Info - Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (Stabilitrak)

This bulletin is being revised to change the Section and Subsection filing categories. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-08-85-001 (Section 08 -- Body and Accessories).

The 2002 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a new system. This new system is called Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES). This is referred to as Stabilitrak® System in the 2002 Cadillac Owner's Manual.

Possible Customer Comments

Driver comments may be received regarding the following normal events:

When the customer switches the key from "Lock" to "Run" or starts the engine, the amber ABS warning lamp will be illuminated for 3-4 seconds.

On each vehicle engine start-up, and vehicle speed reaches approximately 13 km/h (8 mph), the driver will hear the cycling of the ABS pump. This cycling of the ABS pump's run duration time is dependent on the ambient temperature of the fluid - anywhere from 5 seconds to 2.5 minutes at approximately - 40°C (- 40°F).

VSES Parts

In order to provide product feedback and increased customer satisfaction, a parts restriction program will be in effect through December 18, 2001 on the following parts:

To place an order, Dealers should contact the General Motors Technical Assistance Center (TAC) at 1-877-4-GMTACS (1-877-446-8227). Canadian dealers should call 1-800-263-7740 (English) or 1-800-263-7960 (French). Dealers must be ready to provide the following information when calling TAC.

Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES)

The VSES system is a combination of several systems: the four wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Assist ((ATS) engine torque to ground transfer), and the steering system of the vehicle. However, the VSES system will not overcome the laws of physics.

The ability of the driver to control the vehicle is the result of many factors:

This list is by no means an all-inclusive list.

VSES

The purpose of the VSES system is to try to enhance the vehicle's ability to operate within the laws of physics. It is intended to assist the driver in keeping the vehicle headed in the direction the steering wheel is positioned. VSES will assist in reducing rear end swingouts on curves and stopping events.

ABS

Vehicle directional stability, stopping ability and steering ability are related to the ability of the tire contact patch to maintain adhesion with the road surface, no slip/skid. ABS is designed to assist the driver in emergency braking situations. ABS prevents wheel lock-up, and the resultant tire skid. A tire that is slipping or skidding is no longer assisting the driver with steering control and directional stability in emergency braking situations. Think of a slipping or skidding tire as a banana peel under your shoe, the skidding/slipping tire creates instant heat which melts the tire and the melting tire rubber is very slippery (thus the banana peel analogy). ABS attempts to improve vehicle stability, handling and stopping capability by not allowing a wheel to lock-up and skid the tire on the pavement. However, ABS cannot overcome errors of judgement on the part of the driver, and the laws of physics. When the ABS system is operating, brake pedal feedback will be felt by the driver; when VSES is operational, the brake pedal feedback pulsations are at a higher frequency.

Important: ABS will allow normal braking events, or lock-up, to occur if vehicle speed is less than 6 km/h (4 mph), when the driver begins the braking event, (places his foot on the brake pedal). At vehicle speeds below 6 km/h (4 mph) the ABS system will not activate.

Traction Assist

Traction Assist helps the driver and the vehicle by attempting to maintain tire adhesion with the surface of the road, in non-braking activities. Traction Assist is engine torque to ground transfer management only. No braking is performed.