2008 Chevrolet Impala Owner's Manual - Page 218

Traction Control System (TCS) Your vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system reduces engine power and may also upshift the transmission and apply the front brakes to limit wheel spin. This light will flash when the TCS is limiting wheel spin. The TCS operates in all transmission shift lever positions. But the system can upshift the transmission only as high as the shift lever position chosen, so use the lower gears only when necessary. See Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-26. When the system is on, this warning light comes on and stays on to let you know if there is a problem. A SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message also appears on the DIC. When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-52 for more information. You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal. If your vehicle is in cruise control when the TCS begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, the cruise control can be re-engaged. See Cruise Control on page 3-10. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the TCS on. But you can turn the system off if you ever need to. Turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle is required. See Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-20 and If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-20 for more information. 4-6