Chevrolet Cobalt Owners Manual: Enhanced Traction System (ETS)

The vehicle may have an Enhanced Traction System (ETS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system reduces engine power and may also upshift the transmission to limit wheel spin.

If the vehicle has ETS, there is not an ESC/TCS button on the instrument panel. To turn the system off, shift to L (Low) or R (Reverse). There is more information about how to turn the system off later in this section.

The ETS indicator/warning light flashes and LOW TRACTION appears on the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the traction control system is actively limiting wheel spin. The system may be heard or felt while it is working, but this is normal. Slippery road conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly.

If the vehicle is in cruise control when the ETS begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. The cruise control can be re-engaged when road conditions allow. See Cruise Control.

The ETS indicator/warning light may come on for the following reasons:
- The indicator/warning light flashes while the traction control system is limiting wheel spin.

- If the system is turned off by moving the shift lever to L (Low), the indicator/warning light comes on and stays on. To turn the system back on, move the shift lever back to a position other than L (Low).

The indicator/warning light should go off.

- The indicator/warning light will come on when the parking brake is set with the engine running, and it will stay on if the parking brake does not release fully. If the transmission shift lever is in any position other than L (Low) and the indicator/warning light stays on after the parking brake is fully released, there is a problem with the system.

- If the traction control system is affected by an engine related problem, the system will turn off and the indicator/warning light will come on.

If the ETS indicator/warning light comes on and stays on for an extended period of time when the transmission shift lever is in any position other than L (Low), the vehicle may need service.

When this light is on solid, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.

Check the DIC messaging to determine whether it is because of the driver turning off the system, or that the system may not be working properly and the vehicle requires service. When this light is turned on, either the SERVICE TRACTION or TRACTION OFF message will be displayed.

See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information on the messages associated with this light.

To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, ETS should always be left on. But the system can be turned off if needed.

To turn the system off, shift to L (Low) or R (Reverse).

When the system is turned off, the ETS indicator/ warning light will come on and stay on and the TRACTION OFF message will be displayed when the gear shift is in L (Low). The indicator/warning light and message will not come on when the gear shift is in R (Reverse). If the ETS is limiting wheel spin when the transmission is shifted to L (Low) or R (Reverse) to turn the system off, the indicator/warning light and TRACTION OFF will come on in L (Low). But the system will not turn off right away. It will wait until there is no longer a current need to limit wheel spin.

See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information on the messages associated with this light.

The system can be turned back on at any time by shifting to D (Automatic Overdrive) or I (Intermediate).

The ETS indicator/warning light should go off.

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