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 front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.


Object Number: 1222022  Size: A1

This light will come on when your traction control system is limiting wheel spin.

See Low Traction Light . You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.

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, ice 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 for more information.


Object Number: 1460290  Size: A1

If your vehicle is equipped with the 2.2L L4 engine, the traction control system can be turned off by pressing the traction control button.

It is located on the instrument panel above the audio system.

If your vehicle is equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine, the traction control system will be turned off when the shift lever is in REVERSE (R) or LOW (L). The traction control system warning light will be displayed on the instrument panel. See Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light for more information.

The traction control system can be activated again by pressing the traction control button for the 2.2L L4 engine, or by selecting DRIVE (D) or INTERMEDIATE (I) for the 3.5L V6 engine.

If the system is limiting wheel spin when you press the button, the system will not turn off until there is no longer a current need to limit wheel spin. You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the button again. If the traction control warning light does not come on, you may not have traction control and your vehicle should be serviced at a retailer.

Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your vehicle's performance. See Accessories and Modifications for more information.