GMC Terrain Quiz
Driving and Operation

Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control. System Operation

In this manual: Driving and Operation
Introduction — 1In Brief — 46Keys, Doors and Windows — 37Seats and Restraints — 60Storage — 6Instruments and Controls — 58Lighting — 16Infotainment System — 1Climate Control — 8Driving and Operation — 128Vehicle Care — 75Service and Maintenance — 8Technical Data — 5Customer Information — 18OnStar — 6Connected Services — 4
3steps
~18min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 3

System Operation

The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. These systems help limit wheel slip and assist the driver in maintaining control, especially on slippery road conditions.

TCS activates if it detects that the driving 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/ESC activates when the vehicle detects a difference between the intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies brake pressure to any of the vehicle's wheels to help the driver keep the vehicle on the intended path.

If cruise control is in use and TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC begins limiting wheel spin, cruise control will disengage. Cruise control can be turned back on when road conditions allow.

Both systems turn on automatically when the vehicle is started and begins to move. You may hear or feel the systems working or during self-diagnostic checks. This is normal and does not indicate a problem with the vehicle.

It is recommended to leave both systems on for normal driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn off TCS if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See "Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow" and "Turning Off and On the Systems" later in this section.

GMC Terrain. Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control. System Operation

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

  • Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin
  • Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is active
  • Come on and stay on when either system is not functioning

If either system does not turn on or activate, a message will appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC) andGMC Terrain. Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control. System Operationstay on to indicate that the system is inactive and not assisting the driver in maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to drive, but driving should be adjusted accordingly.

IfGMC Terrain. Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control. System Operationcomes on and stays on:

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

Drive the vehicle. IfGMC Terrain. Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control. System Operationcomes on and stays on, the vehicle may need more time to diagnose the problem. If the condition continues, see your dealer.

Test yourself

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