Today modern cars are equipped with advanced systems that enhance the driving experience, such as StabiliTrak, an electronic stability control system designed for GM and similar systems for other brands. However, when the Service StabiliTrak warning appears on the dashboard, it can be confusing.
Stabilitrak helps you stay straight by monitoring and adjusting your vehicle’s steering, braking, and traction. This system uses sensors to determine the position of the steering wheel and tires and checks that they match your vehicle’s direction of travel.
In this guide, we take a closer look at Service StabiliTrak systems and provide expert tips on what to do when this warning light comes on. We also discuss how to reset the light when appropriate.
What is StabiliTrak?
StabiliTrak is a stability control technology that helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles under difficult driving conditions. It is a more advanced traction control system than ESC (Electronic Stability Control) systems.
StabiliTrak works by monitoring and adjusting the steering, braking, and traction of the vehicle using sensors to figure out the position of the steering wheel and tires.
If the system senses that the vehicle is out of control, it makes automatic adjustments to bring it back under the driver’s control by applying brake pressure to certain wheels, encouraging the car to straighten out.
StabiliTrak works with other vehicle systems, such as traction control and the anti-lock braking system (ABS). It adjusts engine output or selectively applies brakes to individual wheels to maintain the car’s overall stability under a range of driving conditions.
StabiliTrak is activated when the vehicle sensors detect a difference between the driver’s intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually moving.
What does the service StabiliTrak light mean?
The “Service StabiliTrak” warning light indicates a problem with the stability control system. The StabiliTrak system is not the same as the traction control system, which only applies when the car is in motion and fishtailing.
The “Service StabiliTrak” warning light can appear when the car is in motion or idle. It can be caused by a malfunctioning sensor, a disabled system, or a bad signal. If the warning light comes on, it is not recommended to drive the vehicle until the problem is fixed.
However, the message may appear when driving on a slippery surface, which is evidence that the system is working correctly.
To fix the problem, the driver should pay close attention to the warning light and try to figure out what could be wrong. It is recommended to take the vehicle to a mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem.
Once the problem is fixed, the warning light can be reset. If the StabiliTrak warning light comes on, the Traction Control System will be turned off, and the driver will need to drive accordingly if in certain conditions.
How does the StabiliTrak work?
StabiliTrak is a safety feature included in every GM vehicle, which is GM’s version of electronic stability control (ESC). StabiliTrak helps keep the car safely on the road by monitoring and adjusting the steering, braking, and traction of the vehicle.
The system uses sensors to determine the position of the steering wheel and tires and checks that they match the direction the vehicle is moving. If the system senses that the vehicle is out of control, it makes automatic adjustments to bring it back under the driver’s control by applying brake pressure to certain wheels, encouraging the car to straighten out.
StabiliTrak is activated when the vehicle sensors detect a difference between the driver’s intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually moving.
The system can activate in a split second and helps the driver avoid a potential spinout or accident. StabiliTrak is always on and monitoring the driver’s driving, keeping the driver in control and on the road.
If the system senses that there is a problem, the driver will see a warning message on the dashboard.
Stabilitrak vs. Electronic Stability Control
Stabilitrak is a traction control system that is more advanced than Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems. Traction control and stability control are two different ideas, but both can be lifesaving devices.
Traction control stops wheelspin by applying brake pressure and controlling the throttle, while stability control is an evolution of traction control that bites one or three wheels, or even cuts the power, to send a car in an intended direction.
Stability control often cuts power and brake wheels to help maintain control of a vehicle when the tires lose grip or can’t find traction.
Are StabiliTrak and traction control systems the same?
StabiliTrak and traction control are not the same, although they both work to improve traction and stability.
Traction control is a technology that prevents the wheels of a car from slipping, especially when accelerating on slick surfaces.
StabiliTrak, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive system that uses sensors to monitor the vehicle’s speed, steering angle, and yaw rate to maintain stability by adjusting engine power and applying brakes to individual wheels.
StabiliTrak also works with other vehicle systems, such as traction control and the anti-lock braking system (ABS), to offer a complete solution for enhancing vehicle stability and handling.
While stability control is just traction control with more vehicular education and better tools, StabiliTrak is more advanced than ESC systems.
StabiliTrak helps the car go in a straight line once it is already moving, using sensors to determine the position of the steering wheel and tires compared to the direction the car is moving.
If the car begins to fishtail on a slippery road, StabiliTrak will kick in to help correct the course and bring the car back to its intended route by applying brakes to individual wheels and altering engine power.
What causes the service StabiliTrak warning to come on?
The “Service StabiliTrak” warning light may illuminate for several reasons. The most common causes of the warning light include problems with the StabiliTrak system, such as sensor or control module failure, a brake system issue, such as low brake fluid or a broken brake control module, and issues with the traction control system.
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
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 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.
Can you drive with the service StabiliTrak warning light on?
The “Service StabiliTrak” warning light indicates a problem with the stability control system, which helps maintain the vehicle’s traction and stability. While it is safe to continue driving when the StabiliTrak light comes on, it is not recommended.
The systems that would normally help control the car in a sliding situation are not working, so the driver should drive carefully when necessary. If the traction service light is also on, there is likely an issue with the system, and the driver should have the vehicle serviced.
It is important not to disregard the warning notice, as it indicates that there is a problem with the car’s stability control system. The light can indicate a variety of problems that need to be addressed before the traction control system operates correctly. If the StabiliTrak light stays on, the driver should have the vehicle serviced.
If the StabiliTrak light comes on due to a computer glitch or software failure, the light can be easily reset without having to visit an automotive shop.
However, if the light comes on due to a malfunctioning system controller, the computer in the vehicle may need to be reset, which may require a visit to the dealership where the vehicle was purchased.
How to Reset Service StabiliTrak Message?
Resetting the Service StabiliTrak message is a simple process that can be done without a scan tool. Here are the steps to reset the Service StabiliTrak message on most Chevy and GM vehicles:
- Check the StabiliTrak button. When manually pressed, the light stays on.
- Consider weather systems and road conditions. If there is a reason for the system to be automatically disarmed, that could be the reason the warning light is on.
- Turn the steering wheel clockwise. If the light goes out, the StabiliTrak system is probably fine. If the light stays on, continue with the following steps.
- Park vehicle. Go away and do something else for about 15 minutes. This time gives the system a chance to reset itself.
- Restart the vehicle. If the message is no longer displayed, you do not need to service the vehicle. Otherwise, it’s time for a full diagnosis.
Another way to reset the StabiliTrak system is to turn off the car and let it sit for a few minutes. To turn off the StabiliTrak system, press the ESC button and hold it for six or more seconds. The sound of a buzzer indicates that the StabiliTrak is off.
It is important to note that resetting the Service StabiliTrak message does not fix the underlying issue. If the warning light turns on again, it is important to address the issue promptly to ensure safe driving conditions.
If the owner’s manual does not provide a procedure for turning off the Service StabiliTrak message, or if the message turns on again after trying to reset it, it is best to take the vehicle to a qualified mechanic. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to diagnose and fix the issue.
FAQs.
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.
The cost of fixing a StabiliTrak system can range from $80 to $200, depending on the severity of the problem. This is relatively affordable for a car repair, especially considering the complexity of the system.
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.
StabiliTrak should not prevent a car from starting. However, if there is a major electronic problem with the car, it could prevent the car from starting. The StabiliTrak system can reduce engine power if it detects that the vehicle is not following the driver’s commands, but it should not cause the car not to start.
