GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Your vehicle is equipped with a Traction Control System 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 and apply the front brakes to limit wheel spin.


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This light will flash when your Traction Control System is limiting wheel spin. See Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light .

You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.

If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction control 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 Light .

The Traction Control System operates in all transaxle shift lever positions. But the system can upshift the transaxle only as high as the shift lever position you've chosen, so you should use the lower gears only when necessary. See Automatic Transaxle Operation .

The SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message will appear in the Driver Information (DIC) to let you know if there is a problem with the system.

See DIC Warnings and Messages . When this message appears, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.

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

You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle is required. See If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow .


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To turn the system off or on, press the traction control button located near the exterior lamp control.

When you turn the system off, a chime will sound and a TRACTION CONTROL OFF message will appear in the DIC. If the Traction Control System is limiting wheel spin when you press the button to turn the system off, the traction control system warning light will come on and the system will turn off right away.

You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the button again. The Traction Control System warning light should go off.

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