2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner's Manual - Page 207

If the system fails to turn on or activate, the ESC/TCS light comes on, and the ESC OFF and/or SERVICE ESC message displays. For more information, see Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-40 and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-33. This light flashes on the instrument panel cluster when the ESC system is on and activated. This light also flashes on the instrument panel cluster when the ESC system is on and activated. You may also hear a noise or feel vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal. Continue to steer the vehicle in the direction you want it to go. When the light is on solid and the message(s), SERVICE ESC, ESC OFF, or both display, 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 3-43. 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. ESC activates when the computer senses a discrepancy between your intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually travelling. ESC selectively applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle's brakes to help steer the vehicle in the direction which you are steering. When the system activates, an ESC ACTIVE message displays on the Driver Information Center. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-43. 4-11