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 rear wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system applies the brake(s) at the affected wheel(s).

The bottom light on the TCS on/off button will come on when the TCS is limiting wheel spin. You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal. The TCS will function at speeds up to about 25 mph (42  km/h).

The TCS may operate on dry roads under some conditions. When this happens, you may notice a reduction in acceleration. This is normal and doesn't mean there's a problem with your vehicle. Examples of these conditions include a hard acceleration in a turn, an abrupt upshift or downshift of the transmission or driving on rough roads.

When the light in the top of the TCS button is on, the TCS is off and will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.

The light in the top of the TCS button will come on if the TCS is turned off by pressing the TCS on/off button.

The light may also come on if a problem has been detected in either the traction control system or the anti-lock brake system.

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.


Object Number: 829654  Size: A3

To turn the system on or off, press the traction control button located in the instrument panel.

If you used the TCS button to turn the system off, the light in the top of the button will come on and stay on. You can turn the TCS back on at any time by pressing the button again; the light should go off.