The vehicle has an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system which combines antilock brake, traction and stability control systems and helps the driver maintain directional control of the vehicle in most driving conditions.

ESC activates when the computer senses a discrepancy between the intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling. ESC selectively applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle's brakes to help steer the vehicle in the desired direction.

When you first start the vehicle and begin to drive away, the system performs several diagnostic checks to ensure there are no problems. The system may be heard or felt while it is working. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with the vehicle. The system should initialize before the vehicle reaches 20 mph (32 km/h).

If the system fails to turn on or activate, the ESC/TCS light comes on, and the ESC OFF and/or SERVICE ESC message displays.

For more information, see Driver Information Center (DIC).

This light flashes on the instrument panel cluster while the ESC system is both on and activated.

When the system activates, an ESC ACTIVE message displays on the DIC. The system may be heard or felt while it is working; this is normal. Continue to steer the vehicle in the intended direction.

When the light comes on and the message(s) SERVICE ESC, ESC OFF, or both are displayed, the system will not assist the driver in maintaining directional control of the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly.

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is automatically enabled whenever the vehicle is started. To assist the driver with vehicle directional control, especially in slippery road conditions, the system should always be left on. But, ESC can be turned off if needed.

If the vehicle is in cruise control when the system begins to assist the driver maintain directional control of the vehicle, the ESC/TCS light will flash and the cruise control will automatically disengage. The cruise control system may be reengaged when road conditions allow. See Cruise Control.

The ESC/TCS button is located on the instrument panel.

To turn the traction control system off or back on, press and release the ESC/TCS button. To disable both traction control and ESC, press and hold the button until TRACTION OFF and ESC OFF messages appear, and the ESC/TCS light comes on.

It is recommended to leave the system on for normal driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow, and you want to "rock" the vehicle to attempt to free it. It may also be necessary to turn off the system when driving in extreme off-road conditions where high wheel spin is required. See If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow. Also, see "Competitive Driving Mode" later in this section.

ESC may also turn off automatically if it determines that a problem exists with the system. The ESC OFF and SERVICE ESC messages and the ESC/TCS light will be on solid to warn the driver that ESC is disabled and requires service. If the problem does not clear after restarting the vehicle, see your dealer/retailer for service. See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information.

Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect the vehicle's performance. See Accessories and Modificationsfor more information.

The driver can select this optional handling mode by pressing the ESC/TCS button on the console two times quickly. COMPETITIVE MODE displays in the DIC. See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information. Competitive Driving Mode allows the driver to have full control of the rear wheels while the ESC system helps maintain directional control of the vehicle by selective brake application. The ESC/TCS light will be on and the traction control system will not be operating. Adjust your driving accordingly. This electronic stability control mode is recommended only for use during closed track events and competitive driving venues.

When the ESC/TCS button is pressed again, or the vehicle is restarted, the ESC and TCS turn back on.

Notice: When traction control is turned off, or Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is possible to lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the drive wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible to cause damage to the transmission. Do not attempt to shift when the drive wheels do not have traction. Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is not covered. See the warranty book for additional information.