Chevrolet Cobalt Owners Manual: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/ Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light

For vehicles with the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system
or the Traction Control
System (TCS), the
indicator/warning light
comes on briefly when
the engine is started.

If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by the dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the indicator light goes off.

If this light is on while certain DIC messages display, this indicates that the ESC and TCS are not working or are disabled.

If this light is on and not flashing, the TCS and potentially the ESC system have been disabled.

Check the DIC messaging to determine which feature(s) is no longer functioning and whether it is because of the driver turning off the feature(s), or because the system is not working properly and the vehicle requires service.

If the TCS is disabled, wheel spin is not limited. If the ESC system is disabled, the system does not aid in maintaining directional control of the vehicle.

If the indicator/warning light is on and flashing, the TCS or the ESC system is actively working. Check the DIC messaging for details to determine which system is working. If the LOW TRACTION message appears, the system is limiting wheel spin. If the ESC ACTIVE message appears, the system is aiding in maintaining directional control of the vehicle.

See Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) for more information.

See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information on the messages associated with this light.