Today’s cars come with sophisticated systems that enhance the drive, such as StabiliTrak. This electronic stability control system is specifically designed for GM, but similar systems exist for other brands. So, what do you do when the Service StabiliTrak warning comes up on the dashboard?
In this guide, I give you a closer look at the electronic stability control systems and show you what to do when the light comes on. I even discuss how to turn the light off when appropriate.
What is StabiliTrak?
GM patented its own electronic stability control (ESC) system, known as StabiliTrak. This ESC system is designed to stop wheels from slipping by reducing engine power during low-traction situations.
However, other auto manufacturers have a similar system with a different name. Even though there won’t be a StabiliTrak warning on a vehicle outside of the Chevrolet and GM vehicle lineup, many of the same principles exist across the board.
What Does Service StabiliTrak Mean?
The Service StabiliTrak message means that there is an issue with your Chevy’s StabiliTrak system. This generally occurs when a sensor detects issues with the wheel location or the reaction to steering. If everything is operating as it should, the system will respond to the understeer or oversteer automatically.
When it’s working correctly, safety and vehicle stability is improved for occupants, especially when traveling on slippery surfaces. If a sensor fails, you will receive an alert that there’s a fault. While the warning is illuminated, the traction control system is not operating as it should. This isn’t a dangerous situation in most cases, but you still want to have the fault repaired.
RELATED: ESC Light – Meaning, Causes (& How to Fix it)
Possible Causes of Service StabiliTrak Message
The Service StabiliTrak message is usually caused by a problem with the traction control system, brake components, or steering wheel system. A faulty ABS sensor, throttle sensor, or a bad steering angle sensor are some of the most common causes.
The StabiliTrak system runs through the traction control system, ABS brake system components and steering wheel. However, there are aspects beyond these systems that could cause the malfunction.
The most common causes of a Service StabiliTrak message include:
- Bad throttle position sensor
- Defective ABS sensors
- Malfunctioning steering angle sensor/steering wheel position sensor
- Old or corroded spark plugs
- Bad fuel pump
- Engine misfire
- Issues with the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system
- Defective brake switch
- Bad tire pressure monitor sensor
- Malfunctioning body control module
- Use of E85 fuel
There are many issues that could lead to the StabiliTrak light coming on. The most common complaints have to do with a bad sensor, where the system can’t receive the information it needs, causing it to shut down. A code scanner will be able to give you a fault code that tells you which sensor is failing so that you can resolve the issue quickly.
The most unusual problem is the use of E85 fuel, but it’s been noted many times by drivers. When conventional gasoline is added back into the tank, the StabiliTrak light and check engine light seem to go off by itself, so it’s always something to consider, especially if you just visited the gas pump and there are no obvious trouble codes present.
It’s also possible that a bad fuel pump is causing the issue, even though the StabiliTrak isn’t part of the fuel system. For this reason, it’s important to monitor all of the symptoms that the car is exhibiting to make a proper diagnosis. If there are other things going wrong at the same time, it will be much easier to diagnose.
You do also want to look for technical service bulletins. You will find some published for GM vehicles, such as Chevrolet Volt and Buick Envision.
How to Reset Service StabiliTrak Message
If the Service StabiliTrak warning light has come on the dashboard, you should take heed that there’s something wrong with the system. There could be a computer failure or software malfunction turning the system off.
Before you try to turn off the warning light, you want to run a full diagnostic of the system to find the fault. Warning lights are meant to alert you to danger.
Once the diagnostics are completed and you know how to resolve the problem, you are ready to reset the warning light.
Here are some general guidelines on how to reset the Service StabiliTrak Message:
- Check the StabiliTrak button. If it has been pushed in manually, the light will remain on.
- Consider the weather systems and road conditions. If there’s a reason for the system to be disabled automatically, that could be why the warning light is on.
- Rotate the steering wheel clockwise. If the light turns off, there’s probably nothing wrong with the StabiliTrak system. If the light remains on, continue with the following steps.
- Shut down the vehicle. Walk away and do something else for about 15 minutes. This time gives the system a chance to reset.
- Restart the vehicle. If the message is gone, you don’t need to service the vehicle. Otherwise, it’s time for complete diagnostics.
If the Service StabiliTrak light persists, there could be several faults with the system. It could be caused by a defective input sensor or a malfunctioning controller. It’s also possible that there is simply a bad connection in the system that needs to be re-established.
You might spend, on average, $200 to $550 to repair a Service StabiliTrak warning, depending on what’s causing the fault. If you aren’t sure how to proceed, get the car diagnosed through a mechanic that understands the GM technology.
Can I Keep Driving with the StabiliTrak Light On?
If you’ve chosen to turn StabiliTrak off, there’s nothing wrong with the system and you are free to drive as needed. Just be aware that having the system disabled means that there will be no traction control, meaning that you could notice the tires spinning and skidding in slippery situations. Drive accordingly to prevent any accidents.
However, if StabiliTrak is turned off because of a fault, you need to have it looked at. Only after the trouble codes are diagnosed should you determine if driving would be safe. In some conditions, you can wait to get the repair – as long as you are comfortable driving without traction control.
With that said, some of the causes are going to lead to other problems. If the reason the StabiliTrak is malfunctioning is also causing other concerns, it’s best to have the fault repaired.
Does StabiliTrak affect transmission?
Yes. StabiliTrak can affect transmission. When the system is activated, it applies forces to the wheels in order to help keep the car stable. This can create resistance and drag that can impact how well the wheels rotate and, as a result, how well the car moves.
What are the symptoms of a bad StabiliTrak system?
A bad StabiliTrak system can cause a StabiliTrak error message on your dashboard, and it can cause the car to veer off course or skid on slippery surfaces. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your car in for service right away.
Is StabiliTrak covered under warranty?
No. StabiliTrak is usually not covered under warranty. However, it really depends on your car’s make and model, as well as the type of warranty you have. It’s always best to check with your manufacturer or dealer to see what exactly is covered under your warranty.
Will StabiliTrak keep car from starting?
No. The StabiliTrak system itself should not prevent your car from starting. However, there could be a major electronic problem with your car that is causing both the starting problems and the StabiliTrak problems.
Categories: Troubleshooting, Warning Lights
