Buick LaCrosse: Ride Control Systems

Buick LaCrosse: Ride Control Systems

• Traction Control System (TCS)
• StabiliTrak® System
• Limited-Slip Differential
• Selective Ride Control

Traction Control System (TCS)

The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) that limits wheel slip.

The system operates if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are slipping or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system reduces engine power and/or applies brake pressure to the slipping wheel(s).

The system may be heard or felt while it is working, but this is normal.

TCS automatically comes on whenever the vehicle is started. To limit wheel slip, especially in slippery road conditions, the system should always be left on. But, TCS can be turned off if needed.

flashes to indicate that TCS is active. See Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light for more information.

If there is a problem detected with TCS, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL is displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC).

See Ride Control System Messages. When this message is displayed and comes on and stays on, the vehicle is safe to drive but the system is not operational.

Driving should be adjusted accordingly.

If comes on and stays on, reset the system.

To reset:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.

3. Start the engine.

If still comes on and stays on, the vehicle needs service.

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

TCS can be turned off by pressing and releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak button. When TCS is turned off, comes on, and the appropriate DIC message also displays. See Ride Control System Messages. With TCS turned off, the system does not limit wheel slip.

Driving should be adjusted accordingly. See Traction Off Light for more information.

Press and release the TCS/StabiliTrak button again to turn the system back on.

It may be necessary to turn the system off if the vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, or snow and rocking the vehicle is required. See If the Vehicle Is Stuck for more information. See also Winter Driving for information on using TCS when driving in snowy or icy conditions.

Adding non-GM accessories can affect the vehicle performance. See Accessories and Modifications for more information.

StabiliTrak® System

The vehicle may have a vehicle stability enhancement system called StabiliTrak. It is an advanced computer-controlled system that assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions.

StabiliTrak activates when the computer senses a difference between the intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak selectively applies braking pressure to the vehicle brakes to help steer the vehicle in the intended direction.

StabiliTrak comes on automatically whenever the vehicle is started. To assist with directional control of the vehicle, the system should always be left on.

When StabiliTrak activates, flashes on the instrument panel.

A noise may be heard or vibration may be felt in the brake pedal. This is normal. Continue to steer the vehicle in the intended direction.

See Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light for more information.

If a problem is detected with StabiliTrak, SERVICE STABILITRAK is displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC).

See Ride Control System Messages. When this message is displayed and comes on and stays on, the vehicle is safe to drive but the system is not operational.

Driving should be adjusted accordingly.

If comes on and stays on, reset the system.

To reset:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.

3. Start the engine.

If still comes on and stays on, the vehicle needs service.

• To turn off both StabiliTrak and TCS, press and hold the TCS/StabiliTrak button, located on the instrument panel, until and illuminate and the appropriate DIC message is displayed. See Ride Control System Messages.

When StabiliTrak is turned off, the system will not assist with directional control of the vehicle or limit wheel spin. Driving should be adjusted accordingly.

See Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light for more information.

• Press and release the TCS/StabiliTrak button again to turn the system back on.

If cruise control is being used when StabiliTrak activates, cruise control will automatically disengage. Press the cruise control button to reengage when road conditions allow. See Cruise Control for more information.

Limited-Slip Differential

Vehicles with a limited-slip differential can give more traction on snow, mud, ice, sand, or gravel.

It works like a standard differential most of the time, but when traction is low, this feature allows the drive wheel with the most traction to move the vehicle.

Selective Ride Control

The vehicle may have a ride control system called Selective Ride Control. The system provides the following performance benefits:
• Reduced Impact Harshness
• Improved Road Isolation
• Improved High-Speed Stability
• Improved Handling Response
• Better Control of Body Ride Motions

To switch from TOUR to SPORT mode, move the shift lever to the left while the transmission is in D (Drive).

TOUR: Use for normal city and highway driving. This setting provides a smooth, soft ride.

SPORT: Use where road conditions or personal preference demand more control. This setting provides more “feel,” or response to road conditions through increased steering effort and suspension tuning.

The setting can be changed at any time. Based on road conditions, steering wheel angle, and vehicle speed, the system automatically adjusts to provide the best handling while providing a smooth ride. The TOUR and SPORT modes will feel similar on a smooth road.

BrakesCruise Control