Chevrolet Captiva Quiz
Driving and Operating

Ride Control Systems

In this manual: Driving and Operating
Introduction — 1In Brief — 23Keys, Doors, and Windows — 12Seats and Restraints — 17Storage — 4Instruments and Controls — 34Lighting — 8Infotainment System — 14Climate Controls — 4Driving and Operating — 38Vehicle Care — 42Service and Maintenance — 7Technical Data — 3OnStar — 3
3steps
~18min
2/5difficulty
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Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control

System Operation

The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) and StabiliTrak®, an electronic stability control system.

These systems help limit wheel slip and assist the driver in maintaining control, especially on slippery road conditions.

TCS activates if it senses that any of the drive wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, TCS applies the brakes to the spinning wheels and reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.

StabiliTrak activates when the vehicle senses a difference between the intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling.

StabiliTrak selectively applies braking pressure to any one of the vehicle wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping the vehicle on the intended path.

If cruise control is being used and traction control or StabiliTrak begins to limit wheel spin, cruise control will disengage. Cruise control may be turned back on when road conditions allow.

Both systems come on automatically when the vehicle is started and begins to move. The systems may be heard or felt while they are operating or while performing diagnostic checks. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with the vehicle.

It is recommended to leave both systems on for normal driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.

See If the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9-9 and "Turning the Systems Off and On" later in this section.

The indicator light for both systems is in the instrument cluster. This light will:

  • Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
  • Flash when StabiliTrak is activated.
  • Turn on and stay on when either system is not working.

If either system fails to turn on or to activate, a message displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC), and comes on and stays on to indicate that the system is inactive and is not assisting the driver in maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to drive, but driving should be adjusted accordingly.

If comes on and stays on:

  1. Stop the vehicle.
  2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.

Drive the vehicle. If comes on and stays on, the vehicle may need more time to diagnose the problem.

If the condition persists, see your dealer.

Turning the Systems Off and On

The button for TCS and StabiliTrak is on the instrument panel.

Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle driveline could be damaged.

To turn off only TCS, press and release the button. The appropriate message displays in the DIC. To turn TCS on again, press and release the button. The appropriate message displays in the DIC.

If TCS is limiting wheel spin when the button is pressed, the system will not turn off until the wheels stop spinning.

To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak, press and hold the button until the StabiliTrak Off light comes on and stays on in the instrument cluster. To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on again, press and release the button. The StabiliTrak Off light in the instrument cluster turns off. The appropriate message displays in the DIC.

Adding accessories can affect the vehicle performance. See Accessories and Modifications on page 10-2.

Brake Pedal Override

This vehicle has this feature that limits engine torque when the brake pedal is applied. If there is one foot on the brake pedal and the other foot on the accelerator, the engine rpm will only climb to slightly more than idle speed.

This feature is enabled at vehicle start. Press and release the TCS/ StabiliTrak button to disable or enable this feature and TCS. The appropriate message will display on the DIC. See Ride Control System Messages on page 5-33.

2014 Chevrolet Captiva Owners Manual provides comprehensive information about the vehicle's ride control systems, which are crucial for optimizing driving comfort, stability, and performance. These systems include features such as the suspension system, traction control, and stability control, among others. The suspension system plays a key role in providing a smooth and comfortable ride by absorbing road shocks and vibrations. The owner's manual details the different types of suspension systems available in the Captiva, such as MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link suspension at the rear, along with recommendations for maintaining and adjusting the suspension components. Traction control and stability control systems are designed to enhance vehicle stability and prevent wheel slippage during acceleration, cornering, or adverse road conditions. The owner's manual explains how these systems work, their indicators on the dashboard, and how to operate and troubleshoot them effectively. Additionally, the owner's manual may include information about other ride control features, such as electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). These systems work together to ensure optimal vehicle control and safety under various driving conditions. Owners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the ride control systems described in the manual, understand their operation and benefits, and perform regular maintenance checks as recommended by Chevrolet to ensure proper functionality and performance.

By understanding and utilizing the ride control systems outlined in the owner's manual, Captiva owners can enhance their driving experience, improve safety, and prolong the lifespan of their vehicle's components.

Test yourself

A quick Chevrolet Captiva quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.