Service StabiliTrak Warning Light?
Have you recently seen a “Service StabiliTrak” alert on your dashboard? If so, you might be worried about what this means and how much it will cost to repair. We’ll explain why you might see this message, how to reset it yourself, and how much it will cost to repair if the warning comes back.
What is StabiliTrak? “StabiliTrak” is a GM-specific form of traction control used in Chevrolet and GMC vehicles. Other manufacturers (such as AdvanceTrac for Ford) may use different terms for similar systems.
Simply put, General Motors uses the term “StabiliTrak” to describe the implementation of this technology in their vehicles. The technology prevents drivers from accidentally skidding in less than ideal conditions, increasing safety.
If you look closely, all traction control systems, including StabiliTrak, extend the use of modern ABS systems that have been standard on most vehicles for over 20 years. Simple ABS systems monitor wheel speed sensors on each wheel end to detect individual wheel lock under braking. If one or more wheels are detected to be locked, brake pressure is adjusted accordingly to prevent skidding.
What causes the “Service StabiliTrak” message to appear? Below are some of the possible causes of active StabiliTrak faults that will cause the Service StabiliTrak light or Traction Control light to illuminate. As always, consult the factory service literature for your specific vehicle model before diagnosing such issues.
#1 – Sensor/Module Error
One of the most common causes of StabiliTrak related errors is a failure of one or more system-specific sensors and/or the StabiliTrak module itself. When any of these components fail, system communication will be degraded.
#2 – Brake System Issue
The functionality of your vehicle’s StabiliTrak system depends on the overall condition of the brake system itself. If the vehicle’s braking system does not have enough fluid or is otherwise damaged, StabiliTrak failure is inevitable.
#3 – Powertrain Electrical Component Failure
The functionality of StabiliTrak in a vehicle depends primarily on the operation of the braking system, but many other vehicle systems also play a role in such operation.
Vehicles equipped with this technology are also capable of controlling engine load limiting under certain circumstances. Therefore, issues with the fuel pump or throttle body could also be the cause of such issues.
#4 – General Electrical Issues
As with any electrical system, the vehicle’s StabiliTrak programming can be affected by any of a number of possible electrical failures. In particular, a defective or corroded earth connection can destroy the entire StabiliTrak system. Therefore, such connections should be checked before rushing to further diagnostic measures.
Is this the same as a “StabiliTrack Off” light?
The StabiliTrak Off alert and the Service StabiliTrak alert are not exactly the same thing. In fact, the former is simply the result of disabling the vehicle’s StabiliTrak functionality via a button on the dashboard, while the latter serves as a notification of a live fault that would normally prevent such safety-related controls from functioning.
Again, the illumination of the Service StabiliTrak light should be considered worthy of intervention. In most cases, the display of the “StabiliTrack Off” message can be resolved by simply pressing the vehicle’s StabiliTrak button again. This will re-enable StabiliTrak functionality, assuming no active errors are registered.
Is it safe to continue driving with the Service StabiliTrak light illuminated?While it is certainly possible to continue driving with a newly illuminated Service StabiliTrak light, it is not recommended to do so for extended periods of time. This is because all traction control systems are safety related.
When such a warning light is illuminated, the StabiliTrak feature is typically disabled. Driving in such conditions therefore puts the overall vehicle safety at risk relative to the vehicle’s design.
