Can anyone offer a possible explanation on what's wrong with my Impala?

mamawoogie1014

I just purchased a 2003 Chevy Impala on the 7th of this month. I feel like I got a good deal on it since there doesn't seem to be anything major with the car, but when I first start it up the "Service Traction System" light comes on but goes off after a few minutes. I was in the drive thru of a fast food restaurant the other day and put the car in park to idle. The engine died, but started right back up with no problem. Then the next day I had slowed down to pull into a parking lot and it died again, but again started right back up with no problem. I have since noticed that sometimes, not every time, when I put it in park to shut it off it will die. Could this problem be related to the traction system needing to be serviced or is it a separate issue? Can anyone offer any possible explanation as to why this could be happening? Any input is much appreciated, thank you in advance!

middleageguy

We have a 2000 Impala with 185,000 miles. My son loved this car so I have lived through numerous expensive repairs including a new transmission 2 years ago. He recently purchased a new car, so I am driving the Impala.

A traction service light may be as simple as a new gas cap as this was the issue with my wife's Toyota. The Impala had stalling issues this winter and my local mechanic fixed the vacuum hose going to the electronic ignition. This solved the stalling, but the car still has hesitation issues. If you have not had the GM key recall done, I suggest you do this as the dealer will inspect the car. The dealer told me the hesitation could be fixed by cleaning the throttle body (ignition part).