Your vehicle may have a traction control system that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system brakes the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.

The TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE message will come on in the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the traction control system is limiting wheel spin. 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 re-engage the cruise control.

This warning light will come on to let you know if there is a problem with your traction control system.

When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.

If the SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM message in the DIC comes on and stays on or comes on while you are driving, there's a problem with your traction control system. Have the traction control system serviced by your Saturn retailer as soon as possible.

When this warning message is on, the TRACTION CONTROL OFF message in the DIC 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 Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out and If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow .

To turn the system off, press the traction control button located on the center of the instrument panel.

If the system is limiting wheel spin when you press the button, the TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE message will go off, but the system will not turn off until there is no longer a current need to limit wheel spin. The TRACTION CONTROL OFF message 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-Saturn accessories can affect your vehicle's performance. See Accessories and Modifications for more information.