SERVICE CHARG (Charge)
SYS (System)
This message displays if there is a problem
with the battery charging system. Under certain
conditions, the battery warning light may also turn
on in the instrument panel cluster. SeeBattery
Warning Light on page 181. The battery will not be
charging at an optimal rate and the vehicle will
lose the ability to enter the fuel economy mode.
The vehicle is safe to drive, however have
the electrical system checked by your dealer.
Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge
the message and clear it from the display.
SERVICE STAB (Stability)
SYS (System)
This message displays if there is a problem
with the StabiliTrak®system. Have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer. SeeStabiliTrak®System
on page 244for more information.
STAB (Stability) SYS (System) OFF
This message displays when the StabiliTrak®
system is turned off. SeeStabiliTrak®System
on page 244for more information.
TRAC (Traction) OFF
This message along with the traction off light
displays when the Traction Control System (TCS)
is turned off by pressing the TCS button. See
Traction Off Light on page 184andTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 241for more
information.
TRACTION FAILED
This message displays if there is a problem with
the Traction Control System (TCS). Check
the TCS as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced by your dealer. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 241for more
information. Press and release the reset stem to
acknowledge the message and clear it from
the display.
TURN SIGNAL
This message displays when the turn signal is
on for about 0.75 miles (1.2 km) of travel. Press
and release the reset stem to acknowledge
the message and clear it from the display.
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Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your
vehicle go where you want it to go. They are
the brakes, the steering, and the accelerator.
All three systems have to do their work at
the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow
or ice, it is easy to ask more of those control
systems than the tires and road can provide.
That means you can lose control of your vehicle.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 241.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modi cations on page 314.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 182.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake
pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to
bring up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds
or more with another. Age, physical condition,
alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part.
So do alcohol, drugs, and frustration. But even in
three-fourths of a second, a vehicle moving at
60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That
could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so
keeping enough space between your vehicle and
others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary
greatly with the surface of the road, whether it is
pavement or gravel; the condition of the road,
whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the
condition of the brakes; the weight of the vehicle;
and the amount of brake force applied.
238
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic.
This is a mistake. The brakes may not have time to
cool between hard stops. The brakes will wear out
much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you
keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic
following distances, you will eliminate a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means better braking
and longer brake life.
If your vehicle ever loses electrical power while you
are driving, brake normally but do not pump the
brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to push
down. If your vehicle loses electrical power, you will
still have some power brake assist. But you will use
it when you brake. Once the power assist is used
up, it may take longer to stop, the brake pedal will
be harder to push, and you may experience longer
pedal travel.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modi cations on page 314Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking
system that will help prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive
away, ABS will check itself. You may hear a
momentary motor or clicking noise while this
test is going on. This is normal.
If there is a problem
with ABS, this warning
light will stay on.
SeeAnti-Lock Brake
System Warning
Light on page 183.
239
If your vehicle has a Driver information Center
(DIC), a TRACTION FAILED message will appear
when a Traction Control System or Anti-Lock
Brake System problem has been detected and the
vehicle needs service. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 196for more information.
When this message is on, 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.
To turn the system off,
press and hold the TCS
button for ve seconds.This light will come
on steady when the
traction control system
has been turned off.
This light ashes
when TCS is active.
If you press and hold the TC button for
ve seconds, the traction control system will turn
off and a TRAC OFF message will appear on
the DIC. Press the TC button again to turn
the system back on. The TRAC OFF message
will then go off. The traction control system
will reset itself at each ignition cycle.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modi cations on page 314for more information.
242
While driving on a surface with reduced traction,
try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle speed 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 mirrored surface — and slow down when
you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
helps avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
This off-road guide is meant to provide advice
for when you drive your vehicle off paved roads.
Also, seeBraking on page 238.
Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have
some de nite hazards. The greatest of these is
the terrain itself.
“Off-roading” means you have left the great
North American road system behind. Traffic
lanes are not marked. Curves are not banked.There are no road signs. Surfaces can be slippery,
rough, uphill or downhill. In short, you have
gone right back to nature.
Off-road driving involves some new skills. And
that is why it is very important that you read
this guide. You will nd many driving tips and
suggestions. These will help make your off-road
driving safer and more enjoyable.
Before You Go Off-Roading
There are some things to do before you go out.
For example, be sure to have all necessary
maintenance and service work done. Check to
make sure all underbody shields are properly
attached. Make sure any equipment you
may need — rst aid kit, cell phone, ashlight,
etc. — is securely stored in the vehicle.
Be sure you read all the information about your
four-wheel-drive vehicle in this manual. Is
there enough fuel? Is the spare tire fully in ated?
Are the uid levels up where they should be?
What are the local laws that apply to off-roading
where you will be driving? If you do not know, you
should check with law enforcement people in
the area. Will you be on someone’s private land?
If so, be sure to get the necessary permission.
250
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
Notice:If you drive too quickly through deep
puddles or standing water, water can come in
through your engine’s air intake and badly
damage your engine. Never drive through water
that is slightly lower than the underbody of your
vehicle. If you cannot avoid deep puddles or
standing water, drive through them very slowly.
Driving Through Flowing Water
{CAUTION:
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. If you try to drive through owing
water, as you might at a low water
crossing, your vehicle can be carried away.
As little as six inches of owing water
can carry away a smaller vehicle. If this
happens, you and other vehicle occupants
could drown. Do not ignore police warning
signs, and otherwise be very cautious
about trying to drive through owing water.
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, allow some extra
following distance. And be especially
careful when you pass another vehicle.
Allow yourself more clear room ahead, and
be prepared to have your view restricted
by road spray.
Have good tires with proper tread depth.
SeeTires on page 367.
275
City Driving
One of the biggest problems with city streets is
the amount of traffic on them. You will want
to watch out for what the other drivers are doing
and pay attention to traffic signals.Here are ways to increase your safety in city
driving:
Know the best way to get to where you are
going. Get a city map and plan your trip
into an unknown part of the city just as you
would for a cross-country trip.
Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross
most large cities. You will save time and
energy. SeeFreeway Driving on page 277.
Treat a green light as a warning signal.
A traffic light is there because the corner
is busy enough to need it. When a light turns
green, and just before you start to move,
check both ways for vehicles that have not
cleared the intersection or may be running
the red light.
276