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StabiliTrak Off
In this mode, both stability control and part of the traction
control system are disabled. The vehicle will still have
brake-traction control, but will not be able to use the
engine speed management system. System noises may
be heard as a result of the brake-traction control coming
on. If the controller detects excessive wheel spin in this
mode, the StabiliTrak indicator light may blink and the
STABILITRAK ACTIVE message may be displayed
to warn the driver that damage may occur to the
transfer case.
It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn
the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice orsnow, and you may want to “rock” the vehicle in an
attempt to free it. It may also be necessary to turn off the
system when driving in extreme off-road conditions
where high wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle
is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-30
for more information.
When the transfer case is in 4LO, the stability system is
automatically disabled. The StabiliTrak light will come
on and the STABILITRAK OFF message will appear on
the DIC. The StabiliTrak system cannot be turned on
until the vehicle is switched to 2HI, 4HI, or 4AWD.
The following chart describes the StabiliTrak system
events and the corresponding messages and lights that
will be displayed on the instrument panel cluster.
Vehicles with a DIC Vehicles without a DIC Event
StabiliTrak
Indicator LightDIC MessageStabiliTrak
Indicator LightStabiliTrak
Service Light—
Off None Off OffStabiliTrak On mode (System is fully
enabled, but is not actively
controlling vehicle stability).
SolidTraction
Control OffSolid Off Traction Control Off Mode
Solid StabiliTrak Off Solid OffStabiliTrak Off Mode (StabiliTrak
indicator light will ash when system
rst enters this mode).
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Vehicles with a DIC Vehicles without a DIC Event
Blinking StabiliTrak Active Blinking OffStabiliTrak system activates using
engine speed management, brake
traction control, and/or stability
control.
SolidService
StabiliTrakSolid SolidStabiliTrak system is disabled due to
a system fault.
SolidStabiliTrak Not
ReadySolid OffStabiliTrak system is disabled due to
a failure to initialize.
Notice:If the StabiliTrak
®light comes on due to
heavy braking and/or because the traction control
system has been continuously active, do not allow
the wheel(s) of one axle to spin excessively. This
could lead to damage to the transfer case and costly
repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice:If the wheel(s) of one axle is allowed to spin
excessively while the StabiliTrak, ABS and brake
warning lights and any relevant DIC messages are
displayed, the transfer case could be damaged. The
repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Reduce engine power and do not spin the wheel(s)
excessively while these lights and messages are
displayed.StabiliTrak may activate on dry or rough roads or under
conditions such as heavy acceleration while turning
or abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the transmission. When
this happens, a reduction in acceleration may be noticed,
or a noise or vibration may be heard. This is normal.
If cruise control is being used when the system activates,
the StabiliTrak light will ash and cruise control will
automatically disengage. Cruise control may be
reengaged when road conditions allow. SeeCruise
Control on page 3-10.
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StabiliTrak will turn off automatically if a problem is
detected in the system. The StabiliTrak light will come
on and SERVICE STABILITRAK will be displayed on
the DIC. For vehicles without a DIC, the StabiliTrak light
and the StabiliTrak service light will both come on. If the
SERVICE STABILITRAK message (or StabiliTrak service
light) does not clear itself after restarting the vehicle, see
your dealer/retailer for service.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect the vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3for more information.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can give more traction
on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but when traction is low,
this feature will allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops
or the system is not functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
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