Your vehicle has traction control system if it is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The traction control system limits wheel spin and 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 will reduce engine power to limit wheel spin. The system works in both forward and reverse gears and at all speeds.

Vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles may upshift to limit wheel spin. You may feel the system working or you may notice a loss of power when the system is active, but this is normal.

When your traction control is active, your vehicle may experience a pulsating noise. This noise is a result of controlling the tires on the limit of traction between slip and no slip. This noise is similar to when traction is maximized in a braking situation by the ABS system or when you pump the brakes. This noise is normal and you may minimize the disturbance by slightly letting up on the accelerator pedal when traction control is active.

The "TRACTION CONTROL" light on the "TRACTION CONTROL" switch lets you know if your traction control system is on or off. When your vehicle is started, your traction control system is automatically active and the light on the button should be "ON" within a few seconds.

If you turn the system off by pressing the TRACTION CONTROL switch, the indicator light on the switch will go off and stay off. To turn the system back on, press the button again.

When tire chains are installed, your traction control system can be turned "OFF" for improved vehicle launch. For increased traction under certain road conditions, such as deep snow or when the vehicle is stuck, you may also want to turn your traction control system "OFF". Turning the traction control system "OFF" allows wheel spin which may launch the vehicle more easily (refer to If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow ). If you ever need to use the compact spare, the traction control system can be left "ON".

The "TRACTION ACTIVE" light on the instrument panel serves a useful role in warning the driver of slippery conditions that are usually noticed by wheel spin or slipping on vehicles without traction control. Proceed with caution when the "TRACTION ACTIVE" light comes on or flashes.

If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control. Refer to Cruise Control.