04 Handling Button in center console
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Arkansas
04 Handling Button in center console
We just got the car and don't have an owner's manual yet. It has a new LS1 in it - stock for now until some members let us know some ways to beef her up a bit. So the question is what does the button do and when do you need it? Thanks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
You should be able to download the manual from Gene Culley's website, www.gmpartshouse.com. You'll find that this button will enable or disable the active handling mode. Also, if you hold it down for like 2 seconds, it'll change things into the Competetive Driving mode. Rather than my trying to explain it, its best that you download the manual. Essentially the active handling constantly looks at what the car is doing as opposed to what you are commanding. It makes logical decisions based upon what it senses in sliding, wheel spinning, power, braking and etc... and if you get into a slide, lose the rear end and so on, it'll correct itself by applying the brakes as needed, for you.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 838
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From: Member since May 99 (Before 99 CF Crash & Burn) Georgia
Modifying what dgrant3830 said just a bit... it'll try to correct itself by applying the brakes...
And my two cents: it absolutely will not save a foolish driver
And my two cents: it absolutely will not save a foolish driver
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I agree totally. Seen too many times in here where we see reports where someone's car got so far out of control that even the active handling couldn't fix it, costing them thousands in damage. If you turn off the active handling, you're on your own. If you place it into the competetive driving mode, it'll allow you to slide/slip the car a little whereas the full active mode, it will "attempt" to straighten you out. I tried it out on a straight, light snow covered road once. It was cool. I purposely caused the rear to lose traction and turned the wheel. The active handling cut right in and straightened me out. Its not a cure-all by no means, but it helps and it might save your bacon at the instant its needed.
