Winter driving mode

[z280]

On a manual transmission, how do you disable the winter drive mode. On the auto trans, there is a button that you can enable and disable, but the manual does not have that option. Does anyone know how to turn it off and on..

[Mr. Clarkson]

what is the winter driving mode?

[Nimraynn]

As far as I'm aware, there isn't one on the manual...

[z280]

Here is a snapshot from the user manual describing the function. The indication is a snowflake on the display unit on the upper right hand corner. Since I live in the NorthEast section of the States, the temp. is below 32 F. Even though there isn't that much snow by where I live, the winter mode light is always on. I want to know how to turn it off, so I can see if it affects the performance of the car.

[astralavista]

ummm... pretty sure that light goes on below 0 degrees Celsius to indicate possible icy road conditions and has nothing to do with this so called "winter driving mode"
Only on board assistance provided in the astra is traction control (which can be turned off) and the standard ABS braking

[zachikins]

I believe the light is always on, when like all other "orange" lights are on, when its dark. It is only in "winter mode" when you press the button and it shows up next to the gear the car is in on by the speedometer, then the transmission always starts in third gear which helps combat slipping when its slippery. I doubt the manual has one.

The snowflake near the temperature display is a different one, just showing when its "freezing temp." 

[astralavista]

k, so the winter driving mode is in the automatic versions? Mines a standard and its the only one i've ever driven.

[B-Dog STL]

There's definitely no "Winter Driving Mode" on the Manual transmission Astras!  I was a Product trainer for Saturn until recently, and the Snowflake that you sometimes see appears when the ambient temp is low enough to cause possible icing on the road surfaces (38 degrees F and below, I believe).  I can attest, however, that my XR3, which is a manual trans car with Stabilitrak, drove very well in fairly heavy powdery snow during the first week of the year (I drove from Heber Springs, AR to St. Louis, MO).  I've got Michelin 17" tires on mine.  I could not be happier!

I hope that helps!

[z280]

Thank you all for your feedback.