GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The Active Handling System is a computer controlled system that helps the driver maintain directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. This is accomplished by selectively applying any one of the vehicle's brakes.

When you first start your vehicle during cold winter weather and begin to drive away, the message ACTIVE HANDLING WARMING UP may be displayed in the DIC. This is normal. You can acknowledge this message by pressing the RESET button. The Active Handling System performance is affected until the message, ACTIVE HANDLING READY, is displayed in the DIC.

The ACTIVE HANDLING CALIBRATING message may be displayed in the DIC and the instrument panel cluster light will be on after exceeding 18 mph (30 km/h) for 10 seconds. The Active Handling System is off until the ACTIVE HANDLING READY message is displayed. This could take up to 15 minutes.

The ACTIVE HANDLING message will come on when the system is operating. See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information. You may also feel or hear the system working. This is normal.


Object Number: 807060  Size: A2

The SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING message will be displayed, the instrument cluster light will come on, and a chime will sound to let you know if there is a problem with the system. See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information.

When this light and the SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING message are on, the system is not operational. Adjust your driving accordingly.

The Active Handling System comes on automatically whenever you start your vehicle. To help maintain directional control of the vehicle, you should always leave the system on. You can turn the system off if you ever need to. If you turn the Active Handling System off, the Traction Control System will also be turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly.


Object Number: 806292  Size: A2

To turn the system off, press the ACTIVE HANDLING button on the console for five seconds. You can turn the system on at any time by pressing the button. The DIC will display the appropriate message when you push the button.

If the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system detects a flat tire and the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays TIRE FLAT, or if the TPM system is malfunctioning and the DIC displays SERVICE TIRE MONITOR, the Active Handling System will be affected as follows:

    • The Active Handling System cannot be turned off by the driver.
    • If the Active Handling System is off, it will be turned on automatically.
    • Competitive Driving Mode is unavailable.
    • The Active Handling System will feel different in aiding and maintaining directional control.

Competitive Driving Mode

The driver can select this optional handling mode by pressing the ACTIVE HANDLING button on the console two times within a five second time period. COMPETITIVE DRIVING MODE will be displayed in the DIC. Competitive Driving Mode allows the driver to have full control of the rear wheels while the Active Handling System helps maintain directional control of the vehicle by selective brake application. The instrument cluster light will not be on. The Traction Control System will not be operating. Adjust your driving accordingly.

When you press the ACTIVE HANDLING button again, or turn the ignition to ACC, the Active Handling and Traction Control Systems will be on. The TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE HANDLING-ON message will be displayed temporarily in the DIC and a chime will be heard.