traction control SATURN AURA 2007 User Guide

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. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 217and
Electronic Stability Control on page 219.
Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 253.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 168.
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.
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Remember: ABS does not change the time you
need to get your foot up to the brake pedal
or always decrease stopping distance. If you get
too close to the vehicle in front of you, you will not
have time to apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down rmly and let antilock work for you.
You might hear the antilock pump or motor
operate, and feel the brake pedal pulsate, but this
is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you
more than even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have 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
reduces engine power and may also upshift
the transmission to limit wheel spin. You may feel
or hear the system working, but this is normal.
Also, the traction control system activates
the appropriate corner brakes to gain even quicker
control to limit wheel spin. The LOW TRACTION
message will appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) when the traction control system is
limiting wheel spin.
If your 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 you to safely
use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control.
SeeCruise Control on page 145.
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The TCS operates in all transmission shift lever
positions except PARK (P), NEUTRAL (N) or
REVERSE (R). But the system can upshift
the transmission only as high as the shift lever
position you’ve chosen, so you should use
the lower gears only when necessary. See
Automatic Transaxle Operation on page 116.
This light is located on
the instrument panel
cluster.
When the system is on, this warning light will
come on to let you know if there’s a problem, or if
the system has been turned off. When this light
is on, the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave the TCS on.
But you can turn the system off if you prefer.To turn the system on or off, press the traction
control button (TC) located on the center console.
In order to effectively “rock” the vehicle, you
will need to turn off TCS.
If you press the TC button once, the TCS will turn
off, the TRACTION OFF message will display and
the TCS warning light will come on. The
StabiliTrak
®system will stay on. Press the TC
button again to turn the system back on. The TCS
warning light will go off. If you press and hold the
TC button, the StabiliTrak
®system and the traction
control system will turn off. Press the TC button
again to turn StabiliTrak
®and the traction control
system back on. For more information, see
Electronic Stability Control on page 219.
When you turn the system off, the TCS warning
light will come on and stay on. If the Traction
Control System is limiting wheel spin when you
press the button to turn the system off, the warning
light will come on – but the system won’t turn off
right away. It will wait until there’s no longer a
current need to limit wheel spin.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories
and Modications on page 253for more
information.
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Electronic Stability Control
Your vehicle may have an Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system which combines antilock
brake, traction and stability control systems
and helps the driver maintain directional control of
the vehicle in most driving conditions.
When you rst start your vehicle and begin to
drive away, the system performs several diagnostic
checks to ensure there are no problems. You
may hear or feel the system working. This
is normal and does not mean there is a problem
with your vehicle. The system should initialize
before the vehicle reaches 20 mph (32 km/h). In
some cases, it may take approximately two
miles of driving before the system initializes.
The ESC light is located
on the instrument panel
cluster.If the system fails to turn on or activate, the ESC
light will be on solid, and the ESC OFF or
SERVICE ESC message will be displayed in the
DIC. If the vehicle has gone through heavy
acceleration or braking during the rst two miles
after starting your vehicle, these messages and the
ESC light may also appear. If this is the case,
your vehicle does not need servicing. Turn your
vehicle off and back on again to reset the system.
If the SERVICE ESC message appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and your vehicle
hasn’t gone through hard acceleration or
braking in the rst two miles, your vehicle should
be taken in for service.
When the ESC off light is on and either the
SERVICE ESC or ESC OFF message is displayed,
the system will not assist the driver to maintain
directional control of the vehicle. Adjust your
driving accordingly. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 182
The traction control part of ESC can be turned off
or back on by pressing the ESC button. To
disable both traction control and ESC, press and
hold the button briey.
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When the system is turned off, the TRACTION
OFF message will rst appear followed by the ESC
OFF message. The ESC OFF and TCS OFF
indicator lights will also appear to warn the driver
that both traction control and ESC are disabled.
It is recommended to leave the system on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn the system off if your vehicle is
stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow, and you want
to “rock” your vehicle to attempt to free it. It may
also be necessary to turn off the system when
driving in extreme off-road conditions where high
wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle is
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 241.
ESC may also turn off automatically if it determines
that a problem exists with the system. The ESC
OFF and SERVICE ESC messages and the
ESC OFF light will be on solid to warn the driver
that ESC is disabled and requires service. If
the problem does not clear itself after restarting
the vehicle, you should see your retailer for
service. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 182.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories
and Modications on page 253.Traction Control Operation
The traction control system is part of the ESC
system. Traction control limits wheel spin by
reducing engine power to the wheels (engine
speed management) and by applying brakes to
each individual wheel (brake-traction control)
as necessary.
The traction control system is enabled
automatically when you start your vehicle, and it
will activate and display the LOW TRACTION
message if it senses that any of the wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose traction while driving.
If you turn off traction control, the TCS OFF
warning light will come on and the TRACTION
OFF message will be displayed The ESC system
will remain operational unless it is turned off.
For more information on the traction active
message, seeDriver Information Center (DIC) on
page 179.
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Notice:If you allow the wheel(s) of one axle to
spin excessively while the ESC, ABS and brake
warning lights and the SERVICE ESC message
are displayed, you could damage the transfer
case. The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Reduce engine power and do not spin
the wheel(s) excessively while these lights and
this message are displayed.
The traction control system may activate on dry or
rough roads or under conditions such as heavy
acceleration while turning or abrupt
upshifts/downshifts of the transmission. When this
happens, you may notice a reduction in
acceleration, or may hear a noise or vibration.
This is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the system
activates, the ESC ACTIVE message will appear
and the cruise control will automatically disengage.
When road conditions allow you to use cruise
again, you may re-engage the cruise control. See
Cruise Control on page 145.
ESC may also turn off automatically if it determines
that a problem exists with the system. If the
problem does not clear itself after restarting the
vehicle, you should see your retailer for service.Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories
and Modications on page 253for more
information.
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, contact your
dealer/retailer for service repairs. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 182.
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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 the 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 accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to
do their work where the tires meet the road.
Adding the sudden acceleration can demand toomuch of those places. You can lose control. See
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 217
andElectronic Stability Control on page 219.
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
the 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-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories
and Modications on page 253.
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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,
the 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.
Remember: Any traction control system helps
avoid only the acceleration skid. If your traction
control 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.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best 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. You may not realize the
surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding.
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Driving on Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where the tires
meet the road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between the tires
and the road, you can have a very slippery
situation. You have a lot less traction, or grip, and
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
can 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 the Traction Control System (TCS), it
will improve your ability to accelerate when
driving on a slippery road. But you can turn the
TCS off if you ever need to. You should turn
the TCS off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck
in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 241. Even if
you have TCS, slow down and adjust your
driving to the road conditions. Under certain
conditions, you might want to turn the TCS off,
such as when driving through deep snow
and loose gravel, to help maintain vehicle motion
at lower speeds. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 217andElectronic Stability Control
on page 219.
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Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
First, turn the steering wheel left and right to clear
the area around the front wheels. Turn off any
traction or stability system. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 217andElectronic Stability
Control on page 219. Then shift back and forth
between REVERSE (R) and a 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 you shift, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal when the
transmission is in gear. By slowly spinning the
wheels in the forward and reverse directions, you
will cause a rocking motion that could free
your vehicle. If that does not get your vehicle out
after a few tries, it might need to be towed
out. If your vehicle does need to be towed out,
seeTowing Your Vehicle on page 247.
Loading Your Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight your
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 your vehicle show how much
weight it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading
Information label and the Certication/Tire label.
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight
it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading
Information label and the Vehicle Certication label.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
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