2004 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 246

The Enhanced Traction System operates in all transaxle shift lever positions. But the system can upshift the transaxle only as high as the shift lever position you've chosen, so you should use the lower gears only when necessary. When the system is on and the parking brake is fully released, this warning light will come on to let you know if there's a problem. To turn the system on or off, press the ETS button on the center console under the climate control system. When this warning 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 Enhanced Traction System on. But you can turn the system off if you prefer. When you turn the system off, the Enhanced Traction System warning light will come on and stay on. If the Enhanced Traction 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. You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the button again. The Enhanced Traction System OFF warning light should go off. 4-10