What is ETS? Ihad to ask

Sorry for the noobish post, but I really don't know what it is or does. :loser:

ETS stands for "Enhanced Traction System". Basically, it helps to prevent wheel spin (thus helping to prevent loss of traction). Nifty little feature to have, and I loved it at first, but after comparing the two systems (one on my GA, the other on the Formula) I can say that the GA is there for looks. Sure it tells you when you're spinning or the wheels are at thir limit, but other than that, it's useless. Makes burnouts trickier to handle also. Unless it's raining or snowing out, I just leave mine off.

Do a search on Yahoo for 'grand am ets' if you need more info.

--Jason

the ets is really pretty much worthless on the GA

funny thing:

doing this:
http://non-standard.dhs.org:83/events/Grand%20AM%20GT1/
in the rain doesnt set it off

but taking off just a whee bit too fast on a light on dry pavement does.

It did go off like 3 times at an appropriate time, all on rainy days, but it was un called for; really wish it was off by default.

the ETS just applied to the brake to the slipping wheel and/or retards timing intil the slippage stops, its a pretty archaeic system, but I guess it works well enough

No no no no , you guys must be from america or some place where the ets isnt needed cus you need the facts , when the ets senses wheel spin all it does is cut out gas (power) not apply a brake nothing to do with no limited slip or nothin like that it is much simpler than you think. I drive on ice with that thing on and my car will not move at all unless i let off the gas and take it easy. You cant lay a patch with the ets on either cuts out to quick , it works like the rev limiters.

Ask flatrater , hes a gm mechanic he could explain it better than me.

copied from the GM website

"enhanced traction control monitors the rotation of the front wheels during acceleration. When the system detects wheel spin in a particular wheel due to a slick driving surface, it applies the brakes to that specific wheel until traction is regained. Standard on Regal GS, full-range traction control helps sense drive-wheel slippage at any speed and reacts by automatically modulating the brakes and reducing engine torque until the driver regains control. This maximizes traction on slippery surfaces such as loose gravel, snow or ice."

applies the brake and lowers torque by spark retarding.

ok so it does both...

Ooo, good to know, I drive on gravel on occasion. Thanks for all the replies guys.