2007 SATURN SKY traction control

If this message turns on while you are driving, pull
off the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off
and then back on. If this message still stays on or
turns back on again while you are driving, your
vehicle needs service. Have the ESC inspected by
your retailer as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction Control
System (TCS), this message displays and a chime
sounds when the system is not functioning
properly. The ESC/TCS light also appears on the
instrument panel cluster. This light stays on
solid as long as the detected problem remains
present. When this message displays, the system
is not working. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 199
andElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light (2.0L Engine Only) on page 136for more
information. Have the TCS serviced by your
retailer as soon as possible.
TRACTION OFF
If your vehicle has the Traction Control
System (TCS), this message displays and the
ESC/TCS light on the instrument panel cluster
comes on solid when the TCS is turned off. Adjust
your driving accordingly. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 199andElectronic Stability
Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light (2.0L Engine Only)
on page 136for more information.
TRUNK AJAR
This message displays when the trunk lid is not
closed completely. Make sure that the trunk
lid is closed completely. SeeTrunk on page 68
andTrunk Ajar Light on page 142.
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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 192. 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
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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. For more information, seeDefensive
Driving on page 192.
Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
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
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
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Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle.... 192
Defensive Driving...................................... 192
Drunken Driving........................................ 193
Control of a Vehicle.................................. 196
Braking...................................................... 196
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................. 197
Braking in Emergencies............................. 199
Traction Control System (TCS).................. 199
Limited-Slip Rear Axle............................... 200
Electronic Stability Control......................... 201
Steering.................................................... 203
Off-Road Recovery.................................... 206
Passing..................................................... 206
Loss of Control.......................................... 208
Driving at Night......................................... 209
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads............ 210City Driving............................................... 213
Freeway Driving........................................ 214
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.................. 215
Highway Hypnosis..................................... 216
Hill and Mountain Roads........................... 216
Winter Driving........................................... 218
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow ................................. 224
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out........... 225
Loading Your Vehicle................................ 225
Towing........................................................ 230
Towing Your Vehicle ................................. 230
Recreational Vehicle Towing...................... 230
Towing a Trailer........................................ 230
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
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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 199and
Electronic Stability Control on page 201.
Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 233.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 134.
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.
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Remember: ABS does not change the time you
need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or
always decrease stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you, you will not have
time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly
slows or stops. Always leave enough room up
ahead to stop, even though you have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may
hear the anti-lock pump or motor operate, and feel
the brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you
more than even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a traction control
system called TCS that limits wheel spin. This
is especially useful in slippery road conditions.The system operates only if it senses that the rear
wheels are spinning too much or are beginning
to lose traction. When this happens, the system
works the rear brakes and reduces engine
power (by closing the throttle and managing
engine spark) to limit wheel spin.
This light will ash
when your traction
control system is
limiting wheel spin.
You may feel or hear
the system working,
but this is normal.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light
(2.0L Engine Only) on page 136for more
information.
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.
SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 111.
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When the system is on,
this warning light will
come on and stay on to
let you know if there
is a problem.
When this light is on solid and either the SERVICE
TRACTION or TRACTION OFF message is
displayed, the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 147.
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. You can turn
the traction control system off if you ever need to.
To turn the system off,
press and release this
button located on
the console.Press the traction control system button again to
turn the system back on. The DIC will display
the appropriate message when you press
the button.
Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 233for more information.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Your vehicle may have a limited-slip rear
differential which provides maximum power and
performance. It is designed to give you additional
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It
works like a standard axle most of the time, but
when one of the rear wheels has no traction
and the other does, this feature will allow
the wheel with traction to move the vehicle.
During a sudden shift, such as shifting from
FIRST (1) to SECOND (2) gear at low engine
speeds or suddenly applying the clutch, you may
feel or hear a clunking or rattling noise. This is
normal.
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Electronic Stability Control
Your vehicle may be equipped with an Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system which combines
antilock brake, traction and stability control
systems and helps the driver maintain directional
control of the vehicle in most driving conditions.
When you rst start your vehicle and begin to drive
away, the system performs several diagnostic
checks to ensure there are no problems. You may
hear or feel the system working. This is normal
and does not mean there is a problem with
your vehicle. The system should initialize before
the vehicle reaches 20 mph (32 km/h). In
some cases, it may take approximately two miles
of driving before the system initializes.
If the system fails to turn on or activate, the
ESC/TCS light will be on solid, and the ESC
OFF or SERVICE ESC message will be displayed.
For more information, seeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 144andElectronic Stability
Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light (2.0L Engine Only)
on page 136.This light is located
on the instrument
panel cluster.
It will ash when the ESC system is both on and
activated. You may also feel or hear the system
working; this is normal.
When the light is on solid and either the SERVICE
ESC or ESC OFF message is displayed, the
system will not assist the driver maintain
directional control of the vehicle. Adjust your
driving accordingly. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 147.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light
(2.0L Engine Only) on page 136for more
information.
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The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system
automatically comes on whenever you start your
vehicle. To assist the driver with vehicle directional
control, especially in slippery road conditions,
you should always leave the system on. You can
turn ESC off if you ever need to.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the system
begins to assist the driver maintain directional
control of the vehicle, the ESC/TCS light will ash
and the cruise control will automatically disengage.
When road conditions allow you to use cruise
again, you may re-engage the cruise control.
SeeCruise Control on page 115.
The ESC/TCS button
is located on the
instrument panel.
The traction control system can be turned off
or back on by pressing the ESC/TCS button.
To disable both traction control and ESC, press
and hold the button briey.When the ESC system is turned off, the ESC OFF
message will rst appear, then the TRACTION
OFF message and the ESC/TCS light will be
on solid to warn the driver that both traction control
and ESC are disabled.
It is recommended to leave the system on for
normal driving conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn the system off if your vehicle is stuck
in sand, mud, ice or snow, and you want to “rock”
your vehicle to attempt to free it. SeeIf Your
Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 224. Also, see “Competitive Driving Mode”
later in this section.
ESC may also turn off automatically if it determines
that a problem exists with the system. The ESC
OFF and SERVICE ESC messages and the
ESC/TCS light will be on solid to warn the driver
that ESC is disabled and requires service. If
the problem does not clear itself after restarting
the vehicle, you should see your retailer for
service. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 147for more information.
Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 233for more information.
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