2007 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX traction control

SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the Traction Control
System (TCS), this message displays when the
system is not functioning properly. A warning light
also appears on the instrument panel cluster.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light
on page 178orEnhanced Traction System
Warning Light on page 179. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 292for more information.
Have the TCS serviced by your dealer as soon as
possible.This message displays only while the ignition is in
RUN. A chime sounds for two seconds while
this message is displayed. Press the set/reset
button to acknowledge this message and to clear
it from the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not
been acknowledged when the engine is turned off.
It also re-displays for three seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the
condition still exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message
re-appears when the engine is turned on.
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STABILITY CONTROL ACTIVE
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the StabiliTrak
®Plus system,
this message displays when the system is
engaged and actively assisting the driver with
directional control of the vehicle. Slippery
road conditions may exist when this warning
message is displayed, so driving should be
adjusted accordingly. STABILITY CONTROL
ACTIVE also appears in the Head-Up
Display (HUD), if your vehicle has this feature.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
RUN. This message stays on until road conditions
change and StabiliTrak
®Plus is not active.
This message cannot be acknowledged and
cleared from the screen.
STABILITY CONTROL OFF
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the StabiliTrak
®Plus system,
this message displays when the system turns off.
This message displays only while the ignition
is in RUN. A chime sounds once and the message
stays on for three seconds and then disappears.
A warning light indicating that this system is
deactivated also appears on the instrument panel
cluster. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light on page 178orEnhanced Traction
System Warning Light on page 179.
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TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the Traction Control System
(TCS), this message displays when the system is
on. TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE also
appears in the Head-Up Display (HUD), if your
vehicle has this feature.
This message only displays while the ignition is in
RUN and will not disappear until driving
conditions change and the TCS is no longer
active.
This message cannot be acknowledged or cleared
from the screen.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the Traction Control System
(TCS), this message displays when the TCS turns
off. TRACTION CONTROL OFF also appears
in the Head-Up Display (HUD), if your vehicle has
this feature. This message only displays while
the ignition is in RUN and disappears after
three seconds. A chime sounds once and the
message stays on for three seconds and
then disappears. A warning light indicating that
this system is deactivated also appears on
the instrument panel cluster. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) Warning Light on page 178or
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light
on page 179.
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Any of the following conditions may cause the
TCS to turn off:
The TCS is turned off by pressing the
TC (traction control) button located on
the center console. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 292orEnhanced
Traction System (ETS) on page 293for more
information.
The battery is low.
There is a TCS failure. See your dealer for
service.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays if the vehicle is driven for
more than 0.75 mile (1.21 km) while one of
the turn signals are on. It appears as a reminder
to turn off the turn signal.
This message only displays when the ignition is in
RUN. A chime sounds for two seconds and the
message will not disappear until the turn signal is
manually turned off, or a turn is completed.
DIC Vehicle Customization
Your vehicle may have customization capabilities
that allow you to program certain features to
one preferred setting. Customization features can
only be programmed to one setting on the
vehicle and cannot be programmed to a preferred
setting for two different drivers.
All of the customization options may not be
available on your vehicle. Only the options
available will be displayed on your DIC.
The default settings for the customization features
were set when your vehicle left the factory, but
may have been changed from their default
state since then. The customization preferences
are automatically recalled.
To change customization preferences, use the
following procedure.
226

Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then
read the pages following to familiarize yourself
with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a
safer driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on
page 284. By taking a few moments to read this
manual and get familiar with your vehicle’s
audio system, you can use it with less effort, as
well as take advantage of its features. While your
vehicle is parked, set up your audio system by
presetting your favorite radio stations, setting the
tone, and adjusting the speakers. Then, when
driving conditions permit, you can tune to
your favorite stations using the presets and
steering wheel controls if the vehicle has them.{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and
you or others can be injured or killed.
Always keep your eyes on the road and
your mind on the drive — avoid engaging
in extended searching while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for
safe driving. Here are some ways in which you can
help avoid distraction while driving.
233

Your Driving, the Road, and Your
Vehicle..................................................... 284
Defensive Driving...................................... 284
Drunken Driving........................................ 285
Control of a Vehicle.................................. 288
Braking...................................................... 288
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................. 289
Braking in Emergencies............................. 291
Traction Control System (TCS).................. 292
Enhanced Traction System (ETS).............. 293
StabiliTrak
®Plus System........................... 295
Steering.................................................... 296
Off-Road Recovery.................................... 299
Passing..................................................... 299
Loss of Control.......................................... 301
Driving at Night......................................... 302Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads............ 303
City Driving............................................... 306
Freeway Driving........................................ 307
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.................. 308
Highway Hypnosis..................................... 309
Hill and Mountain Roads........................... 309
Winter Driving........................................... 311
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.......................................... 316
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out........... 316
Loading Your Vehicle................................ 317
Towing........................................................ 322
Towing Your Vehicle ................................. 322
Recreational Vehicle Towing...................... 322
Towing a Trailer........................................ 324
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
283

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 292and
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 293.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 336.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 176.
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.
288

Traction Control System (TCS)
If the vehicle has the 3800 Supercharged V6
engine or the 5.3L V8 engine, it has a Traction
Control System (TCS) 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 works the front brakes and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
This symbol, along with
the TRACTION
CONTROL ACTIVE
message, comes on the
DIC screen when the
system is active.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.When the traction control system is not working,
one of these symbols will come on the instrument
panel cluster.
This symbol is located
on the instrument panel
cluster.
This symbol, along with the message TRACTION
CONTROL OFF will display in the DIC for
three seconds when the traction control system
is disabled.
292