The StabiliTrak system is a name that goes back to the year 1996 and has endured ever since, found on most General Motors products you can buy today, particularly trucks and SUVs like the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Yukon. But what is StabiliTrak, where did it come from, and what are the pros and cons of this system?
Simply put, StabiliTrak is the trademarked name of the electronic stability control system used in most GM vehicles. Even if it doesn’t use that name, it’s still the same technology applied to them all. While such electronic stability control systems have been mandated in all cars sold in the US since 2012, StabiliTrak was an innovation when it arrived in 1996. Co-developed by GM and Delphi Automotive, StabiliTrak was just the third stability control system in existence, following the Mercedes/Bosch-developed Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Toyota’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), both of which were launched in 1995.
When promoting the 2011 GMC Terrain, GM described it as “control freak tech,” but hailed it as “the most significant safety feature since the development of the safety belt.” The company also cited IIHS statistics claiming that the technology reduced the risk of fatal accidents by 33%.
Service StabiliTrak Explained
When warning lights and messages pop up on your dashboard, they usually indicate a problem with at least one system in your vehicle.
A lot of these warning lights (e.g., check engine light and oil pressure warning light) are standard in most vehicles regardless of their year, make, and model. There are, however, some lights that you’ll only find in specific makes.
General Motors (GM) and Chevrolet vehicles, for example, have a “service StabiliTrak” message that can pop up under certain conditions.
The StabiliTrak system is GM’s enhanced version of the electronic stability control (ESC) system. Both rely on steering inputs to restore vehicle stability if the driver is unable to control the vehicle.
Generally, the StabiliTrak feature will operate under two conditions: oversteering and understeering.
Oversteering occurs when the vehicle is driven on a curve at extreme speeds. Under this condition, the vehicle can spin out of control, so StabiliTrak or the ESC system will engage one of the brakes (usually the right front brake) to correct the path.
Meanwhile, understeering occurs when the vehicle runs out of traction while making a turn. Under this condition, the ESC system or StabiliTrak will engage the right rear brakes to restore stability.
Symptoms Of Service StabiliTrak Issue
There are several obvious symptoms that you cannot ignore when your car has a StabiliTrak issue. Some of the symptoms are:
- A StabiliTrak warning light appears.
- Hard shifting
- Loss of power/limp mode
- Trouble codes: for ABS malfunction, Steering wheel sensor Malfunctioning, Speed sensor Malfunctioning, etc.
What Causes The Service StabiliTrak Light To Come On?
The Service StabiliTrak warning light can be triggered by various issues. Here are some common causes:
- Faulty Sensors: StabiliTrak relies on sensors. If one malfunctions, it can trigger the warning light.
- Steering Problems: Issues with the steering system can affect StabiliTrak. This can cause the warning light to come on.
- Brake System Issues: StabiliTrak is linked to your vehicle’s brakes. Problems with the brake system can trigger the warning light.
- Engine Problems: Certain engine issues can also affect StabiliTrak. This can result in the warning light illuminating.
- Electrical Issues: StabiliTrak is an electronic system. So, electrical problems can also cause the warning light to appear.
Remember, these are just common causes. The actual issue could be different. It’s always best to get a professional diagnosis. That way, you can address the problem accurately and promptly.
Service StabiliTrak Chevy
The StabiliTrak of a Chevy operates by getting information on the driver’s intention from the steering wheel position sensor. The sensor compares the vehicle’s wheel’s position to its actual steering response to correct the car’s movement in the right direction.
Therefore, a malfunction projected by the service StabiliTrak of a Chevy Cruze may alter this function.
You can hit the road with an assurance of maintaining control over your vehicle’s movement because your Chevrolet’s StabiliTrak system allows for the adjustment of brake or engine torque in correlation to what the StabiliTrak system detects as it functions.
This can help prevent you from an accident because the brake reduces the wheel slip during a swerve and alters Chevy’s trajectory completely.
StabiliTrak Sensor Location
The previous information in this article has given you details on how the StabiliTrak works, the symptoms, and the possible causes of the issues you might have with a Chevy StabiliTrak sensor.
Now, you might be wondering, where exactly can you find this sensor When the StabiliTrak light comes on?., The location of the StabiliTrak sensors may differ from vehicle to vehicle, depending on the vehicle models.
For GMC StabiliTrak sensor location and most vehicles’ StabiliTrak sensor Location, it is always linked together with the EBCM(Electronic brake control system), which is also known as the ABS (Anti-lock braking system) for some vehicle models; This module also houses the chevy StabiliTrak sensor.
The StabiliTrak sensor is not always a stand-alone sensor since it functions using a combination of information provided by the steering angle sensor, speed sensors, and Engine power.
Still, the StabiliTrak has a switch that helps toggle its function on and off, depending on the driver’s preference. The EBCM helps to coordinate all the information needed to activate the StabiliTrak; it is just like the brain box behind the design of this function.
After the coordination of the signals received from the steering and speed sensors, the EBCM/ ABS now sends signals to the PCM/ECM, which then processes the information to determine if the engine power needs to be reduced.
The Stabilitrak does not have a specific sensor; it combines different sensor inputs for optimum efficiency. The StabiliTrak has a switch, which can be located on the steering wheel for some vehicle models, at the center dash control panel, and for some Vehicle models, its switch option can be found on the dashboard.
How To Fix Service StabiliTrak Issue
Depending on the cause of the Service StabiliTrak warning, you may need different repairs or replacements to fix it. Some of the possible fixes are:
- Replace the throttle position sensor
- Replace the ABS sensors
- Replace the steering angle sensor or wheel position sensor
- Replace the spark plugs
- Replace the fuel pump
- Repair the engine misfire
- Disable or replace the AFM system
- Replace the brake switch
- Replace the tire pressure monitor sensor
- Replace the body control module
- Charge or replace the battery
- Repair or replace faulty wiring or connections
- Update the vehicle’s software
Some of these fixes may require professional tools and skills, so you may want to consult a mechanic before attempting them yourself.
FAQs
How much does it cost to fix the service StabiliTrak?
A car’s service StabiliTrak cost is estimated at around $80 to $200; this includes labor costs of about $45 to $100 and parts costs of about $35 to $100, respectively. There may be some price variation from one location or service center to another.
Some parts sellers may include shipping costs if they have to ship the parts to you in another location. Maybe you could find out the price from the service center near you.
Can I drive with the aStabiliTrak light on?
It depends. If you are considering whether it is safe to drive while your car’s TCS or StabiliTrak light is on, it could be safe to drive with your car’s StabiliTrak light on if it comes on when it seems your vehicle is losing traction. It is a sign that the TCS is engaging quite alright.
When you drive without your car’s traction control, the vehicle is susceptible to sliding around or spinning out of the road. Therefore, you must ensure that the system is in good condition.
How do I turn off service StabiliTrak?
If your car’s service StabiliTrak light comes on automatically and you need to turn it off, follow these simple steps:
- Firstly, press the traction control system (TCS) button on your car’s steering wheel; then, rerelease it.
- After that, press and hold on to the control button for a few seconds; then, the service StabiliTrak light will turn off.
However, this process may not be the same for every car; hence, you must check your car’s manufacturer’s manual to ascertain where to find your car’s traction control button. You will usually locate it close to the steering wheel on the left side.
Can StabiliTrak cause a car to stall?
StabiliTrak can stall your car when the stability control system malfunctions when your car is fishtailing, and the system cannot remedy the problem. When this happens, the vehicle may not have enough power to get through the obstacle; hence, it could stall, and the engine may go off.
What is the difference between stability control and traction control?
Stability control is different from traction control. Stability control involves cutting power and brake wheels to enable a car to move in the direction the driver points. It helps to maneuver a vehicle from the wrong path, especially when driving on a snowy road.
Meanwhile, traction control limits the vehicle’s wheels from spinning. It may not help the vehicle maneuver back to the direction the driver points. All stability control involves traction control, but all traction control does not include stability control. However, both functionalities are vital for you to enjoy a fair ride.
Final Words
Seeing a “Service StabiliTrak” warning on the dashboard can be frustrating because it raises safety concerns while driving in slippery or emergency situations.
To address this issue, identify the problem by using a scan tool to read the trouble codes from the EBCM. Or, seek assistance from a trusted mechanic who can diagnose and repair the issue professionally.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your StabiliTrak system functions correctly, and enjoy driving your Chevy or GMC with peace of mind.