2008 Pontiac Solstice Owner's Manual - Page 175

Limited-Slip Rear Axle Your vehicle may have a limited-slip rear differential which provides maximum power and performance. It is designed to give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction and the other does, this feature will allow the wheel with traction to move the vehicle. During a sudden shift, such as shifting from FIRST (1) to SECOND (2) gear at low engine speeds or suddenly applying the clutch, you may feel or hear a clunking or rattling noise. This is normal. 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 3-37 and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-29. This light flashes on the instrument panel cluster while the ESC system is on and activated. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Your vehicle may have an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system which combines antilock brake, and traction and stability control systems that help the driver maintain directional control of the vehicle in most driving conditions. When the vehicle is started and begins to move, the system performs several diagnostic checks to ensure there are no problems. You may hear or feel the system working. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with your vehicle. The system should initialize before the vehicle reaches 20 mph (32 km/h). ESC activates when the computer senses a discrepancy between your intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling. 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. 4-9