2009 Pontiac G8 Owner's Manual - Page 187

Driving and Operating 8-21 When this light and the STABILITY CTRL OFF message is on briefly and the ESP OFF message is displayed at the bottom of the DIC, the system will not limit wheel spin. If the ESP OFF message is always displayed at the bottom of the DIC when the button is pressed to turn the system on or off, the system needs repair. Contact your dealer/retailer. The system is on when this light and the STABILITY CTRL ON message is displayed briefly on the DIC. ESP Operation ESP limits wheel spin by reducing engine power to the wheels and by applying brakes to each individual wheel as necessary. The ESP system is enabled automatically when the vehicle is started, and it will activate the STABILITY CONTROL ASSISTANCE light and the ESP CTRL message on the DIC if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction while driving. Notice: If the wheel(s) of one axle are allowed to spin excessively while the ESC/TCS, ABS and Brake warning lights and the SERVICE ESC and/or SERVICE TRACTION messages are displayed, the differential could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Reduce engine power and do not spin the wheel(s) excessively while these lights and this message are displayed. The traction control system may activate on dry or rough roads or under conditions such as heavy acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the transmission. When this happens, a noise, vibration, or a reduction in acceleration may be noticed. This is normal. Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect the vehicle's performance. See Accessories and Modifications on page 9-3 for more information.