My engine light came on in my 2004 chevy cobalt. I was told it was my throttle? how much will it cost to repair. Can I drive it until I get it fixed

DTC P2176: Minimum Throttle Position Not Learned

After cleaning the throttle plate an bore relearn needs to be preformed .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pERDBPcR5OQ

Probably caused by the electronic throttle control . How many miles on the vehicle ? The gas pedal has position sensors that the PCM - engine computer uses to know how much to open the throttle plate .
Drive by Wire Function and diagnostics by Wells
What engine ?
The throttle actuator control (TAC) system is used to improve emissions, fuel economy, and driveability. The TAC system eliminates the mechanical link between the accelerator pedal and the throttle plate. The TAC system eliminates the need for a cruise control module and idle air control motor. The following is a list of TAC system components:
• The accelerator pedal assembly includes the following components:
- The accelerator pedal
- The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 1
- The APP sensor 2
• The throttle body assembly includes the following components:
- The throttle position (TP) sensor 1
- The TP sensor 2
- The throttle actuator motor
- The throttle plate
• The engine control module (ECM)

There is a problem with the drive - by - wire system or the Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System as GM calls it ! Your going to have to take this to the dealer or a ASE certified repair facility . Unless your handy an know automotive electronics !

Drive By Wire or Electronic Throttle Actuator

It sounds like the catalytic converter might have come loose causing a loud exhaust leak. Did they repair the problem that caused the converter to plug up like a defective oxygen sensor or coil pack?

your gas pedal sends a signal to it, its drive by wire not cable like in the old days, the motor moving the throttle under the hood is probably bad

I doubt the security system would cause the problem.
Most systems prevent the starter from working as well as the fuel pump or injectors.
And once the starter cranks the engine it should not be involved.

As far as the cobalt, check tac/throttle actuator control. Below is circuit description for p1682.
The other codes was for knock sensor.

If having the light does not affect drivability then keep useing.When the position sensor packs it in completly it may not start but until then,happy motoring.[put a peice of black tape on the dash to make it less annoying.]

That is a hard problem to pin point without knowing what codes the computer has stored. It can be any number or sensors or engine problems.

You can go to most auto parts stores and they will pull the codes for you for free.

i went to advance auto and they pulled the check engine light code and they said it was just wet electrical equipment from all the rain we have had and that it would dry out in a couple of drives so they reset the code and told me to come back in if it comes back on.