2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner's Manual - Page 230

If the ETS indicator/warning light comes on and stays on for an extended period of time when the transmission shift lever is in any position other than L (Low), the vehicle may need service. When this light is on solid, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. Check the DIC messaging to determine whether it is because of the driver turning off the system, or that the system may not be working properly and the vehicle requires service. When this light is turned on, either the SERVICE TRACTION or TRACTION OFF message will be displayed. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46 for more information on the messages associated with this light. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, ETS should always be left on. But the system can be turned off if needed. To turn the system off, shift to L (Low) or R (Reverse). When the system is turned off, the ETS indicator/ warning light will come on and stay on and the TRACTION OFF message will be displayed when the gear shift is in L (Low). The indicator/warning light and message will not come on when the gear shift is in R (Reverse). If the ETS is limiting wheel spin when the transmission is shifted to L (Low) or R (Reverse) to turn the system off, the indicator/warning light and TRACTION OFF will come on in L (Low). But the system will not turn off right away. It will wait until there is no longer a current need to limit wheel spin. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46 for more information on the messages associated with this light. The system can be turned back on at any time by shifting to D (Automatic Overdive) or I (Intermediate). The ETS indicator/warning light should go off. Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect the vehicle's performance. See Accessories and Modifications on page 5-3 for more information. 4-14