Chevrolet Cobalt Owners Manual: Traction Control System (TCS)

The 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 the front wheels are spinning too much or are beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system works the front brakes and reduces engine power by closing the throttle and managing engine spark to limit wheel spin.

This light flashes while the traction control system is limiting wheel spin.

The system may be heard or felt while it is working.

This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with the vehicle.

See Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light for more information.

If the vehicle is in cruise control while TCS begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. The cruise control can be re-engaged when road conditions allow. See Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.

When this light is on and either the SERVICE
TRACTION or TRACTION
OFF message is
displayed, the system will not limit wheel spin.

Adjust your driving accordingly. See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information.

The Traction Control System comes on automatically whenever the vehicle is started. It is recommended to leave the system on for normal driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow, and you want to “rock” your vehicle to attempt to free it.

It may also be necessary to turn off the system when driving in off-road conditions where high wheel spin is required. See If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.

To turn the system off or on, press and release the ESC/TCS button located
on the instrument panel.

The DIC displays the appropriate message as described previously when the button is pressed.

Traction Control Operation

Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing engine power to the wheels (engine speed management) and by applying brakes to each individual wheel (brake-traction control) as necessary.

The traction control system is enabled automatically when the vehicle is started, and it will activate and flash the ESC/TCS light and display the LOW TRACTION message if it senses that either of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction while driving. For more information on the LOW TRACTION message, see Driver Information Center (DIC).

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.

Notice: When traction control is turned off, or Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is possible to lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the drive wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible to cause damage to the transmission. Do not attempt to shift when the drive wheels do not have traction. Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is not covered. See the warranty book for additional information.

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 reduction in acceleration may be noticed or a noise or vibration may be heard. This is normal.

If the vehicle is in cruise control while the system activates, the ESC/TCS light flashes and the cruise control automatically disengages. The cruise control can be re-engaged when road conditions allow. See Cruise Control.

Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect the vehicle's performance. See Accessories and Modifications for more information.