traction control CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2002 5.G Owners Manual

2-40
Running Your Engine While You're
Parked (Automatic Transmission)
It's better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier Caution under
ªEngine Exhaust.º
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even
if the fan is at the highest setting. One place
this can happen is a garage. Exhaust
-- with
CO
-- can come in easily. NEVER park in a
garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
See ªBlizzardº in the Index.
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you've left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won't
move. See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Your limited-slip 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.

2-46
Cruise Control
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).
When using cruise control, the accelerator pedal will
return to its fully
-released position and will not move
while cruise control is engaged.The Driver Information Center (DIC) will display the
cruise set speed in a digital number. For example,
the DIC will say CRUISE SET 60 mph (97 km/h).
The cruise set speed and the speedometer indicated
speed may not always be exactly the same. When you
apply the brakes or push the clutch pedal, the cruise
control disengages. The DIC will show CRUISE
DISENGAGED. See ªDIC Warnings and Messagesº
in the Index.
CAUTION:

Cruise control can be dangerous where
you can't drive safely at a steady speed.
So, don't 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 needless wheel
spinning, and you could lose control.
Don't use cruise control on slippery roads.

2-47
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the Traction
Control System begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. See ªTraction
Control Systemº in the Index. When road conditions
allow you to safely use it again, you may turn the cruise
control back on.
Setting Cruise Control
CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control switch on when
you're not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you don't want to.
You could be startled and even lose control.
Keep the cruise control switch off until you
want to use 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. The cruise set speed will be displayed by
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. The pedal
will return to an idle position.
Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose you set the cruise control at a desired
speed and then you apply the brake or clutch pedal.
This, of course, disengages the cruise control.
But you don't need to reset it.
Once you're going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or
more, you can move the cruise control switch to R/A
(Resume/Accelerate) briefly. The Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display the cruise set speed.
You'll go right back up to your chosen speed and
stay there.

2-77
The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Instrument Panel Brightness Control
B. Head
-Up Display Controls (Option)
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
D. Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Located in the Instrument Cluster)
E. Instrument Panel Cluster
F. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever
G. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons
H. Hazard Warning Flasher Button
I. Center Air Vents
J. Audio System
K. Comfort Controls
L. Fog Lamp Button (If Equipped)
M. Remote Hatch Release Button (Coupe) or
Remote Trunk Release Button (Convertible/Z06)
N. Ignition SwitchO. Shift Lever (Automatic Shown)
P. Traction Control System (TCS)
Button/Active Handling Button
Q. Accessory Power Outlet
(Located in the Center Console)
R. Selective Real Time Damping (Option)
S. Air Bag Off Light
T. Instrument Panel Cupholder
U. Remote Fuel Door Release Button
(Located in the Center Console)
V. Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter
W. Parking Brake
X. Glove Box
Y. Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Located behind the Toe
-Board)
Z. Air Bag Off Switch (Located in Glove Box)

2-85 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, the light will
come on when your
engine is started and may
stay on for several seconds.
That's normal.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition to OFF. Or, if the
light comes on when you're driving, stop as soon as
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the light still stays on, or
comes on again while you're driving, your vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light isn't
on, you still have brakes, but you don't have anti
-lock
brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is
also on, you don't have anti
-lock brakes and there's a
problem with your regular brakes. See ªBrake System
Warning Lightº earlier in this section. Also see ªService
ABSº under ªDriver Information Center (DIC)
Messagesº in the Index.
The anti
-lock brake system warning light should
come on briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON.
If the light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Traction Control System (TCS) Light
This light should come on
briefly as you start the
engine. If the light doesn't
come on then, have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn
you if there's a problem.
If it stays on, or comes on and the DIC shows a
SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM message when
you're driving, there's a problem with your TCS system
and your vehicle needs service. When this light is on,
the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly. If the driver turns off the Traction
Control System by pressing the button on the console,
the TCS system light will come on and the TRACTION
SYSTEM OFF message will show on the DIC.

2-86
Active Handling System Light
The Active Handling System light will come on briefly
as you start the engine. If the light does not come on
then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem. The light will also come on while the
system warms up and the ACT HNDLING WARMING
UP message will be displayed in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the light stays on or
comes on while you are
driving, a chime sounds
and a SERVICE ACTIVE
HNDLG message appears
on the DIC, there is a
problem with your Active
Handling System and your
vehicle needs service.The driver can acknowledge this message by pressing
the RESET button. When the SERVICE ACTIVE
HNDLG message is displayed, the Active Handling
System will not assist you in controlling the vehicle.
You should have the system serviced as soon as
possible. Adjust your driving accordingly.
When the system is working, you will see the ACTIVE
HANDLING message displayed in the DIC. You may
also feel or hear the system working. This is normal.
If the driver turns off the Active Handling System by
pressing the button on the console, the Active Handling
System light will come on, a chime will sound, and the
TRAC/ACT HNDLG OFF message will be displayed in
the DIC. The Traction Control System will also be
turned off. See ªDriver Information Center Messagesº
in the Index for more information.
If the Active Handling System and the Traction Control
System are off, pressing the console button momentarily
will turn both systems on. The DIC will display the
TRAC/ACT HNDLG ON message, the instrument
cluster light will be off, and a chime will sound.
See ªDriver Information Center Messagesº in the Index
for more information.

2-105
TRAC/ACT HNDLG - ON: If the Traction Control
and Active Handling Systems are off, depressing the
Active Handling System console button momentarily
will turn both systems on. The message TRAC/ACT
HNDLG
- ON will be displayed temporarily in the DIC,
the instrument panel cluster light will be off and a chime
will sound.
TRAC/ACT HNDLG
- OFF: By pressing the Active
Handling System console button briefly, the driver can
turn the Traction Control and Active Handling Systems
off. The message TRAC/ACT HNDLG
- OFF will
be displayed in the DIC, the instrument panel cluster
light will be on and a chime will sound. You can
acknowledge this message by pressing the RESET
button. The anti
-lock brake systems remains on with
the Traction Control and Active Handling Systems off.
You should adjust your driving accordingly.
COMPETITIVE DRIVING: When the Competitive
Driving mode is selected, this message will be displayed
in the DIC. The instrument panel cluster light will not
be on when the Competitive Driving mode is selected.
The Traction Control System will not be operating while
in the Competitive Driving mode. You should adjust
your driving accordingly.SERVICE ABS (Anti
-Lock Brake System): If the
SERVICE ABS message is displayed when you are
driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition
off. Then start the engine again to reset the system.
If the message stays on, or comes back on again while
you are driving, your vehicle is in need of service. If the
regular brake system warning light isn't on, you still
have brakes, but don't have anti
-lock brakes. If the
regular brake system light is also on, you don't have
anti
-lock brakes and there is a problem with your
brakes. See ªBrake System Warning Lightº earlier
in this section.
If the SERVICE ABS message is being displayed, your
traction control system and the optional active handling
system will also be disabled. The driver information
center will scroll three messages: SERVICE ABS,
SERVICE TRACTION SYS and SERVICE ACTIVE
HNDLG, and the instrument cluster car icon will be
illuminated. The driver can acknowledge these messages
by pressing the reset button three times. When the
service message is displayed the computer controlled
systems will not assist the driver and you should have
the system repaired as soon as possible. Adjust your
driving accordingly.

2-107
REDUCED ENGINE POWER: You will hear
chimes continuously when this message is displayed.
To acknowledge that you have read the message and to
remove it from the display, press RESET. The message
will reappear every 15 seconds until this condition changes.
If the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message and the
CHECK ENGINE light comes on, a noticeable
reduction in the vehicle's performance may occur. If the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed but
there is no reduction in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may be reduced the next
time the vehicle is driven.
The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed while the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed,
but acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime the
CHECK ENGINE light stays on, the vehicle should be
taken to an authorized Chevrolet dealer as soon as
possible for diagnosis and repair.
Also, refer to ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº (Check
Engine Light) in the Index. If the REDUCED ENGINE
POWER message is displayed in combination with the
COOLANT OVER TEMP message, see ªEngine
Overheatingº in the Index.SERVICE VEHICLE SOON: If this message appears
on the DIC, there may be an electrical or another system
problem with your vehicle. Have your vehicle checked
by your dealer if this message keeps appearing.
CHARGE SYSTEM FAULT: Press RESET to
acknowledge that you have read the message and to
remove it from the display. The message will reappear
every 10 minutes until this condition changes. You will
hear two chimes when this message is displayed.
If this message comes on while you are driving, you
may have a problem with the electrical charging system.
It could indicate that you have a loose or broken drive
belt or another electrical problem. Have it checked
right away. Driving while this light is on could drain
your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the message on,
be certain to turn off your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
TRACTION SYS ACTIVE: When your Traction
Control System is limiting wheel spin, the TRACTION
SYS ACTIVE message will be displayed. Slippery road
conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so
adjust your driving accordingly. The message will stay
on for a few seconds after the traction control system
stops limiting wheel spin.

2-108
TRACTION SYSTEM - ON: This message is
displayed when you decide to turn on the Traction
Control System by pressing the switch on the console.
This message will shut off automatically on its own.
TRACTION SYSTEM
- OFF: You will hear a
single quick tone when this message is displayed.
This message comes on and stays on when the Traction
Control System button on the console is pressed to
turn the system off. To acknowledge this message,
press RESET.
SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM: If the SERVICE
TRACTION SYS message is displayed when you are
driving, there is a problem with your Traction Control
System and your vehicle is in need of service. When this
message is displayed, the system will not limit wheel
spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The SERVICE ACTIVE HNDLG message will also be
displayed and the instrument cluster car icon will also be
illuminated. The driver can acknowledge both messages
by pressing the reset button two times which will also
turn off the instrument cluster icon. When the service
messages are displayed, the computer controlled
systems will not assist the driver in controlling the
vehicle. Have the system repaired as soon as possible.
Adjust your driving accordingly.SERVICE RIDE CONTROL: This message is used
to indicate to the driver that the Selective Real Time
Damping system has detected a malfunction and that
the system must be serviced. The SERVICE RIDE
CONTROL message will always come on when a
failure is detected by the Selective Real Time Damping
system. If a fault is present in the Selective Real Time
Damping system which causes the shocks to be in their
full soft condition, the SERVICE RIDE CONTROL,
SHOCKS INOPERATIVE and MAXIMUM 80 MPH
(129 km/h) will display together. You will never get a
SHOCKS INOPERATIVE and MAXIMUM SPEED
80 MPH (129 km/h) message without a SERVICE
RIDE CONTROL message.
SHOCKS INOPERATIVE: You will hear four chimes
when this message is displayed. To acknowledge that
you have read the message and to remove it from the
display, press RESET. The message will reappear every
10 minutes until this condition changes.
This message indicates that a malfunction is present
in the Selective Real Time Damping system which
is causing the shocks to be in their full soft mode.
This is a warning to the driver that the vehicle handling
may be affected. Have your vehicle serviced as soon
as possible.

4-
4-1
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road
Here you'll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We've also
included many other useful tips on driving.
4
-2 Defensive Driving
4
-3 Drunken Driving
4
-6 Control of a Vehicle
4
-6 Braking
4
-9 Traction Control System (TCS)
4
-11 Active Handling System
4
-13 Steering
4
-15 Off-Road Recovery
4
-15 Passing
4
-17 Loss of Control
4
-18 Driving at Night4
-19 Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
4
-22 City Driving
4
-23 Freeway Driving
4
-24 Before Leaving on a Long Trip
4
-25 Highway Hypnosis
4
-26 Hill and Mountain Roads
4
-28 Winter Driving
4
-32 Recreational Vehicle Towing
4
-32 Loading Your Vehicle
4
-34 Towing a Trailer