GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Your vehicle may have an Enhanced Traction System (ETS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system reduces engine power and may also upshift the transaxle to limit wheel spin. You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.

A LOW TRACTION message will appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the traction control system is actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly.

If your vehicle is in cruise control when the Enhanced Traction System begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control. See Cruise Control .


Object Number: 923161  Size: A1

When the system is on, this warning light will come on to let you know there's a problem.

The Enhanced Traction System warning light may come on for the following reasons:

    • If you turn the system off by moving the shift lever to LOW (L), the warning light will come on and stay on. To turn the system back on, move the shift lever back to a position other than LOW (L). The warning light should go off.
    • The warning light will come on when you set your parking brake with the engine running, and it will stay on if your parking brake does not release fully. If the transaxle shift lever is in any position other than LOW (L)and the warning light stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means there is a problem with the system.
    • If the traction control system is affected by an engine related problem, the system will turn off and the warning light will come on.

If the warning light stays on, or comes on when you're driving, there may be a problem with your Enhanced Traction System and your vehicle may need service. When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.

If the Enhanced Traction System warning light comes on and stays on for an extended period of time when the transaxle shift lever is in any position other than LOW (L), your vehicle needs service.

To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the Enhanced Traction System on. But you can turn the system off if you prefer.

To turn the system off, shift to LOW (L) or REVERSE (R).

When you turn the system off, the Enhanced Traction System warning light will come on and stay on when the gear shift is in LOW (L). The warning light will not come on when the gear shift is in REVERSE (R). If the Enhanced Traction System is limiting wheel spin when you shift to LOW (L) or REVERSE (R) to turn the system off, the warning light will come on in LOW (L). But the system won't turn off right away. It will wait until there's no longer a current need to limit wheel spin.

You can turn the system back on at any time by shifting to AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) or INTERMEDIATE (I). The Enhanced Traction System warning light should go off.

Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle's performance. See Accessories and Modifications for more information.