2008 Chevrolet Equinox Owner's Manual - Page 244
2008 Chevrolet Equinox Manual
Page 244 highlights
Using ABS Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let antilock work for you. You might hear the antilock pump or motor operate, and feel the brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal. Traction Control System (TCS) Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or more of the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system works the brakes and reduces engine power to limit wheel spin. This light flashes while the traction control system is limiting wheel spin. Braking in Emergencies With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. Panic Brake Assist Your vehicle has a Panic Brake Assist feature designed to assist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speed in emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) hydraulic brake control module to supplement the power brake system under conditions where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied the brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow down the vehicle. The ESC hydraulic brake control module increases brake pressure at each corner of the vehicle until the Antilock Brake System (ABS) activates. Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal movement during this time is normal and the driver should continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving situation dictates. The Panic Brake Assist feature will automatically disengage when the brake pedal is released or brake pedal pressure is quickly decreased. 4-6 You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal. This light may also come on after extended heavy braking indicating the brakes have become too hot to limit wheel spin. The traction control system automatically comes on whenever the vehicle is started. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the system on. But you can turn the traction control system off if you ever need to. You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow and rocking the vehicle is required. See Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-22.