GMC Terrain: Ride Control Systems / Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control. System Operation
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/ Electronic Stability Control (ESC), 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/ESC activates when the vehicle senses a difference between the intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC 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 TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC 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 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/ESC 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:
- Stop the vehicle.
- Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
- 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.
(TCS) / (ESC). Turning the Systems Off and On (Uplevel Cluster)
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
At speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or
above, this ability to turn off or on is
disabled...
Other information:
GMC Terrain 2018-2023 Owners Manual: Towing Equipment
Hitches Always use the correct hitch equipment for your vehicle. Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and rough roads can affect the trailer and the hitch. Proper hitch equipment for your vehicle helps maintain control of the vehicle-trailer combination...
GMC Terrain 2018-2023 Owners Manual: Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with GM approved DOT 3 brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap. See Engine Compartment Overview for the location of the reservoir. Checking Brake Fluid With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level surface, the brake fluid level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the brake fluid reservoir...
