traction control CHEVROLET CITY EXPRESS 2015 User Guide

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet City Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
7707496) - 2015 - CRC - 11/26/14
Driving and Operating 9-53. Turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control Skidding There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems: .
Braking Skid — wheels are not
rolling. .
Steering or Cornering Skid —
too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. .
Acceleration Skid — too much
throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible. If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions: .
Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go.
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs. .
Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues — such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface — and slow
down when you have any doubt. .
Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide. Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Driving on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep ‐ standing or flowing water.
{ WarningWet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
(Continued)

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet City Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
7707496) - 2015 - CRC - 11/26/14
Driving and Operating 9-7.
Stay in your own lane. Do not
swing wide or cut across the
center of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in your
own lane. .
Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(stalled car, accident). .
Pay attention to special road
signs (falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Winter Driving Driving on Snow or Ice Drive carefully when there is snow
or ice between the tires and the
road, creating less traction or grip.
Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32°
F) when freezing rain begins to fall,
resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated with salt
or sand. Drive with caution, whatever the
condition. Accelerate gently so
traction is not lost. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick, so there is even less
traction.
Traction Control should be turned
on. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-25 .
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops on slippery roads, but
apply the brakes sooner than when
on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) on page 9-22 .
Allow greater following distance on
any slippery road 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 on slippery
surfaces.
Blizzard Conditions Being stuck in snow can be a
serious situation. Stay with the
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program on page 13-5 .
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
(Continued)

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet City Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
7707496) - 2015 - CRC - 11/26/14
9-8 Driving and Operating Warning (Continued)cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow: .
Clear away snow from around
the base of your vehicle,
especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe. .
Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does
not collect there. .
Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the side of the
vehicle 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 a setting that
circulates the air inside the
(Continued) Warning (Continued) vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
“ Climate Control Systems. ”
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9-17 .
To save fuel, run the engine for only
short periods as needed to warm
the vehicle and then shut the engine
off and close the window most of
the way to save heat. Repeat this
until help arrives but only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the
cold. Moving about to keep warm
also helps.
If it takes some time for help to
arrive, now and then when you run
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
on page 9-25 .
{ WarningIf 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).

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet City Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
7707496) - 2015 - CRC - 11/26/14
Driving and Operating 9-9Rocking 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 Towing the Vehicle on
page 10-59 . 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 show
how much weight it may
properly carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certification 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
(Continued) Warning (Continued)
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
shorten the life of the vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information
Label
Label Example
A vehicle specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the vehicle's center

Black plate (25,1)Chevrolet City Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
7707496) - 2015 - CRC - 11/26/14
Driving and Operating 9-252. Pull the parking brake handle up
until you can press the release
button.
3. Hold the release button in as
you move the brake handle all
the way down.
{ CautionDriving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Parking Brake Break-in
Break-in the brake shoes whenever
the effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the brake
shoes and/or drums are replaced, in
order to assure the best brake
performance. This procedure can be
performed at the dealer. Ride Control Systems Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control System Operation The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and Electronic
Stability Control, an electronic
stability control system. These
systems use various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle
motion. Under certain driving
conditions, the TCS and Electronic
Stability Control systems help to
perform the following functions: .
Control brake pressure to reduce
wheel slip on one slipping drive
wheel so power is transferred to
a non – slipping drive wheel on
the same axle. .
Control brake pressure and
engine output to reduce drive
wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function). .
Control brake pressure at
individual wheels and engine
output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the
following conditions:
‐ Understeer (vehicle tends to
not follow the steered path
despite increased steering
input)
‐ Oversteer (vehicle tends to
spin due to certain road or
driving conditions)
TCS and Electronic Stability Control
can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but cannot
prevent loss of vehicle control in all
driving situations.
When the TCS and Electronic
Stability Control systems operate,
the
d indicator in the instrument
cluster flashes to note the following: .
The road may be slippery or the
system may determine some
action is required to help keep
the vehicle on the steered path.

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet City Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
7707496) - 2015 - CRC - 11/26/14
9-26 Driving and Operating .
You may feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from under the hood.
This is normal and indicates that
the traction control system is
working properly. .
Adjust your speed and driving to
the road conditions.
See Traction Control System (TCS)/
Electronic Stability Control Light on
page 5-16 and Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) Off Light on
page 5-16 .
If a malfunction occurs in the
systems, the
d indicator comes on
in the instrument cluster. The TCS
and Electronic Stability Control
systems automatically turn off when
the indicator light is on. Turning the Systems Off
and On
The TCS/Electronic Stability Control
button is on the instrument panel, to
the left of the steering wheel.
{ CautionDo not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off TCS and Electronic
Stability Control, press and release
the
g button. The Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) Off Light
gcomes on and stays on in the
instrument cluster. To turn TCS and Electronic Stability
Control on again, press and release
the
g button. The Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) Off Light
gdisplayed in the instrument cluster
will turn off.
When the TCS/Electronic Stability
Control button is used to turn off the
systems, the TCS system still
operates to prevent one drive wheel
from slipping by transferring power
to a non – slipping drive wheel. The
d indicator flashes if this occurs. All
other functions are off and the
d indicator will not flash.
The TCS and Electronic Stability
Control systems are automatically
reset to on when the ignition is
placed in the OFF position then
back to the ON position.
The systems have a built in
diagnostic feature that test the
systems each time the engine is
started and the vehicle moved
forward or in reverse at a slow
speed. When the test occurs a clunk

Black plate (27,1)Chevrolet City Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
7707496) - 2015 - CRC - 11/26/14
Driving and Operating 9-27noise may be heard and/or a
pulsation in the brake pedal may be
felt. This is normal and is not an
indication of a malfunction.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10-3 .
{ Warning .
The Traction Control System
(TCS) and Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system are
designed to help the driver
maintain stability but do not
prevent accidents due to
abrupt steering operation at
high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially
careful when driving and
cornering on slippery
surfaces and always drive
carefully.
(Continued) Warning (Continued) .
Do not modify the vehicle ’ s
suspension. If suspension
parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs,
stabilizer bars, bushings, and
wheels are not recommended
for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the
TCS and ESC systems may
not operate properly. This
could adversely affect vehicle
handling performance, and
the
d indicator may flash or
the
d indicator light may
illuminate. .
If brake related parts such as
brake pads, rotors, and
calipers are not
recommended or are
extremely deteriorated, the
TCS and ESC systems may
(Continued) Warning (Continued) not operate properly and the
d indicator light may
illuminate. .
If engine control related parts
are not recommended or are
extremely deteriorated, the
d indicator light may illuminate. .
When driving on extremely
inclined surfaces such as
higher banked corners, the
TCS and ESC systems may
not operate properly and the
d indicator may flash or the
d indicator light may
illuminate. Do not drive on
these types of roads. .
When driving on an unstable
surface such as a turntable,
ferry, elevator, or ramp, the
d indicator may flash or the
d indicator light may illuminate.
(Continued)

Black plate (28,1)Chevrolet City Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
7707496) - 2015 - CRC - 11/26/14
9-28 Driving and Operating Warning (Continued) This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine after
driving onto a stable surface. .
If wheels or tires other than
the recommended ones are
used, the TCS and ESC
systems may not operate
properly and the
d indicator
may flash or the
d indicator
light may illuminate. .
The TCS and ESC systems
are not a substitute for winter
tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road. Cruise Control
{ WarningCruise 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.
If equipped with cruise control, a
speed of about 48 km/h (30 mph) or
more can be maintained without
keeping your foot on the
accelerator. Cruise control does not
work at speeds below about
48 km/h (30 mph).
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages. CRUISE ON/OFF: Press to turn
cruise control on or off. The white
indicator comes on in the instrument
cluster when cruise control is
turned on.
ACCEL/RES (Accelerate/
Resume): If there is a set speed in
memory, press briefly to resume to a
previously set speed, or press and
hold to accelerate. If cruise control
is already active, use to increase
vehicle speed.

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet City Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
7707496) - 2015 - CRC - 11/26/14
Vehicle Care 10-3
Accessories and
Modifications Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 3-29 .
{ WarningAny modifications or alterations of
this vehicle may affect the safety
of the vehicle which may result in
a collision, serious personal injury
or death.
Modifications made to this vehicle
by conversion companies or
dealers may affect the final
certification of the engine, vehicle,
or equipment. The conversion
company or dealer has the
responsibility to certify that the
altered vehicle and equipment
complies or continues to comply
with all applicable motor vehicle
safety standards and emissions
(Continued) Warning (Continued) regulations. The conversion
company or dealer is responsible
for making sure the modifications
or installed equipment does not
affect the safety of the vehicle.
GM does not assume the
responsibility as the final stage
manufacturer for modified or
altered vehicles. GM is not
responsible for the final
certification, product liability
claims, or warranty claims,
resulting from any component,
assembly, or system being
altered. GM is not responsible for
modifications which cause the
vehicle to become non-compliant
with any of the motor vehicle
safety standards, emissions
regulations, or modifications that
cause the vehicle to be or
become defective or unsafe.
(Continued)

Black plate (41,1)Chevrolet City Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
7707496) - 2015 - CRC - 11/26/14
Vehicle Care 10-41
When It Is Time for New
Tires Factors such as maintenance,
temperatures, driving speeds,
vehicle loading, and road conditions
affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to
tell when it is time for new tires.
Treadwear indicators appear when
the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in)
or less of tread remaining. See Tire
Inspection on page 10-39 and Tire
Rotation on page 10-39 . The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies to the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading
conditions, and inflation pressure
maintenance affect how fast aging
takes place. GM recommends that
tires, including the spare if
equipped, be replaced after six
years, regardless of tread wear. The
tire manufacture date is the last four
digits of the DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN) which is molded into
one side of the tire sidewall. The
first two digits represent the week
(01 – 52) and the last two digits, the
year. For example, the third week of
the year 2010 would have a
four-digit DOT date of 0310.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally
mounted on a parked vehicle. Park
a vehicle that will be stored for at
least a month in a cool, dry, clean
area away from direct sunlight to
slow aging. This area should be free of grease, gasoline, or other
substances that can deteriorate
rubber.
Parking for an extended period can
cause flat spots on the tires that
may result in vibrations while
driving. When storing a vehicle for
at least a month, remove the tires or
raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.
Buying New Tires The original equipment tires
installed were designed with
requirements to specifically
match the vehicle.
Over a dozen critical
specifications that impact the
overall performance of the
vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring
performance were considered.