so when i first started off, the engine light comes on and it read 51, which says inhibitor switch for autos. which makes sense, then, i drive a little further and it seems to act boggy and the engine light will start flashing at me and the ecu code reader light will flash 7 times quick. i dont have a code for number 7 on the sheet i printed out?

The code 7 is an identity code. As far as your symptoms, i would suggest the coolant temp sensor. Sometimes the code can be vauge, and a defective part would almost have to be entirely broken, or disconnected to trip a code.

 

You might just be reading a stored code. There is a clear memory connector as well. Have you read the code retrieval sequence?

ive heard from a few people about the CTS but napa said iwas 88 bucks. ouch. for just guessing thats hard for me to just whip out and spend not knowing for sure.

It is the one part that will cause the most trouble. If you are good, you can find one for closer to 45 bucks.

 

or pocket items at the junkyard