What Does the Service StabiliTrak Warning Mean and How Do You Fix It?

In this article we will be looking at what the “Service StabiliTrak” warning message means in your Chevrolet vehicles. Once we explain what the message means we will also discuss what might cause it and how you might be able to go about repairing the issue.

What Is StabiliTrak?

A lot of newer cars use electronic stability control (ESC) systems and most brands have their own name for their versions of this type of system. General Motors (GM) call their ESC system StabiliTrak and like all other similar systems it is designed to stop wheels slipping by reducing engine power in low traction conditions.

The StabiliTrak system then is unique to GM vehicles which include the Chevy brand as well as many others.

What Does Service StabiliTrak Mean?

As will all dash warning lights the Service StabiliTrak indicates there is a problem with the associated system. In this case it is the traction control system and potentially other elements of the car that are connected to the operation of this system.

One of a number of sensors related to the StabiliTrak system will have detected a problem and registered an error code in the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM). When the system is working correctly it should help prevent oversteer and understeer.

This system is essentially a safety feature which helps prevent the car from losing control on slick road surfaces. If you are seeing the Service StabiliTrak light then this means the system is not working correctly and that you have limited or no input from this driving aid.

It is not an essential system and you can absolutely drive without it but you will have to respond to the road conditions accordingly and be prepared for possible sliding of the car. Obviously though if you have such a safety system in your car you should make use of it so you will want to get this problem fixed sooner rather than later.

What Might Cause a Service StabiliTrak Message?

There are three main systems that might trigger the StabiliTrak warning message and these are traction control, brakes and steering. Each of these systems is made up of multiple parts so potentially there are a few possible causes for the message. Understanding the message's cause is key to knowing what the fix might be.

Below is a list of possible issues that might trigger the StabiliTrak warning message:

• Throttle Position Sensor
• Anti-Lock Brake Sensor
• Steering Angle Sensor
• Spark Plugs
• Fuel Pump
• Engine Misfires
• Active Fuel Management System
• Brake Switch
• Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor
• Use of E85 Fuel
• Body Control Module

You will note that a lot of sensors were mentioned in the above list and this is because it can sometimes be as simple as a sensor becoming broken or worn out. This is commonly the cause although you should never discount the possibility of a part actually failing as well.

If you have an OBD2 scanner tool it is always a good idea to get a reading from your ECM which is essentially the vehicle's computer. You will be given information on error codes and these can help lead you to the source of the Service StabiliTrak message.

We should note at this stage that the last point in the above list referring to the E85 fuel may seem bizarre but it is actually something that has been reported. If you get this message soon after filling up with E85 for the first time it could be the issue.

Drivers have reported that once they filled with conventional gas after using E85 fuel that the Service StabiliTrak message went away. If you get no obvious trouble codes from your scanner it could be an indication that the E85 fuel is the problem.

Resetting the StabiliTrak Message

Usually warning lights do come on for a reason and it is rarely an accident so before considering a reset you should look into the issue. If there is no recorded issue or the fix is simple and you make the repair you will then likely need to reset the warning message. Once you do this the light should stay off but if it comes back you may have other problems that need attending to.

This is a brief explanation of how to reset your Service StabiliTrak dash light:

First confirm that the StabiliTrak button has not been pushed in manually. This would cause the light to remain on and might actually be the reason for the light in the first place.

Rotate your steering wheel clockwise. If the light turns off then there is likely no problem with the system at all.

Turn off the vehicle and let it sit for 15 minutes. The system will reset and if there is no actual problem the light should not come back on.

If none of the above helps to turn off the warning light then you definitely have a problem that needs to be checked into. As mentioned this can have any number of issues so these error codes that you can read with your OBD2 scanner are an invaluable diagnostic tool.

It may cost a few hundred dollars to make the necessary repairs and you might be able to do them yourself if it is a simple fix. Of course never attempt a repair unless you feel fully able to do so as cars are getting more complex these days and a bad repair can cause even worse problems.

Can You Drive With the StabiliTrak Error Message On?

As mentioned this system is an additional driver's aid and you may have had older cars that never had this feature so you are well versed in driving in all road conditions without this extra help. In fact some people may choose to turn the system off.

Obviously with this system off or not working then you have no additional traction control so the responsibility for controlling the vehicle in slippery road conditions is fully on you. Operating this system has likely helped avoid countless accidents since its creation.

We should note that if you would normally have the system on and it's only off because of a fault you should get this checked out. There is clearly an issue somewhere in the car that may cause other problems if left unresolved.

Conclusion

The StabiliTrak system helps you maintain control during slippery driving conditions by assessing a number of factors and limiting power to the wheels. When you see the service light for this system on your dash this could mean you have one or more of a long list of potential issues.

In this situation a scanner tool is invaluable and might help you pinpoint and quickly repair the issue. If you do not feel confident in making these repairs yourself then seek the help of a mechanic who understands GM vehicles.

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