All-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles with the Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak option have an enhanced computer controlled vehicle stability system that assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. This system coordinates automatic control of the Active Steering System, the Magnetic Ride Control Suspension System, and the Brake Control System for better vehicle performance.

During extreme cold temperature conditions, the active steering function may be temporarily disabled which may cause the steering wheel to be offset from the center position while driving straight. This is normal operation and the vehicle is safe to drive in these cases.

Stability control activates when the computer senses a difference between the intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling. Stability control automatically adjusts the front road wheel steering angle, modifies the suspension stiffness, and selectively applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle’s brakes to help maintain directional control of the vehicle.

When the system activates, a STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message displays on the Driver Information Center (DIC). See DIC Warnings and Messages. It is normal to hear a noise or feel vibration in the brake pedal when the system is working. Continue to steer the vehicle in the intended direction.

If cruise control is engaged when Enhanced StabiliTrak activates, the cruise control will automatically disengage. Cruise Control may be re-engaged when road conditions allow. See Cruise Control, or Adaptive Cruise Control for more information.

Enhanced StabiliTrak comes on automatically in the Stability Touring Mode, when the vehicle is started. The Stability Touring Mode is recommended for normal driving. Enhanced StabiliTrak also has Stability Competitive Mode that is turned on by pressing the Traction Control (TC) button twice quickly. This mode is designed to be used by the performance conscious driver who desires less stability control intervention. See Competitive Driving Mode. When the Stability Control Competitive Mode has been activated, traction control operates in competitive mode and cannot be turned off. The STABILITY COMPETITIVE MODE message will be displayed on the DIC. See DIC Warnings and Messages.

When operating the vehicle in the Stability Competitive Mode, the system provides less stability control intervention. Driving should be adjusted accordingly.

When the Stability Competitive Mode has been selected, the Active Steering and Magnetic Ride Control Touring Mode is not available. These systems are automatically changed to the Performance Mode, providing more response to road conditions and quicker steering response. For more information, see "Active Steering and Magnetic Ride Control Mode" in the Index of the vehicle's Navigation Manual.

To assist with directional control of the vehicle, always leave the system on. Stability control can be turned off however, by using the TC button. See Traction Control System (TCS). The STABILITY SYS OFF message will be displayed on the DIC. See DIC Warnings and Messages.

If there is a problem detected with Enhanced StabiliTrak, the SERVICE STABILITY SYS message will be displayed on the DIC. See DIC Warnings and Messages. When this message is displayed, the system is not operating. Driving should be adjusted accordingly.

When certain faults or vehicle conditions are detected, the Stability control will automatically go into a secure mode and the STABILITY SECURE MODE message will be displayed on the DIC. When the Stability Secure Mode is activated, the stability control system will not respond to driver requests to change the stability mode until the next ignition cycle or until the vehicle condition or fault is returned to normal. When the Stability Secure Mode is activated, other messages may be displayed, such as SERVICE STEERING SYS, SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS or CHECK TIRE PRESSURE on the DIC. When the Stability Secure Mode is activated, a larger degree of steering wheel input at low vehicle speeds and a smaller degree of steering wheel input at high vehicle speeds may be required. Stability Secure Mode will be activated if a compact spare tire is being used. See DIC Warnings and Messages and Compact Spare Tire.

Persistent operation of the vehicle in the STABILITY SECURE MODE may be an indication that the vehicle needs to be serviced by your dealer/retailer.

When certain faults are present, the vehicle’s speed may be limited and the SPEED LIMITED TO XXX message will be displayed on the DIC. See DIC Warnings and Messages. When the vehicle’s speed is limited, other messages may be displayed, such as SERVICE STABILITY SYS, SERVICE STEERING SYS or SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS on the DIC. Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.

Enhanced StabiliTrak and Traction Control Mode Selection

Enhanced StabiliTrak can be operated in Touring Mode or Competitive Mode. It can also be turned off. The TC button is used to change stability control modes (Touring, Competitive or Off) as well as to turn traction control on or off. See Traction Control System (TCS). The following information describes the operation of the TC button for changing Traction Control and Stability Control Modes.

When the vehicle is started, Stability control comes on automatically in the Stability Touring Mode.