traction control PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2006 User Guide

Any of the following conditions may cause the traction
control system to turn off:
The traction control system is turned off by pressing
the TC (traction control) button located on the
center console. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-9orEnhanced Traction System (ETS)
on page 4-11for more information.
The battery is low.
There is a traction control system failure. See your
GM dealer for service.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message comes on if the vehicle is driven for more
than 0.75 mile (1.21 km) while one of the turn signals
are on. It appears as a reminder to turn off the turn
signal.
This message only displays when the ignition is in RUN.
A chime will sound for two seconds and the message
will not disappear until the turn signal is manually turned
off, or a turn is completed.
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 4-2.
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 equipped).
{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.
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Keeping your mind on the drive is important for safe
driving. For more information, seeDefensive Driving on
page 4-2. Get familiar with your vehicle’s audio
system so you can use it with less effort and take full
advantage of its features.
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.
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
radio stations using the presets and steering wheel
controls (if equipped).
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer. Also, check federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone units. If sound equipment can
be added, it is very important to do it properly.Added sound equipment may interfere with the
operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or other
systems, and even damage them. Your vehicle’s
systems may interfere with the operation of sound
equipment that has been added.
Notice:The chime signals related to seat belts,
parking brake, and other functions of your vehicle
operate through the GM radio/entertainment system.
If that equipment is replaced or additional
equipment is added to your vehicle, the chimes may
not work. Make sure that replacement or additional
equipment is compatible with your vehicle before
installing it. SeeAccessories and Modifications on
page 5-3.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can be
played even after the ignition is turned off. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-22for more
information.
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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.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
THEFTLOCK®is designed to discourage theft of
your vehicle’s radio. The feature works automatically
by learning a portion of the Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN). If the radio is moved to a different
vehicle, it will not operate and LOCKED will appear
on the display.
When the radio and vehicle are turned off, the blinking
red light indicates that THEFTLOCK
®is armed.
With THEFTLOCK
®activated, the radio will not
operate if stolen.
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
If your vehicle has this feature, some audio controls
can be adjusted at the steering wheel. They include
the following:
wtux(Seek):Press the up or the down arrow
to go to the next or previous station and stay there.
To scan stations, press and hold either arrow for
two seconds until FREQUENCY SCAN appears on the
display. The radio will go to a station, play for a few
seconds, then go to the next station. Press either arrow
again to stop scanning.
The sound will mute while seeking or scanning. The
radio will only seek or scan stations with a strong signal
that are in the selected band.
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Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-5
Braking.........................................................4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................4-7
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-8
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-9
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)....................4-11
StabiliTrak
®Plus System...............................4-12
Steering......................................................4-13
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-16
Passing.......................................................4-16
Loss of Control.............................................4-18
Driving at Night............................................4-19Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-20
City Driving..................................................4-22
Freeway Driving...........................................4-23
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-24
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-25
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-26
Winter Driving..............................................4-28
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow..............................................4-32
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-33
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-33
Towing..........................................................4-38
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-38
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-38
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-40
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

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. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-9andEnhanced Traction System
(ETS) on page 4-11.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-42.
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 your brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake
force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a
mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between
hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you
do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic
and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a
lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking
and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.
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If you do not have anti-lock brakes, use a “squeeze”
braking technique. This will give you maximum braking
while maintaining steering control. You can do this
by pushing on the brake pedal with steadily
increasing pressure.
In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze the
brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or
feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal.
This will help you retain steering control. If you do have
anti-lock brakes, it is different. SeeAnti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) on page 4-7.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
If the vehicle has the 3800 Supercharged V6 engine
or the 5.3L V8 engine, it has a Traction Control
System (TCS) 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 works the front brakes and
reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.This symbol, along with the
TRACTION CONTROL
ACTIVE message, comes
on the DIC screen when
the system is active.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.
When the traction control system is not working, one of
these symbols will come on the instrument panel cluster.
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This symbol, along with
the message TRACTION
CONTROL OFF will
display in the DIC for
three seconds when
the traction control
system is disabled.
If there is a problem with the system, the service
traction system will also appear on the DIC. When these
symbols and messages appear on the instrument
panel and the DIC, the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust driving accordingly.
The traction control system automatically comes on
whenever the vehicle is started. To limit wheel
spin, especially in slippery road conditions, always leave
the system on. But the traction control system can be
turned off if needed. The system should be turned off if
the vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud, or snow
and rocking the vehicle is required. SeeRocking Your
Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-33andIf Your Vehicle is
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-32for
more information.Press the traction control
button located on the
console to turn the
system off.
If the system is limiting wheel spin when the traction
control button is pressed, the system will turn off
instantly. Turn the system back on at any time by
pressing the button again.
If the vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow safe use of it, the cruise control can be
used again. SeeCruise Control on page 3-11.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3for more information.
4-10

Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
If the vehicle has the 3800 V6 engine and anti-lock
brakes, it has 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.
This symbol comes on
the Driver Information
Center (DIC) when
the ETS is limiting
wheel spin.
If the vehicle is in cruise control when ETS begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow safe use of it,
the cruise control can be used again. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-11.
ETS operates in all transaxle shift lever positions. But
the system can upshift the transaxle only as high as the
chosen shift lever position, so use the lower gears
only when necessary. SeeAutomatic Transaxle
Operation on page 2-25.One of these lights will appear on the instrument panel
to indicate that the ETS is not on.
This symbol, along with
the message TRACTION
CONTROL OFF will
display on the DIC for
three seconds when the
ETS is not on.
If there is a problem with the system, the service
traction system will also come on in the DIC. See
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light on page 3-45.
When this warning light is on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust driving accordingly.
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To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, the ETS should always be left on. But the
system can be turned off. The system should be turned
off if the vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud, or
snow and rocking the vehicle is required. SeeRocking
Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-33andIf Your
Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on
page 4-32for more information.
Press the traction control
button located on the
console to turn the
system off.
If the system is limiting wheel spin when the button is
pressed, the system will turn off instantly. Press the
traction control button again to turn the system on.StabiliTrak®Plus System
The vehicle may have a vehicle stability enhancement
system called StabiliTrak®Plus. It is an advanced
computer controlled system that assists with directional
control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
StabiliTrak
®Plus comes on whenever the vehicle is
started. It activates when the computer senses a
discrepancy between the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak
®Plus
selectively applies braking pressure at any one of the
vehicle’s brakes to help control the vehicle in the
steering direction.
This symbol, along with
the STABILITY CONTROL
ACTIVE message comes
on the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-72. You
may also hear a noise or feel vibration in the brake
pedal. This is normal. Continue to steer the vehicle in
the desired direction.
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If there is a problem
detected with StabiliTrak®
Plus, this symbol along
with the SERVICE
STABILITY SYSTEM
warning message
will come on the DIC.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-72. When
this message is displayed, the system is not operational.
Driving should be adjusted accordingly.
To turn the StabiliTrak
®system off (GXP only), press
and hold the traction control button for more than
ve seconds. A message will appear on the DIC
indicating that StabiliTrak
®has been turned off. You can
turn the system back on at any time by pressing the
button again.
If the vehicle is in cruise control when StabiliTrak
®Plus
activates, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow safe use of it,
the cruise control can be used again. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-11for more information.
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.
Variable Effort Steering
If your vehicle has this steering system, the system
provides less steering effort for parking and when driving
at speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h). Steering effort will
increase at higher speeds for improved road feel.
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.
4-13