what does the ets off light mean

It means Electronic Traction System. It means your traction system is not functioning properly and it could be for a number or reasons. Could be a faulty signal from the ETS sensor, or faulty wiring, or the system could actually be malfunctioning.

i have a 1999 cavalier ets is coming on and it is shifting hard and some times shutting off

Could I still drive with the ets off light on ?

ETS stands for electronic traction system & yes you can still drive with it on cause I have Is say it has to do with the abs so you’ll only have old school brakes I think!!!

Comes on at idle and when I give it gas the light shuts off have no button to turn it on and off

Whe r e is it located

Want crank when cold only when temperatures warm up . What's wrong 1998 chev cavalier