2023 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE traction control

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411537) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Driving and Operating 195
.Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode. See
Driver Mode Control0214 and
All-Wheel Drive 0209.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Caution
To avoid damage to the wheels and
brake components, always clear snow and
ice from inside the wheels and
underneath the vehicle before driving.
Snow or ice between the tires and the road
creates less traction or grip, so drive
carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C
(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0212.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0210.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Cold Weather Mode
In very low temperatures, a cold weather
message may display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The engine speed,
transmission shift patterns, and cabin fan
speed may operate differently to enable the
vehicle to warm up quicker. You can
manually override the cabin fan speed in
cold weather mode.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside Assistance. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0 341. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate Control Systems.”
(Continued)

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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196 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust0206.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 212.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
For All-Wheel Drive (AWD), select Off-Road
or AWD mode. See Driver Mode Control
0 214 and
All-Wheel Drive 0209.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and
reverse directions causes a rocking motion
that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be towed out. If the vehicle
does need to be towed out, see
Transporting
a Disabled Vehicle 0313.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how much
weight the vehicle can carry. This
weight is called the vehicle capacity
weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options. Two labels
on the vehicle may show how much
weight it may properly carry, the Tire
and Loading Information label and the
Certification/Tire label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any heavier
than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the maximum
front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change the
way the vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a crash.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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212 Driving and Operating
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 188.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to
accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release
when the accelerator pedal is applied. If the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes, the Electric Parking Brake will
apply. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle. HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively appliesbraking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used and TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit wheel spin,
cruise control will disengage. Cruise control
may be turned back on when road
conditions allow. TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC will
automatically turn on when cruise control
is set.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0196 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 213
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
4. Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and stays on, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC are turned off and
on using the Driver Information Center (DIC)
controls. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base and Midlevel) 0117 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 119 and
Instrument Cluster (Midlevel) 099 or
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel) 0102 or
Instrument Cluster (Base Level) 097 for
instructions on navigating the cluster menus
and selecting items.
Base Cluster
To turn TCS or ESC/StabiliTrak off and on,
access the Traction and Stability display
from the Vehicle menu in the DIC.
The current status of each system is
displayed below to the Traction and Stability
icons. To turn either system off or on, select
Options from the display to access the
Traction and Stability menu screen.
To turn TCS off, select Traction from the
menu. The Traction Off Light
idisplays in
the instrument cluster. See Traction Off Light
0 113.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin, the TCS will not
turn off until the wheels stop spinning.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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214 Driving and Operating
To turn TCS back on, select Options from the
display and then select Traction from
the menu.
To turn StabiliTrak/ESC off, select Options
from the display and then select Stability
from the menu. The StabiliTrak Off Light
g
will display in the instrument cluster. See
StabiliTrak OFF Light0113.
TCS cannot be on when StabiliTrak/ESC is
off. If TCS is on when StabiliTrak/ESC is
turned off, both systems will turn off.
To turn StabiliTrak/ESC back on, select
Options from the display and then select
Stability from the menu. StabiliTrak/ESC will
turn on, but TCS will remain off.
To turn both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC back
on, select Options from the display and then
select Traction from the menu and both
systems will be turned back on.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0258.
Midlevel and Up-Level Cluster
To turn Traction (TCS) or StabiliTrak (ESC) off
and on, access the Traction and Stability
display from the Options application. The current status of each system is
displayed next to the Traction and Stability
icons. To turn either system off or on, select
Menu to access the Traction and Stability
menu screen.
To turn TCS off, select Traction Off from the
menu. The Traction Off Lightidisplays in
the instrument cluster. See Traction Off Light
0 113.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin, the TCS will not
turn off until the wheels stop spinning.
To turn TCS back on, select Traction On from
the menu.
Select Stability from the Traction and
Stability menu to access the Stability Menu.
To turn StabiliTrak/ESC off, select Stability
Off from the menu. The StabiliTrak Off Light
gwill display in the instrument cluster. See
StabiliTrak OFF Light 0113.
TCS cannot be on when StabiliTrak/ESC is
off. If TCS is on when StabiliTrak/ESC is
turned off, both systems will turn off.
To turn StabiliTrak/ESC back on, select
Stability On from the menu. TCS will
remain off. To turn both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC back
on, select Traction On from the Traction and
Stability menu and both systems will be
turned back on.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See
Accessories and
Modifications 0258.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control (DMC) allows the driver
to adjust the overall driving experience to
better suit preference by selecting different
modes. These modes will then adjust
multiple systems to fit the specific driving
needs.
Drive mode availability and affected vehicle
subsystems are dependent upon vehicle trim
level, region, and optional features.
If the vehicle is in Normal Mode or AWD
Mode it will stay in that mode through
future ignition cycles. If the vehicle is in any
other mode, it will return to Normal Mode
when the vehicle is restarted. When each
mode is selected, a unique and persistent
indicator will light on the mode knob.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 215
Driver Mode Control Knob for FWD
Driver Mode Control Knob for AWD
To activate drive modes, turn knob until
desired mode is illuminated.
qNormal Mode (FWD Only) or5Normal Mode (AWD Only)
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD vehicles only) and
Two-Wheel Drive (AWD vehicles only) are for
normal city and highway driving to provide
a smooth ride. These settings provide a
balance between comfort and handling. This
is standard default mode.
4AWD Mode
AWD Mode provides drive torque to all four
wheels. Select AWD Mode to improve
traction and control on slippery surfaces
such as gravel, sand, wet pavement, snow,
and ice. This mode will remain active
through future ignition cycles.
For more information on AWD Mode, see
All-Wheel Drive 0209.
6Snow/Ice Mode
Snow/Ice Mode improves vehicle
acceleration on snow and ice covered roads.
When active, Snow/Ice Mode will adjust
acceleration to optimize traction on slippery
surfaces. This can compromise the
acceleration on dry asphalt. This feature is not intended for use when
the vehicle is stuck in sand mud, ice, snow,
or gravel. If the vehicle becomes stuck, see
If
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0196.
7Off-Road Mode
Use this mode for off-road recreational
driving. Off-Road Mode should be used to
improve driving at moderate speeds, on
grass, gravel, dirt, unpaved roads, or snow
covered roads. The accelerator pedal is tuned
for off-road use and AWD will automatically
be activated.
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
Antilock Brake System (ABS), steering, and
Traction Control System (TCS) will change
for optimal off-road performance. Use this
mode for public off-road recreational driving.
For more information, see Off-Road Driving
0 190.
_Tow/Haul Mode
This mode will automatically activate AWD,
if available. The transmission holds lower
gears longer before shifting to provide more
torque necessary when towing heavy loads.
This will also increase fuel consumption. Use
this mode to assist in maintaining desired
vehicle speeds when driving on downhill
grades by using the engine and transmission

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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216 Driving and Operating
to slow the vehicle. This helps prevent the
brakes from overheating. For more
information, seeTransporting a Disabled
Vehicle 0313.
Automatic Engine Grade Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking assists
when driving downhill. It maintains vehicle
speed by automatically implementing a shift
pattern that uses the engine and the
transmission to slow the vehicle. The system
will automatically command downshifts to
reduce vehicle speed. The normal shift
pattern will return once the vehicle is on a
low grade or when the accelerator pedal is
pressed.
While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Mode, grade braking is deactivated, allowing
the driver to select a range and limiting the
highest gear available. Grade braking is
available for normal driving and in Tow/Haul
Mode. See Automatic Transmission 0207.Cruise Control
{
Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
With cruise control, a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
If the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system begins to limit wheel spin while
using cruise control, the cruise control
automatically disengages. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0212. If a
collision alert occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is disengaged. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0233. When road conditions allow the cruise
control to be safely used, cruise control can
be turned back on.
Turning off the TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC
system will disengage the cruise control.
If the brakes are applied, cruise control
disengages.
J:
Press to turn the system on and off.
A white indicator appears in the instrument
cluster when cruise is turned on.
RES+ : If there is a set speed in memory,
press briefly to resume to that speed or
press and hold to accelerate. If the cruise
control is already active, use to increase
vehicle speed.

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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218 Driving and Operating
downshift in order to use engine braking to
slow the vehicle and maintain the set speed.
Also, you may have to brake or shift to a
lower gear to keep your speed down. If the
brake pedal is applied, cruise control
disengages.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
.PressJ.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
Jis pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control
(Advanced)
If equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC), it allows the driver to select the
cruise control set speed and following gap.
Read this entire section before using this
system. The following gap is the following
time between your vehicle and a vehicle
detected directly ahead in your path,
moving in the same direction. If no vehicle is detected in your path, ACC works like
regular cruise control. ACC uses camera and
radar sensors. See
Radio Frequency
Statement 0346.
If a vehicle is detected in your path, ACC can
apply acceleration or limited, moderate
braking to maintain the selected following
gap. To disengage ACC, apply the brake.
If ACC is controlling your vehicle speed
when the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system activates, the ACC may automatically
disengage. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0212. When road
conditions allow ACC to be safely used, the
ACC can be turned back on.
Disabling the TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC system
will disengage and prevent engagement
of ACC.
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate, especially
when used on expressways, freeways, and
interstate highways. When used on other
roads, you may need to take over the
control of braking or acceleration more
often. ACC automatically slows the vehicle down
while navigating the curve and may increase
speed out of the curve, but will not exceed
the set speed.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and may
not have time to slow the vehicle down
enough to avoid a collision with another
vehicle you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or stop
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver”
in this section.
Complete attention is always required
while driving and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0188.