ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
SYSTEMS (STABILITRAK)
DRIVER OPERATED
TRACTION CONTROL BUTTON
Q. How do I use StabiliTrak?
A. StabiliTrak operates independently of the driver.
You should continue to drive your StabiliTrak equipped
vehicle with caution and care. GM’s StabiliTrak system,
StabiliTrak is designed to be as seamless as possible in
operation, and part of the overall vehicle response to
make a good vehicle better
Q. How does StabiliTrak work?
A. StabiliTrak has the ability to apply control forces to
the vehicle independent of the driver.
StabiliTrak uses
sensors to continuously compare the path indicated by
the steering wheel position to the vehicle’s actual path.
If a discrepancy is detected, StabiliTrak selectively
controls vehicle brakes and engine torque to create
a yaw moment that helps restore the vehicle’s actual
path to the path indicated by the steering wheel
position. StabiliTrak has the ability to help correct both
understeer (where the vehicle is not turning as much
as the steering wheel position indicates) and oversteer
(where the vehicle is turning more than the steering
wheel position indicates).
Q. Will a tire change aect StabiliTrak?
A. Use of tires other than original equipment may
aect StabiliTrak performance.
StabiliTrak is designed
to make the best use of available traction. The
performance characteristics of the original equipment
tires are part of the overall system effectiveness.
When you replace tires check the recommendations
in your owner's manual. On GM vehicles, the original
equipment tires have a “TPC” (Tire Performance
Criteria) code on the sidewall. Replacing the tires
with the same “TPC” code will help assure proper
StabiliTrak performance.
An advanced computer controlled stability
enhancement system assists the driver with directional
control of the vehicle in dicult driving conditions. Each
time the vehicle is started, the StabiliTrak system is
fully on. Stabilitrak can be controlled by a Traction
Control Button. The condition system is displayed by
a StabiliTrak indicator light and Driver Information
Center (DIC) Message. Push once to disable Traction
Control. Push and hold to disable both Traction
Control and StabiliTrak. In this condition, StabiliTrak
will automatically turn ON when the vehicle speed
exceeds 35 mph (56km/hr) while the Traction Control
remains OFF. Push again to enable Traction Control
and StabiliTrak.
StabiliTrak systems help drivers maintain control of their vehicles, especially during
emergency lane changes or avoidance maneuvers. StabiliTrak uses various sensors, such
as steering wheel angle, wheel speed, yaw velocity, etc., to detect any difference between
the path requested by the steering wheel position and vehicle’s actual path. When
appropriate, the system selectively controls brakes, engine power, and even suspension
settings to enhance control of the vehicle’s direction and help keep it on course.
Independent studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and others have found StabiliTrak to be highly
reactive in reducing vehicle crashes. General Motors offers StabiliTrak systems on many of
its passenger car and light truck models.
See your owner's manual for additional information about the operation of StabiliTrak.
