User guide

Black plate (29,1)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-29
Adding non‐dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle's performance.
See Accessories and Modifications
on page 10‑3 for more information.
Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)
The vehicle has an Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system
which combines antilock brake,
traction and stability control systems
and helps the driver maintain
directional control of the vehicle in
most driving conditions.
When you first start the vehicle and
begin to drive away, the system
performs several diagnostic checks
to ensure there are no problems.
The system may be heard or felt
while it is working. This is normal
and does not mean there is a
problem with the vehicle. The
system should initialize before the
vehicle reaches 32 km/h (20 mph).
If the system fails to turn on or
activate, the ESC/TCS light will be
on solid, and the ESC OFF or
SERVICE ESC message will be
displayed.
For more information, see Ride
Control System Messages on
page 5‑26.
This light will flash on the instrument
panel cluster when the ESC system
is both on and activated.
The system may be heard or felt
while it is working; this is normal.
When the light is on solid and either
the SERVICE ESC or ESC OFF
message is displayed, the system
will not assist the driver in
maintaining directional control
of the vehicle. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑26.
The Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system is automatically
enabled whenever the vehicle is
started. To assist the driver with
vehicle directional control,
especially in slippery road
conditions, the system should
always be left on. But, ESC can be
turned off if needed.