Let's learn what the owners manual has to say on this subject.
"Traction Control
System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) that limits wheel spin.
On a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the
system operates if it senses that
one or both of the front wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the
system brakes the spinning
wheel(s), and/or reduces engine
power to limit wheel spin."
Rather annoying when trying to climb a snow/ice covered hill, not only brakes the spinning wheel, but also kills the engine to idle speed. A quick hit on the console located button switches this off. With it on, will never climb that hill, in particular if one wheel has more traction than the other.
"StabiliTrak® System
The vehicle has a vehicle stability
enhancement system called
StabiliTrak. It is an advanced
computer controlled system that
assists with directional control of the
vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
StabiliTrak activates when the
computer senses a difference
between the intended path, and the
direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak selectively
applies braking pressure at any one
of the vehicle's brakes to help steer
the vehicle in the intended direction.
Driving and Operating 9-39
StabiliTrak is on automatically
whenever the vehicle is started. To
assist with directional control of the
vehicle, the system should always
be left on.
TCS/StabiliTrak Light
When the stability control system
activates, d flashes on the
instrument panel. This also occurs
when traction control is activated.
A noise may be heard or vibration
may be felt in the brake pedal. This
is normal. Continue to steer the
vehicle in the intended direction."
If the cruise control is on, will kick it off, the wheel that is spinning gets the ABS high pulse rate brakes applied to help straighten out the vehicle. But only good up to 35 mph. Major cause is trying to take a curve too fast.
Where TCS lamp is located in the tach, StabiliTrak lamp is on the speedometer side. Not necessarily eight seconds, just have to hold that same button down until this lamp comes on. Both lamps will be on when disabled.
Ha, if preferences are permitted, wish this is system was reversed, both yellow lights would indicate the systems are on, and would be have to be switched on. This would give the driver an extra measure of security that they are safer. I would also switch them on when I feel an 89 cent microcontroller is smarter than my brain and with over 50 years of driving experience.
Also have a Silverado board like this one where some claimed StabiliTrak saved their lives. Know exactly what type of people post statements like this, driving a way over steering vehicle with an empty bed like practically anyone around here drives. With no weight on rear wheels, skids are certainly more likely. Cruze in this respect is a far superior front to back balanced vehicle.
Also was a major problem with muscle cars in the 60's with huge heavy V-8's under the hood and no weight whatsover in the rear. Never liked cars like this, can be hazardous to your health. Watch those curves in the road and a 35 mph warning sign means 20 mph in these things.
