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?
StabiliTrak is a unique electronic stability control (ESC) system from General Motors (GM). This ESC system is intended to reduce engine power in low-traction situations to prevent wheels from slipping.
Other manufacturers, though, have comparable technology with a different name. Many of the same concepts apply to all vehicles, even though a StabiliTrak warning won’t be present on a car that isn’t in the Chevrolet or GM lineup.
When you start to drive, the StabiliTrak system, which is a part of your car’s stability technology, administers brakes to each wheel separately and keeps your vehicle moving in a straight path or direction.
Think of this technology as being akin to brakes with all-wheel drive. Similar to traction control, Stabilitrak is intended to keep the vehicle stable.
The system ensures that once your car is moving, it will move straight ahead. Using the steering wheel position sensor, it compares the positions of the tires and steering wheel to the path of the vehicle. If the system detects instability, such as the car zigzagging, it responds quickly.
When the “Service StabiliTrak warning” appears on the dashboard, it typically indicates that there is a problem with your Chevy’s StabiliTrak system. Usually, this happens when a sensor notices problems with the wheel’s positioning or response to steering. If everything is working as it should, the system will automatically correct any understeer or oversteer.
In order for the Chevrolet StabiliTrak to work, the steering wheel position sensor has to provide data about the driver’s intention.
The sensor adjusts the car’s movement in the right direction by comparing the position of the wheel to the actual steering response. Hence, a problem indicated by the Chevy Cruze’s StabiliTrak service may change how this function works.
When it’s functioning properly, the occupants’ safety and stability in the car are enhanced, especially when driving on slick surfaces. You will get a warning that there is a problem if a sensor malfunctions. Most of the time, this is not a dangerous situation, but you still want to have the problem fixed.
How does the StabiliTrak work?
StabiliTrak is a cutting-edge stability control technology that helps drivers keep control of their cars under difficult driving conditions. The system compares the driver’s inputs to the readings from sensors that monitor the vehicle’s speed, steering angle, and yaw rate.
The system adjusts the vehicle’s course to maintain stability if it detects any deviations between the intended path and the actual path it is taking.
The vehicle is then brought back to its intended route by applying brakes to individual wheels and altering engine power.
To offer a complete system for enhancing vehicle stability, StabiliTrak also works with other vehicle systems, such as traction control and the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
The technology can also recognize when the driver is over- or under-steering, and it will make adjustments to stop the car from spinning out or losing traction.
StabiliTrak is a useful safety feature that can aid drivers in maintaining control of their cars under a range of difficult driving circumstances. StabiliTrak can assist drivers in keeping control and preventing accidents whether it’s raining, snowing, icy, or driving at high speeds.
What does the Service StabiliTrak Message Mean?
If there is an issue with the StabiliTrak system, your vehicle computer triggers the service StabiliTrak message. It is commonly tripped if there is an issue with the position of the vehicle tires or steering wheel angle. If there is no other issue with the system, the StabiliTrak system automatically responds to the understeer or oversteer.
The StabiliTrak ensures your vehicle’s stability, safety, and optimum performance while driving on a slippery road. If any sensor connected to this system doesn’t work properly, the system triggers a warning sign of the issue.
The traction control system of your vehicle doesn’t work efficiently when the service StabiliTrak warning light illuminates. Don’t worry; it is not risky; keep calm; you just need to find out the issue and take measures to repair the fault.
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.
Symptoms Of Bad Service StabiliTrak System
- Warning message: The illuminated StabiliTrak light on the vehicle dashboard is one of the clear symptoms of a bad StabiliTrak system.
- Trouble Code: Your vehicle computer may trigger a trouble code related to speed sensor failure, steering wheel sensor failure, and ABS fault.
- Reduced acceleration or power: In some conditions, a bad StabiliTrak system may lead your car to lose acceleration or power, making it hard to drive.
- Unusual noise: When this system goes bad, you may hear usual noises coming from the vehicle compartment.
- Limp mode: The vehicle computer may turn on the limp mode when it detects an issue with your system.
- Reduced stability control: Your car may be more prone to understeering, oversteering, or skidding, which can lead to loss of control and potential accidents.
- Hard starting conditions: When your service StabiliTrak system goes bad, your car will be hard to start or won’t start at all.
- Loss of traction control: The vehicle may experience reduced traction control or become more difficult to handle, especially in slippery or wet conditions.
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 who 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.
Difference between StabiliTrak System and Traction Control System
The traction control system and StabiliTrak system are not the same. However, these systems work to enhance the stability and friction of your vehicle, but both do it in different ways and by various operations.
Traction control works on a technique by which it increases the firmness of the wheels, specifically on slippery surfaces. It achieves this task by carefully maintaining engine power or putting brakes on each wheel.
On the other hand, the StabiliTrak system is an advanced stability control system. It improves the stability of your vehicle in different driving situations.
As mentioned above, this system uses data of different sensors to improve stability. These sensors detect the speed, steering angle, and yaw rate. After tracking the vehicle speed, steering angle, and yaw rate, the StabiliTrak system adjusts stability by modifying engine power and applying brakes to each wheel.
In some vehicles, these two systems work individually, while in others, they may be merged to work as a single stability control system.
| Traction Control System | StabiliTrak System |
| The traction control system is designed to avoid wheels from slipping in low traction conditions. | The StabiliTrak system is designed to ensure vehicle control in different driving situations. |
| This system can activate automatically when traction loss is identified. | This system has a dedicated switch or button to activate the system. |
| It helps to ensure vehicle stability during acceleration or sudden stops. | It helps to prevent the vehicle from skidding, oversteering, and understeering. |
| It utilizes the data of different sensors to monitor the wheel spinning speed so that it can apply brakes or decrease engine power to prevent wheel slip. | It utilizes the data of different sensors to monitor the car’s acceleration and direction and can apply individual brakes to maintain control. |
| It has been used for a long time and is installed on most modern cars. | It is usually found on the latest vehicle models as a standard safety feature. |
| It works in conjunction with the powertrain control module (PCM) and ABS. | It works in combination with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). |
| It may affect by damaged wiring, bad sensors, or other electrical issues. | It may affect by bad sensors, damaged wiring, or other electrical issues. |
FAQs.
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.