Help! Dealer shop run around

[Overwhelmed]

Hello and please help guide me. I have a
2017 Buick LaCrosse Essence now with
"Engine power is reduced." Light on. Took it to dealer that we have had all work done on and they don’t have an answer or code u less we pay almost 1k $ more to find out either 1 problem or 2nd problem would result in replacing engine??!!!
Been reading other forums and all seemed to have gotten codes
I feel like I’m getting the run around and now have no car to even trade in due to no value bc no one knows what is wrong !!
The worst time of year for all this and so overwhelmed I don’t know where else to turn
Thank you for your expertise

 

[Human]

Okay, take a deep breath. It may not be as bad as you think. I've had this code on my 2013 LaCrosse a couple of times. Once, it had inexplicably run low on coolant. Adding about half a gallon of premixed coolant solved that handily. Another time, I was low on oil, and fixed it by topping it off. I have since learned to keep a five-quart jug of 5W30 high-mileage full synthetic oil on hand and check it every couple of weeks. You can get your codes read for free at any chain auto parts store (Advanced Auto, AutoZone, NAPA, O'Reilly's, etc.), and they'll usually give you a detailed printout describing the likely issue(s) and the prescribed fixes. You can also get your own code scanner. Basic ones are not terribly expensive. Either way, having those codes is valuable information to have before going to a shop, because you can tell them what's going on in their language. If you sound more knowledgeable, they will be less likely to try and BS you. Also, instead of taking your car to the 'stealership,' I would also recommend finding an independent garage you feel you can trust. I only use franchised dealerships for warranty work.