2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner's Manual - Page 204
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Manual
Page 204 highlights
Traction Control Operation 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 flash the ESC/TCS light and display the LOW TRACTION message if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction while driving. For more information on the LOW TRACTION message, see Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-40. Notice: If you allow the wheel(s) of one axle to spin excessively while the ESC/TCS, ABS and Brake warning lights and the SERVICE ESC and/or SERVICE TRACTION messages are displayed, you could damage the differential. 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. Notice: When traction control is turned off, or Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is possible to lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the front wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible to cause damage to the transmission. Do not attempt to shift when the front wheels do not have traction. Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is not covered. See your warranty book for additional information. 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 while the system activates, the ESC/TCS light flashes and the cruise control automatically disengages. When road conditions allow you to use cruise control again, you may re-engage the cruise control. See Cruise Control on page 3-10. Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect your vehicle's performance. See Accessories and Modifications on page 5-3 for more information. 4-8