2008 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 222

Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect your vehicle's performance. See Accessories and Modifications on page 5-3 for more information. This light will flash on the instrument panel cluster when the ESC system is both on and activated. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 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 first 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). If the system fails to turn on or activate, the ESC/TCS light will be on solid, and the ESC OFF or SERVICE ESC message will be displayed. For more information, see Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-46. You may also feel or hear the system working; this is normal. When the light is on solid and either the SERVICE ESC or ESC OFF 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 3-48. 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. 4-8