1999 CHEVROLET VENTURE traction control

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4-15
Loss of Control
Let's review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering
and acceleration) don't have enough friction where the
tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.
In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of
less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not
ªoverdrivingº those conditions. But skids are
always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle's
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too
much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best
handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the
vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until your
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues
-- such as enough water, ice or packed snow on
the road to make a ªmirrored surfaceº
-- and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti
-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.

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4-26
What's the worst time for this? ªWet ice.º Very cold
snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet
ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the
least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it's about
freezing (32F; 0C) and freezing rain begins to fall.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews
can get there.
Whatever the condition
-- smooth ice, packed, blowing
or loose snow
-- drive with caution.If you have traction control, keep the system on. It will
improve your ability to accelerate when driving on a
slippery road. Even though your vehicle has a traction
control system, you'll want to slow down and adjust
your driving to the road conditions. See ªTraction
Control Systemº in the Index.
If you don't have traction control, accelerate gently.
Try not to break the gentle traction. If you accelerate too
fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.
Your anti
-lock brakes improve your vehicle's stability
when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even
though you have an anti
-lock braking system, you'll
want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry
pavement. See ªAnti
-Lockº in the Index.

Allow greater following distance on any slippery road.

Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine
until you hit a spot that's covered with ice. On an
otherwise clear road, ice patches may appear in
shaded areas where the sun can't reach: around
clumps of trees, behind buildings or under bridges.
Sometimes the surface of a curve or an overpass may
remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. If
you see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake before you
are on it. Try not to brake while you're actually on
the ice, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.

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5-33
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transaxle back and
forth, you can destroy your transaxle.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see ªTire Chainsº in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. If your vehicle
has traction control, you should turn your traction
control system off. (See ªTraction Control Systemº in
the Index.) Then shift back and forth between
REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while
you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transaxle is in gear. By slowly spinning your
wheels in the forward and reverse directions, you will
cause a rocking motion that may free your vehicle. If
that doesn't get you out after a few tries, you may need
to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out, see
ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.

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6-43

The tire has a bump, bulge or split.

The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can't be repaired well because of the size or location
of the damage.
Buying New Tires
To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at
the Certification/Tire label.
The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had
a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec)
number on each tire's sidewall. When you get new tires,
get ones with that same TPC Spec number. That way
your vehicle will continue to have tires that are designed
to give proper endurance, handling, speed rating,
traction, ride and other things during normal service on
your vehicle. If your tires have an all
-season tread
design, the TPC number will be followed by an ªMSº
(for mud and snow).
If you ever replace your tires with those not having a
TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating and construction type (bias,
bias
-belted or radial) as your original tires.
CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types
(radial and bias
-belted tires), the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a crash.
Using tires of different sizes may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the same
size and type tires on all wheels.
It's all right to drive with your compact spare,
though. It was developed for use on your vehicle.
CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel could
fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only radial
-ply
tires with the wheels on your vehicle.

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6-44 Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This
applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.) The
grades are molded on the sidewalls of most passenger
car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system does
not apply to deep tread, winter
-type snow tires,
space
-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited
-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to Federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction -- AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight
-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

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6-60
Fuses Usage
SWC ACCY Steering Wheel Radio
Control Switches
HAZARD Turn Signal Switch
RR PWR SCKT Rear Electric Accessory
Plug Housing
DRL Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Control Module
LH T/LP Not Used
RR DEFOG Rear Window Defogger Relay,
Heated Mirrors
FRT PWR SCKT Front Electric Accessory Plug
Housing
SIR Inflatable Restraint
Control Module
FRT HVAC
LOW/MED
BLWRHeater
-A/C Control
MALL/RADIO/
DICBCM, Driver Information Display,
Rear Seat Audio, ELC Sensor
and Relay
STOP LAMP Stoplamp SwitchFuses Usage
ABS MOD
BATTElectronic Brake Control
Module/Electronic Brake Traction
Control Module (EBCM/EBTCM)
CAN VENT
SOLEvaporative Emissions (EVAP)
Canister Vent Solonoid Valve
ELC Electronic Level Control (ELC)
Air Compressor and ELC Relay,
Trailer Harness
CTSY LAMP BCM
IGN 1 BCM, Electronic Brake Control
Indicator Lamp Driver Module,
Instrument Panel Cluster, Rear
Side Door Actuator Control
Module, Rear Window
Wiper/Washer and Multifunction
Switch (Fog Lamp
Switch/Traction Control Switch)
and Stoplamp/Torque Converter
Clutch (TCC) Switch
RR WPR WSHR Rear Window Wiper Motor, Rear
Window Wiper/Washer and
Multifunction Switch (Rear
Window Wiper/Washer Switch)

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6-61
Fuses Usage
LH HEADLP
LOWNot Used
LH HEADLP
HIGHNot Used
ABS/TCS IGN Electronic Brake Control
Module/Electronic Brake Traction
Control Module (EBCM/EBTCM)
ABS SOL LH and RH Front Brake
Solenoid Valve
HVAC/DRL Air Inlet Actuator, DRL Control
Module, Heater
-A/C Control,
Temperature Door Actuator
(Front) and Rear Window
Defogger Relay
BCM PRGRM Body Control Module (BCM)
RH HEADLP
LOWNot Used
RH HEADLP
HIGHNot Used
PCM IGN MAIN Relay and PCMUnderhood Fuse and Relay Center
This fuse and relay center is located in the engine
compartment, in front of the windshield washer
fluid reservoir.
The fuses marked spare are available if a replacement
fuse is needed.
To remove the cover, turn the knob clockwise and lift up
on the remote positive (+) battery terminal cover.
Remove the cover.

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9-6
Inspections (Continued)
Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and Heater Hose 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light Intensity Control 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switchbank 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Override Switch 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key in the Ignition 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry System 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery Replacement 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Alarm 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote All Door Lock 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Driver's Door and All Door Unlock 2-8 . . . . . . . . .
Remote Lock Confirmation 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Unlock Confirmation 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resynchronizing 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification/Tire 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps
Cargo 2
-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Illumination 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Last Door Closed Locking 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention 2-16 . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-49 . . . . . . .
Liftgate 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-40, 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-91, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-90, 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Indicator 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine 2-95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Ajar 2-100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Temperature Warning 2-93 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning 2-94, 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Fuel Warning 2-101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Oil Level 2-99, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Traction 2-93, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .