plus get the battery checked. Slow to start, and some of initial issues might well be traced back to a dying battery - these cars act very weird when the battery starts to fail. Battery or fuse box or connection issues are likely the cause of your current issues with it.

FYI - the battery voltage sometimes looks ok (ie: 12.4+ volts with the engine off) but is unable to supply the amperage to run everything successfully.

 

X3 to above advice.

 

X4, all great places to start, particularly the battery, have it load tested

 

Have checked all fuses and visible connections. Then did a reset of codes by unhooking battery for 5 minutes. On first test drive, still had to crank 2-3 times (no difference) but all lights were off at except for the "service airbag" which has been on since I purchased the car. Car shifted gears correctly, but within a couple miles the check traction message was back on and car started shifting hard again but still shifting into all gears. Then check engine light came on. So, back to where we were before car stopped shifting into high gear. Only thing I have not done is have the battery tested and still have not managed to get a good reading on codes--either shows nothing or everything. Going to take it back by autozone this morning after clearing the codes yesterday to see what it shows.

 

Autozone can do a free battery check as well. And at this point it is well worth doing a check of the charging system (alternator).

 

Thanks Whopper--failed to mention it but I am having it tested too. Will be back later with an update.

 

I wasted my time posting #2? Thar does not say anything about checking fuses or visible connections.

Why would you, how could you buy a car with an airbag malfunction? It is illegal in most states. And is a sign of a stolen car, hope you did a good title search.

The reason clearing the codes doesn't last is because the ECM has to run a lot of tests under different conditions.

Another place to look is the wire that runs next to the EVAP purge valve bracket, it is subject to chafing. And any wire that may rub up against anything.

 

Okay--the only code coming up now is P0171 which according to Autozone means "Fuel Trim System Lean". Suggestions?