Engine stumbles at startup, stability and traction control warnings - Causes? Safe to drive?

[LurkingLuke]

(1) Overnight, my 2013 6.2L with 85k miles developed a stumble/hiccup on startup. Used to fire up with the shortest turn of the crank, now it takes about 3x-5x longer before firing up, and it just sounds "unhappy" to my ear, but after this it drives normally. Hard to describe---best I can do is liken it to standing up when you're tipsy and you stumble two or three steps before catching your balance.

(2) At the same time, dash warnings appeared saying my stability and traction control need servicing and are disabled.

The above just started yesterday, and happened each of the four times I started the vehicle. If it makes any difference: the day before, I noticed a faint ticking sound at idle, which I hear only from outside the vehicle.

Should I keep driving or have it towed? I'm worried because I noticed the ticking one day, and the next day these two issues popped up. If something is on its way out, I don't want to take any chances of catastrophic failure.

 

[Doubeleive]

(1) Overnight, my 2013 6.2L with 85k miles developed a stumble/hiccup on startup. Used to fire up with the shortest turn of the crank, now it takes about 3x-5x longer before firing up, and it just sounds "unhappy" to my ear, but after this it drives normally. Hard to describe---best I can do is liken it to standing up when you're tipsy and you stumble two or three steps before catching your balance.

(2) At the same time, dash warnings appeared saying my stability and traction control need servicing and are disabled.

The above just started yesterday, and happened each of the four times I started the vehicle. If it makes any difference: the day before, I noticed a faint ticking sound at idle, which I hear only from outside the vehicle.

Should I keep driving or have it towed? I'm worried because I noticed the ticking one day, and the next day these two issues popped up. If something is on its way out, I don't want to take any chances of catastrophic failure.

need more info--- such as
when was it worked on last?
how many miles on the plugs/wires?
has the intake/throttle body been cleaned? air filter?
other than basic maintenance some things it could be
poor voltage/ground
low fuel pressure
throttle body stuck/lazy
crappy fuel
maf sensor or other sensors
incorrect ambient temp or coolant temp reading
if it's not something simple then it just means more money

 

[LurkingLuke]

If you like, I can answer each question individually. It gets regular servicing but hasn't needed repairs in the 10k miles I've owned it. No idea about the plugs and wires. I was planning to have it serviced & inspected this month anyway, so I'll definitely inquire about the above.

The things you mention don't sound like they would grenade the motor in light driving before I can get it to the shop, would you agree?

 

[Doubeleive]

If you like, I can answer each question individually. It gets regular servicing but hasn't needed repairs in the 10k miles I've owned it. No idea about the plugs and wires. I was planning to have it serviced & inspected this month anyway, so I'll definitely inquire about the above.

The things you mention don't sound like they would grenade the motor in light driving before I can get it to the shop, would you agree?

no, it will just run like a turd

 

[jfoj]

(2) At the same time, dash warnings appeared saying my stability and traction control need servicing and are disabled.

Sounds like a classic bad battery.

Suggest if the battery is 4+ years old get it replaced. You can get it tested for free at most auto parts stores as well.