traction control CHEVROLET VENTURE 2004 1.G User Guide

Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
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.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. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-10.
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.
4-12

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 Traction Control System, remember: It
helps avoid only the acceleration skid. If you do not have
this 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.
4-16

While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration
or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a
lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires
to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until your vehicle is skidding. 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.
If you have the anti-lock braking system, remember: It
helps avoid only the braking skid. If you do not have
anti-lock, then in a braking skid (where the wheels are
no longer rolling), release enough pressure on the
brakes to get the wheels rolling again. This restores
steering control. Push the brake pedal down steadily
when you have to stop suddenly. As long as the wheels
are rolling, you will have steering control.Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One
reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired — by
alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.
4-17

Driving on Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where your tires meet
the road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and
the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You
will have a lot less traction or “grip” and will need to be
very careful.What is the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold
snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet
ice can be even more trouble because it may offer
the least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it is
about freezing (32°F; 0°C) and freezing rain begins
to fall. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand
crews can get there.
Whatever the condition — smooth ice, packed, blowing
or loose snow — drive with caution.
If you have traction control, keep the system on. It will
improve your ability to accelerate when driving on a
slippery road. But you can turn the traction system off if
you ever need to. You should turn the system off if your
vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. SeeIf
You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-32.
Even though your vehicle has a traction system you will
want to slow down and adjust your driving to the road
conditions. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-10.
If you do not have a traction system, accelerate gently.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate
too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.
4-29

Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. If your vehicle
has traction control, you should turn your traction
control system off. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-10. Then shift back and forth between
REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal
while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transaxle is in gear. By slowly spinning your
wheels in the forward and reverse directions, you
will cause a rocking motion that may free your vehicle. If
that does not get you out after a few tries, you may
need to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out,
seeTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-33.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your disabled vehicle towed. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle
for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
4-33

If you ever replace your tires with those not having a
TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating and construction type (bias,
bias-belted or radial) as your original tires.
{CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control
while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes
or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the
vehicle may not handle properly, and you
could have a crash. Using tires of different
sizes may also cause damage to your vehicle.
Be sure to use the same size and type tires on
all wheels. It’s all right to drive with your
compact spare temporarily, it was developed
for use on your vehicle. SeeCompact Spare
Tire on page 5-96.
{CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim anges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel
could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels on your vehicle.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This
applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
5-72

snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specied government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart signicantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specied government test surfaces ofasphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation
of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a specied indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underination, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
5-73

Fuse Usage
PWR LOCK Power Door Locks
HTD MIRROR Heated Mirrors
RH T/LP Not Used
RR FOG LP Not Used
CIGAR/DIC/
APO FRTCigarette Lighter, DIC, Front
Auxiliary Power Outlets, Data Link
T/SIG Turn Signal Switch
PWR QTR
VENTInterior Lamp and Multifunction
Switch (Power Vent Switch), Auto
Level
FRT/WPR/
WSHRWindshield Wiper/Washer Motor and
Switch
HAZARD Hazard Switch
RR PWR SCKTRear Electric Accessory Plug
Housing
DRLDaytime Running Lamp Control
Module
LH T/LP Not Used
RR
DEFOG/HTD
MIRRORRear Window Defogger Relay,
Heated Mirrors
ON STAR OnStar
®
SIR Inatable Restraint Control Module
HVAC
BLOWERHeater-A/C Control
Fuse Usage
MALL
CLUSTERInstrument Cluster, Body Control
Module, Electronic Level Control
(ELC) Sensor and Relay, Theft,
Door Ajar
STOP LAMP Stoplamp Switch
CLUSTER
BATTModule/Electronic Brake Control
Module/Electronic Brake Traction
Control Module (EBCM/EBTCM)
ENHANCED
EVAP/AWDEvaporative Emissions (EVAP)
Canister Vent Solenoid Valve,
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Blank Not Used
ELC/TRAILERELC Air Compressor and ELC
Height Sensor, Trailer Harness
CTSY LAMP Courtesy Lamp
IGN 1BCM, Electronic Brake Control
Indicator Lamp Driver Module,
Instrument Panel Cluster, Rear Side
Door Actuator Control Module, Rear
Windows, Rear Parking Aid
RR HVAC
TEMP CONTRear HVAC-A/C Control
RR
WPR/WSHRRear Window Wiper Motor, Rear
Window Wiper/Washer and
Multifunction Switch (Rear Window
Wiper/Washer Switch)
5-108

K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-16
Interior.......................................................3-18
Lamps on Reminder........................................3-17
Lap Belt................................................1-43, 1-45
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-32, 1-46
Last Door Closed Locking................................2-11
Last Door Locking...........................................2-65
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-67
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-69
Latches, Side Window.....................................2-25
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-13
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running . . . 2-41
Level Control..................................................4-40
Liftgate..........................................................2-22Light
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-41
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-43
Brake System Warning.................................3-42
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-45
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-41
TCS Warning Light......................................3-43
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-43
Lighted Vanity Mirror.......................................2-26
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-35
Lockout Deterrent...........................................2-65
Lockout Protection..........................................2-13
Locks
Automatic Door...........................................2-64
Door........................................................... 2-9
Last Door Closed Locking.............................2-11
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-13
Lockout Protection.......................................2-13
Power Door................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-16
Low Fuel Warning Message.............................3-57
Low Oil Pressure Message...............................3-53
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-56
9

Securing a Child Restraint
Center Seat Position............................1-73, 1-75
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-69
Rear Outside Seat Position...........................1-69
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-78
Security Message, PASS-Key
®III ......................3-56
Security While You Travel.................................. 7-6
Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle..................................................... 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-3
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-45
Publications Ordering Information...................7-13
Traction System Warning Message.................3-50
Service Bulletins.............................................7-13
Service Engine Soon Light in the United States
or Check Engine Light in Canada..................3-45
Service Manuals.............................................7-13
Setting Preset PTYs (RDS Only).......................3-98
Setting Preset Stations............3-63, 3-67, 3-79, 3-95
Setting the Time
Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS).........3-61
Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS).....3-61
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) . . . 3-63, 3-68, 3-80, 3-96
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-102
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-40
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-42
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster...........................1-35Side Window Latches......................................2-25
Skidding........................................................4-16
Sliding Door Delayed Locking...........................2-12
Sliding Door Lock...........................................2-14
Sliding Door, Power........................................2-16
Sliding Door Security Lock...............................2-15
Sliding Doors, Dual.........................................2-13
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-22
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems.....................5-98
Specications, Capacities...............................5-113
Speedometer..................................................3-39
Split Bench Seats............................................. 1-8
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-33
Steering........................................................4-12
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-13
Steering Tips..................................................4-12
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.......................3-120
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-7
Stereo RCA Jacks.........................................3-110
Storage Areas................................................2-52
Compact Overhead Console..........................2-53
Convenience Center.....................................2-59
Convenience Net.........................................2-58
Cupholder(s)...............................................2-53
Front Seat Storage Net................................2-56
Glove Box..................................................2-52
Luggage Carrier..........................................2-56
Overhead Console.......................................2-54
Rear Storage Area.......................................2-58
15