2008 Pontiac Torrent Owner's Manual - Page 242

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. 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. 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. 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. 4-6