GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Your vehicle may have 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 works the front brakes and reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.

The TRACTION ACTIVE message will come on when the traction control system is limiting wheel spin. See Traction Active Message . 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 reengage the cruise control. See Cruise Control .

United States


Object Number: 808243  Size: A1

Canada


Object Number: 808312  Size: A1

If this message comes on and stays on or comes on while you are driving, there's a problem with your traction control system.

See Service Traction System Warning Message . When this warning message is on, the TRAC OFF light will come on to remind you that 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. 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 .

To turn the system off, press the TRAC OFF button located on the instrument panel switchbank.

If the system is limiting wheel spin when you press the button, the message will go off, but the system will not turn off until there is no longer a current need to limit wheel spin. The TRAC OFF light will come on to remind you the system is off. You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the button again. The traction control system warning message should go off.

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