traction control BUICK RAINIER 2007 Owner's Manual

With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of
about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without
keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can
really help on long trips. Cruise control does not
work at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
If you apply the brakes, the cruise control shuts off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady speed.
So, do not use your 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.
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when
you are not using cruise, you might hit a
button and go into cruise when you do
not want to. You could be startled and
even lose control. Keep the cruise control
switch off until you want to use
cruise control.
Setting Cruise Control
1. Move the cruise control switch to on.
2. Get up to the speed you want.
3. Press the set button at the end of the lever
and release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The accelerator pedal will not go down.
160

StabiliTrak®Service Light
This light will come on
briey when the engine
is started.
This light will come on if a problem is detected in
the StabiliTrak
®system.
For more information seeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 289.
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
This warning light
should come on briey
when the engine is
started.
During most driving conditions, this light will not
come on. If the StabiliTrak
®System is actively
controlling the stability and/or traction of the
vehicle, this light will ash. This is normal.
This light will come on if any portion of the system
has been manually turned off or a problem is
detected in the system.
If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center, a
message will appear also, seeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 202andStabiliTrak
®
System on page 289for more information.
188

SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
This message displays if a part on the Tire
Pressure Monitor (TPM) system is not working
properly. If you drive your vehicle while any of the
four sensors are missing or inoperable, the
warning comes on in about 20 minutes. A sensor
would be missing, for example, if you put
different wheels on your vehicle without
transferring the sensors. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the
TPM. See your dealer.
STABILITRAK ACTIVE
This message displays anytime the StabiliTrak®
system activates to maintain vehicle stability.
Any combination of engine speed management,
brake traction control, and stability control displays
this message.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
This message may display if driving conditions
delay StabiliTrak®system initialization. This
is normal. Once the system initializes, this
message will no longer be displayed on the DIC.
STABILITRAK OFF
This message displays when you press the
StabiliTrak®button for more than ve seconds or
when stability control has been automatically
disabled. The StabiliTrak
®button is located on the
transmission shift handle. To limit wheel spin
and realize the full benets of the stability
enhancement system, you should normally leave
StabiliTrak
®on. However, you should turn
StabiliTrak®off if your vehicle gets stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow and you want to rock your
vehicle to attempt to free it, or if you are driving in
extreme off-road conditions and require more
wheel spin. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 329. To turn the
StabiliTrak
®system back on, press the
StabiliTrak®button again.
The message may display if the brake system
warning light is on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 186.
The message turns off as soon as the conditions
that caused the message to be displayed are
no longer present.
207

TIGHTEN FUEL CAP
This message may display and a chime may sound
if the vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened properly.
Fully reinstall the fuel cap. SeeFilling the Tank on
page 361. The diagnostic system can determine if
the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed.
A loose or missing fuel cap allows fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere. This message remains on until
it is acknowledged and cleared from the DIC display
by pressing any of the DIC buttons or the trip stem.
The DIC message is also cancelled if the ignition is
turned off.
The DIC message and the Service Engine Soon
light may come on again during a second trip if the
fuel cap is still not tightened properly. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 190for more
information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when you momentarily
press the StabiliTrak®button located on the
transmission shift handle. In this mode, stability
control and the brake-traction control are
functional. Engine speed management will be
modied and the driven wheels can spin more
freely. For more details on this mode, see
StabiliTrak
®System on page 289.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime sounds if a
turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km).
Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the off
position. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the
trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear
it from the DIC display.
DIC Vehicle Customization
Your vehicle may have customization capabilities
that allow you to program some features to
one setting based on your preference. All of the
customizable options listed may not be available
on your vehicle. Only the options available display
on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
208

If U.S. (ENGLISH) is chosen, all information will
be displayed in English units. For example,
distance will be displayed in miles (mi) and fuel
economy in miles per gallon (MPG). If METRIC
(km/L) is chosen, all information will be displayed
in metric units. For example, distance will be
displayed in kilometers (km) and fuel economy in
kilometers per liter (km/L). If METRIC (L/100 km)
is chosen, all information will be displayed in metric
units. For example, distance will be displayed in
kilometers (km) and fuel economy in liters per
100 kilometers (L/100 km).
Choose one of the available options and press the
customization button while it is displayed on the
DIC to select it and exit out of the customizable
options.
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 282. By taking a few moments to read this
manual and get familiar with your vehicle’saudio 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 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. Here are some ways in which you can
help avoid distraction while driving.
215

Radio Display Message Condition Action Required
Not Found No channel available for
the chosen categoryThere are no channels available for the selected category.
The system is working properly.
XM Lock Theft lock active The XM™ receiver in your vehicle may have previously
been in another vehicle. For security purposes, XM™
receivers cannot be swapped between vehicles. If this
message is received after having your vehicle serviced,
check with your dealer.
Radio ID Radio ID label
(channel 0)If tuned to channel 0, this message will alternate with the
XM™ Radio eight digit radio ID label. This label is needed
to activate the service.
Unknown Radio ID not known
(should only be if
hardware failure)If this message is received when tuned to channel 0, there
could be a receiver fault. Consult with your dealer.
Check XM Hardware failure If this message does not clear within a short period of time,
the receiver could have a fault. Consult with your dealer.
Navigation/Radio System
Your vehicle may have a navigation radio system.
The navigation system has built-in features
intended to minimize driver distraction. Technology
alone, no matter how advanced, can never
replace your own judgment. See the Navigation
System manual for some tips to help you
reduce distractions while driving.
Rear Seat Entertainment System
Your vehicle may have a DVD Rear Seat
Entertainment (RSE) system. The RSE system
includes a DVD player, a video display screen,
two sets of wireless headphones, and a remote
control.
260

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 feel the brakes vibrate, or you may notice
some noise, 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.
Locking Rear Axle
Your vehicle may have this feature. A locking rear
axle can 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.
StabiliTrak®System
Your vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak®,
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) which combines
antilock brake, traction and stability control
systems and helps the driver maintain directional
control of the vehicle in most driving conditions.
Traction control activates when the controller
senses wheel spin. StabiliTrak
®will selectively
apply the brakes and reduce engine torque to help
regain traction.
Stability control activates when the controller
senses a discrepancy between your intended
path and the direction the vehicle is travelling.
StabiliTrak
®selectively applies braking pressure at
any one of the vehicle’s brakes to help guide
the vehicle in the direction which you are steering.
289

When you rst start your vehicle and begin to drive
away, the system performs several diagnostic
checks to insure 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.
If driving conditions delay system initialization, the
STABILITRAK NOT READY message may be
displayed. If this is the case, your vehicle does not
need servicing.
For more information on the stability messages,
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 202.
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.
You may also feel or hear the system 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. 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.
290

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 modied 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.
StabiliTrak®Off
In this mode, both stability control and part of the
traction control system are disabled. Your vehicle
will still have brake-traction control, but will not be
able to use the engine speed management system.
You may still hear system noises 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 your vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud, ice or snow, and you may want to “rock” your
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 329for more
information.
291

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).
Solid Traction Control Off Solid Off Traction Control Off Mode
Solid StabiliTrak
®Off Solid OffStabiliTrak
®Off Mode
(StabiliTrak®indicator light
will ash when system rst
enters this mode).
Blinking StabiliTrak
®Active Blinking OffStabiliTrak
®system
activates using engine
speed management, brake
traction control, and/or
stability control.
Solid Service StabiliTrak
®Solid SolidStabiliTrak
®system
is disabled due to a
system fault.
SolidStabiliTrak
®
Not ReadySolid OffStabiliTrak
®system is
disabled due to a failure
to initialize.
292