GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. On a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the system operates if it senses that one or both of the rear wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. On an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) vehicle, the system will operate if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system brakes the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.

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


Object Number: 814429  Size: A1

This warning light will come on to let you know if there's a problem with your traction control system.

See Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.

The traction control system automatically comes on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the system on. But you can turn the traction control system off if you ever need to.

Notice: Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle's driveline could be damaged.

When the TCS is switched off on AWD vehicles, you may still feel the system working. This is normal and necessary with the AWD hardware on your vehicle.

You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle is required. See Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out and If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow for more information. See also Winter Driving for information on using TCS when driving in snowy or icy conditions.


Object Number: 808311  Size: A1

To turn the system off, press the TC (traction control) button located near the shift lever.

If you press the TC button once, the traction control system will turn off and the traction control system warning light will come on. Press the TC button again to turn the system back on. If you press and hold the TC button for five seconds, the StabiliTrak® system and the traction control system will turn off. Press the TC button again to turn StabiliTrak® back on. For more information, see StabiliTrak® System .