Older Chevrolet trucks and SUVs often have issues with the StabiliTrak and traction control systems causing the warning lights to come on on the dash. The warning indicator appears at idle and disappears while driving. So what's up?
StabiliTrak uses sensors to adjust your car's direction in difficult conditions. Problems can be caused by components like the alternator, ignition, fuel system, connectors, control panel, etc. Repair costs can range from $300 to $1,500 depending on the underlying cause.
Don't panic if the StabiliTrak or traction indicator light comes on constantly. There's a lot to consider and fix to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Fortunately, we've covered everything you need to know in the article below. Read on for more information.
What is StabiliTrak?
StabiliTrak is a patented technology found in many GM vehicles. The technology is a type of "electronic stability control" that works differently than typical traction control.
Traction control limits power to the wheels to ensure your vehicle transitions from bumps to rolls, even in low traction conditions.
On the other hand, StabiliTrak ensures that your vehicle can move in a straight line when accelerating. The feature uses multiple sensors to adjust the steering wheel and tires based on the vehicle's direction.
For example, if you are on a wet road and start to lose control, StabiliTrak will intervene to correct the vehicle's position. Depending on the situation, StabiliTrak applies the necessary tire brakes to right the vehicle.
StabiliTrak works with stability control functions, wheels, steering wheel and brakes. However, as it is connected to multiple components, various issues can arise and cause the "StabiliTrak Service" notification to light up.
What is the StabiliTrak Light service?
If the StabiliTrak light is on, there is a problem with the system. The StabiliTrak feature is controlled by the vehicle's steering wheel, brakes and various sensors.
StabiliTrak requires constant power or engine speed to function properly. StabiliTrak and traction control systems are automatically disabled if the engine is not delivering consistent power.
Simply put, any time your vehicle stalls or has a performance issue that causes inconsistent RPMs, StabiliTrak and the traction control systems can go haywire. However, since the system is connected to several components, there could be a number of causes for the light to come on.
StabiliTrak-Problemas
The StabiliTrak system uses several different sensors to function properly. In some cases, problems may arise with the system itself rather than other components in your vehicle. Three main parts may encounter problems with the StabiliTrak function:
- Speed sensors on each wheel
- The sensor on the steering wheel
- Electronic brake control module (EBCM)
To use:The ABS sensor can also affect the system and cause problems, but it is part of the braking system.
If your vehicle's problem is related to the StabiliTrak feature, you will typically experience the following: aCheck engine lightand an error code. Each of the sensors and EBCM has different trouble codes that you can read with an OBD reader.
In these cases, you will not notice any underlying performance issues such as loss of power, idling, judder, misfire or other issues.
Problems with the StabiliTrak system do not cause performance issues and are easily resolved. However, the StabiliTrak light is usually due to other performance complications, not the function itself.
Performance issues resulting in inconsistent RPMs
One of the most common causes of a warning light coming on is security features that come on due to fuel and ignition problems. You may notice a variety of symptoms, but the StabiliTrak feature usually does not cause them. Rather, these issues are the result of underlying engine performance issues.
While fuel and ignition parts are the most common culprits, there are a few other causes, including the following:
- Plug
- ignition coils
- Clogged or dirty fuel filter
- faulty fuel pump
- A faulty or dirty throttle position sensor
- Dirtythrottle body
If you experience any of these issues, you will notice symptoms related to decreased performance. For example, you may notice that your vehicle stalls, shakes, accelerates slowly, idles, and more. It is best to check the engine light codes and resolve the issue as soon as possible.
alternator failure
A common cause of the StabiliTrak light coming on is that your vehicle's alternator has failed or is about to fail.
The warning light may come on a few days or weeks before other vehicle components such as B. The battery may be damaged. If you notice this problem, you should check youralternator testedASAP.
Problems with the system controller
Another common cause of the StabiliTrak warning light coming on is problems with the control panel. Fortunately, you can quickly fix a faulty system controller by resetting your car's computer at your local dealership.
connection failed
Another cause of the StabiliTrak light is a failed connection. For example, a negative battery cable can come loose and cause a bad connection.
You may need to give your car's computer time to determine the necessary connections for the StabiliTrak feature to work before hitting the road.
Is it safe to drive with the courtesy light on?
It is safe to drive your Chevrolet vehicle with StabiliTrak and traction control indicators turned on. However, you will usually find a lack of energy and it is common for change to be difficult. Your vehicle can be driven, but hard shifts are not ideal for the transmission and will cause significant damage over time.
It is currently unknown why GM vehicles experience jerky shifts when the StabiliTrak light is on. However, you may also notice minor symptoms like misfires and idling that don't do much harm.
But because the StabiliTrak and traction control systems aren't working properly, you'll notice different behavior on wet roads. This can be dangerous if you are not willing to manually adjust the vehicle in the event of a skid or collision.
How is StabiliTrak disabled on Chevy vehicles?
Fortunately, you can manually disable the StabiliTrak feature if you find it unnecessary or if it is causing problems. Depending on your vehicle, you can use several methods to disable the StabiliTrak feature. We cover them in more detail below.
Method 1 – Use the TCS button
You can click the TCS button to disable the feature on some Chevrolet vehicles. This is like:
- find ittraction control systemon your vehicle's dashboard.
- Then press the buttontraction control systemup buttonStabili TrakÖtraction controlthe symbol goes out.
If this method doesn't work, you can proceed to method two to disable the StabiliTrak feature.
Method 2 - Enter a code
You can disable the StabiliTrak feature on most 2009 and later Chevy models by entering a code into the vehicle. This is like:
- Start your vehicle and clickReset the tripmeterclose to the cluster.
- Then click and hold the buttonInformationthree to five second button.
- Enter the following digits:1468
- Your screen should showstability is off
- Now you can park your vehicle or drive normally.
If this method doesn't work and you've tried Method 1, you may need to contact a professional mechanic to disable the StabiliTrak feature. Continuing to tinker with the system without sufficient experience may cause unnecessary damage or problems.
How to Reset the StabiliTrak Service Light on a Chevy
The StabiliTrak service indicator appears as an amber light on the dashboard. The light may come on when there is a problem with the StabiliTrak control module. It may be necessary to reset the StabiliTrak control module to resolve issues.
You can disconnect the battery or perform a hard reset to do this. Here's a quick guide to get you started:
- Turn off the vehicle and wait about 15 minutes.
- Put the key inEmposition, but do not start the vehicle.
- Press the accelerator pedal five times within five seconds. You can use the clutch if your vehicle is manual.
- The light should go out after this step. If the light does not go out, turn the car off and wait 10 seconds before repeating the process.
- Repeat these steps as needed until the light goes out.
To use:Performing a power reset on your vehicle could make underlying problems worse. It's best to consult a professional mechanic if you're not sure what you're doing.
How much does it cost to fix StabiliTrak on a Chevy vehicle?
It is not common for a Chevy owner to service the StabiliTrak feature. The StabiliTrak system is quite complicated and is not usually the cause of performance issues. Instead, the problems are usually with the underlying components.
That said, a professional mechanic familiar with Chevy vehicles can repair the StabiliTrak system if needed. Additionally, the mechanic can troubleshoot the StabiliTrak system, which costs about $100-$150 to diagnose.
Sometimes the mechanic can fix the problem for less than $300. In other cases, though, the mechanic can replace the entire system, which costs upwards of $1,500.
The most common problem is a bad ABS wheel sensor, a quick and affordable repair will cost you between $200 and $400. Other problems like replacing a steering angle sensor can cost between $500 and $900 professionally .
The most expensive maintenance expense is fixing a failed ABS module, which costs between $800 and $1,500, depending on the shop.
If you can, it might be best to tackle some of these issues yourself. However, if you are inexperienced, it is better to seek professional services. Compare different mechanics and get quotes to find the best deal.