2008 Chevrolet Impala Owner's Manual - Page 220
2008 Chevrolet Impala Manual
Page 220 highlights
This light will flash on the instrument panel cluster when the ESC system is both on and activated. The ESC/TCS button is located on the instrument panel. You may also feel or hear the system working; this is normal. When the light is on solid and the SERVICE STABILITRAK message is displayed, the system will not assist the driver in maintaining directional control of the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-52. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is automatically enabled whenever you start your vehicle. To assist the driver with vehicle directional control, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the system on. But, you can turn ESC off if you ever need to. If the vehicle is in cruise control when the system begins to assist the driver maintain directional control of the vehicle, the ESC/TCS light will flash 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 3-10. 4-8 The traction control system can be turned off or back on by pressing the ESC/TCS button. To disable both traction control and ESC, press and hold the button briefly. When the ESC system is turned off, the TRACTION CONTROL OFF message will appear, and the ESC/TCS light will be on solid 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. See If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-20. ESC may also turn off automatically if it determines that a problem exists with the system. The SERVICE STABILITRAK message and the ESC/TCS light will be on solid to warn the driver that ESC is disabled and