Power Steering - Pontiac 2002 Aztek Owner's Manual

All Wheel Drive (AWD) System
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(Option)
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If your vehicle has all wheel drive (AWD), the AWD
system operates automatically without any action
required by the driver. If the front drive wheels begin to
slip, the rear wheels will automatically begin to drive
the vehicle as required. There may be a slight
engagement noise during hard use but this is normal.
During heavy AWD applications, the engine torque may
be reduced to protect AWD system components. If the
vehicle is exposed to extended heavy AWD usage, the
AWD system will shut itself off to protect the system
from overheating. When the system cools down, the
AWD system will activate itself again automatically;
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this cool down can take up to 20 minutes depending on
outside temperature and vehicle use. See "AWD Disable
Warning Message" in the Index.
Steering

Power Steering

If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer
but it will take much more effort.
4-12
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It's important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned
on the news happen on curves. Here's why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels. If there's no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction. If you've ever
tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle
at which the curve is banked, and your speed.
While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you
can control.
Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
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systems steering and acceleration
work where the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden
acceleration can demand too much of those places. You
can lose control. Refer to "Traction Control System" in
the Index.
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have to do their