traction control CHEVROLET HHR 2007 1.G Owners Manual

Brake System Warning Light..................... 185
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light........ 186
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light.... 187
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light........................................ 187
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage............ 188
Malfunction Indicator Lamp........................ 188
Oil Pressure Light..................................... 192
Security Light............................................ 193
Fog Lamp Light......................................... 193
Highbeam On Light................................... 193
Fuel Gage................................................. 193
Driver Information Center (DIC).................. 194
DIC Operation and Displays...................... 195
DIC Warnings and Messages.................... 197
DIC Vehicle Personalization....................... 200Audio System(s)......................................... 206
Setting the Time (Without Date Display).... 207
Setting the Time (With Date Display)......... 208
Radio with CD (Base)............................... 210
Radio with CD (MP3)................................ 215
Using an MP3........................................... 226
XM Radio Messages................................. 232
Theft-Deterrent Feature............................. 233
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.................. 234
Radio Reception........................................ 234
Care of Your CDs..................................... 235
Care of the CD Player.............................. 235
Fixed Mast Antenna.................................. 236
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System....... 236
Section 3 Instrument Panel
150

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 25 mph (40 km/h).
{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.
Setting Cruise Control
{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.
The cruise control
buttons are located on
the left side of the
steering wheel.
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J(On/Off):Press this button to turn the cruise
control system on and off. The indicator light on the
button will be on when the cruise control is on and
go off when the cruise control is turned off.
RES+ (Resume):Press this button to resume a
set speed and to accelerate the speed.
SET−(Set):Press this button to set a speed and
to decrease the speed.
To set a speed do the following:
1. Press the on/off button to turn cruise control on.
The indicator light on the button will come on.
2. Get to the speed you want.
3. Press the SET−control button and release it.
The CRUISE ENGAGED message will appear
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) to
show the system is engaged.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
When you apply the brakes or clutch, the cruise
control will shut off.If the vehicle is in cruise control and the Traction
Control System (TCS) begins to limit wheel
spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. SeeEnhanced Traction System (ETS)
on page 246. When road conditions allow, the
cruise control can be used again.
Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired
speed and then you apply the brake. This, of
course, disengages the cruise control. To return to
your previously set speed, you do not need to
go through the set process again. Once you are
going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you
can press the RES+ part of the button briey.
This will take you back up to your previously
chosen speed and stay there.
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Exiting Personalization Menu
The personalization menu will be exited when any
of the following conditions occur:
A ten second time period has elapsed.
The ignition is turned off.
The end of the personalization menu list is
reached.
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 238. By taking a few moments to read this
manual and get familiar with your vehicle’s
audio 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. For more information, seeDefensive
Driving on page 238.
Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
206

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle.... 238
Defensive Driving...................................... 238
Drunken Driving........................................ 239
Control of a Vehicle.................................. 242
Braking...................................................... 242
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................. 243
Braking in Emergencies............................. 245
Enhanced Traction System (ETS).............. 246
Steering.................................................... 248
Off-Road Recovery.................................... 251
Passing..................................................... 251
Loss of Control.......................................... 253
Driving at Night......................................... 254
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads............ 256
City Driving............................................... 258Freeway Driving........................................ 259
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.................. 260
Highway Hypnosis..................................... 261
Hill and Mountain Roads........................... 262
Winter Driving........................................... 264
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow ................................. 268
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out........... 269
Loading Your Vehicle................................ 269
Towing........................................................ 274
Towing Your Vehicle ................................. 274
Recreational Vehicle Towing...................... 274
Towing a Trailer (Manual Transaxle)......... 276
Towing a Trailer
(Automatic Transaxle)............................ 277
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
237

Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go
where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the
steering, and the accelerator. All three systems
have to do their work at the places where the tires
meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or
ice, it is easy to ask more of those control systems
than the tires and road can provide. That means
you can lose control of your vehicle. See
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 246.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 289.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 185.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake
pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to
bring up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might
be less with one driver and as long as two or
three seconds or more with another. Age, physical
condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight
all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs, and
frustration. But even in three-fourths of a second,
a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary
greatly with the surface of the road, whether it is
pavement or gravel; the condition of the road,
whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the
condition of the brakes; the weight of the vehicle;
and the amount of brake force applied.
242

Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Your vehicle may have an Enhanced Traction
System (ETS) that limits wheel spin. This is
especially useful in slippery road conditions. The
system operates only if it senses that one or
both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning
to lose traction. When this happens, the system
reduces engine power and may also upshift
the transaxle to limit wheel spin. You may feel or
hear the system working, but this is normal.
A LOW TRACTION message will appear on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) when the traction
control system is actively limiting wheel spin.
Slippery road conditions may exist if this message
is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the
Enhanced Traction System begins to limit wheel
spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow you to
safely use it again, you may re-engage the cruise
control. SeeCruise Control on page 160.When the system is on,
this warning light will
come on to let you know
there’s a problem.
The Enhanced Traction System warning light may
come on for the following reasons:
If you turn the system off by moving the shift
lever to LOW (L), the warning light will come on
and stay on. To turn the system back on, move
the shift lever back to a position other than
LOW (L). The warning light should go off.
The warning light will come on when you set
your parking brake with the engine running, and
it will stay on if your parking brake does not
release fully. If the transaxle shift lever is in any
position other than LOW (L)and the warning
light stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means there is a problem with the
system.
If the traction control system is affected by an
engine related problem, the system will turn off
and the warning light will come on.
246

Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the engine stalls while you are driving, the
power steering assist system will continue
to operate until you are able to stop your vehicle.
If you lose power steering assist because the
electric power steering system is not functioning,
you can steer, but it will take more effort.
If you turn the steering wheel in either direction
several times until it stops, or hold the steering
wheel in the stopped position for an extended
amount of time, you may notice a reduced amount
of power steering assist. The normal amount of
power steering assist should return shortly after a
few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering system does not
require regular maintenance. If you suspect
steering system problems and/or the POWER
STEERING message comes on, contact
your dealer for service repairs. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 197.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable
speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents
mentioned on the news happen on curves.
Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is
subject to the same laws of physics when driving on
curves. The traction of the tires against the road
surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change
its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is
no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the
same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a
vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on
the condition of your tires and the road surface,
the angle at which the curve is banked, and
your speed. While you are in a curve, speed is the
one factor you can control.
248

Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both
control systems — steering and braking — have
to do their work where the tires meet the road.
Unless you have four-wheel anti-lock brakes,
adding the hard braking can demand too much of
those places. You can lose control.
The same thing can happen if you are steering
through a sharp curve and you suddenly
accelerate. Those two control systems — steering
and acceleration — can overwhelm those
places where the tires meet the road and make
you lose control. SeeEnhanced Traction System
(ETS) on page 246.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up
on the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the
vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down.Speed limit signs near curves warn that you
should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted
speeds are based on good weather and road
conditions. Under less favorable conditions you will
want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach
a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while
your front wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive”
through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady
speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of
the curve, and then accelerate gently into
the straightaway.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 289.
249

Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough
friction where the tires meet the road to do what the
driver has asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to
steer and constantly seek an escape route or
area of less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and
by not overdriving those conditions. But skids
are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your
vehicle’s three control systems. In the braking skid,
your wheels are not rolling. In the steering or
cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force.
And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.A cornering skid is best handled by easing your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
If you have the Enhanced Traction System (ETS),
remember: It helps to avoid only the acceleration
skid. SeeEnhanced Traction System (ETS)
on page 246. If you do not have the Enhanced
Traction System, or if the system is off, then
an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing
your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off
the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the
way you want the vehicle to go. If you start
steering quickly enough, your vehicle may
straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid
if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow,
ice, gravel, or other material is on the road.
For safety, you will want to slow down and adjust
your driving to these conditions. It is important
to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control
more limited.
253