When the StabiliTrak
system is both on and
actively controlling the
stability of the vehicle, the
StabiliTrak light will blink for
the duration of the event.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working.
This is normal.
The StabiliTrak disable
button is located on the
transmission shift handle.
The StabiliTrak system has three modes of operation:
STABILITRAK ON, TRACTION CONTROL OFF,
and STABILITRAK OFF.
STABILITRAK ON — The vehicle will default to
STABILITRAK ON every time the driver starts the
vehicle. The StabiliTrak light will be off and no DIC
messages will be displayed.TRACTION CONTROL OFF — The driver can modify
the engine speed management system by momentarily
pressing the StabiliTrak button on the transmission shift
handle. The StabiliTrak light will come on and TRACTION
CONTROL OFF will be displayed. Momentarily pressing
the StabiliTrak button again will return the system to the
STABILITRAK ON mode.
STABILITRAK OFF — The driver can turn off StabiliTrak
by pressing the StabiliTrak button for more than
ve seconds. The StabiliTrak light will come on and
STABILITRAK OFF will be displayed. For vehicles
without a DIC, the StabiliTrak indicator light will come
on. Momentarily pressing the StabiliTrak button
again will return the system to the STABILITRAK ON
mode. See StabiliTrak Off below for more information.
Traction Control Off
In this mode, stability control and brake-traction control
are functional. Engine speed management will be
modi ed and the driven wheels can spin more freely.
This can cause the brake-traction control to activate
more frequently. 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.
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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 maybe 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 or
snow, 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 4-20for more
information.
The following chart describes the StabiliTrak system
events and the corresponding messages and lights that
will be displayed on the instrument panel cluster.
StabiliTrak Indicator
Light DIC Message Event
Off NoneStabiliTrak On mode (System is fully enabled, but is not
actively controlling vehicle stability).
Solid Traction Control Off Traction Control Off Mode
Solid StabiliTrak OffStabiliTrak Off Mode (StabiliTrak indicator light will ash
when system rst enters this mode).
Blinking StabiliTrak ActiveStabiliTrak system activates using engine speed
management, brake traction control, and/or stability control.
Solid Service StabiliTrak StabiliTrak system is disabled due to a system fault.
Solid StabiliTrak Not Ready StabiliTrak system is disabled due to a failure to initialize.
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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.
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. If the SERVICE STABILITRAK message 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.
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Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip 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 allows the drive wheel with the
most traction to move the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
With this feature, engine power is sent to all four wheels
at all times. This is like four-wheel drive, but there is
no separate lever or switch to engage or disengage the
front axle. It is fully automatic, and adjusts itself as
needed for road conditions.
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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Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full?
Windows clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires in ated to
recommended pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to travel?
Have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, nd a safe
place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
Keep interior temperature cool.
Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
Check the rearview mirror and vehicle
instruments often.
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