You’re cruising down the road in your General Motors vehicle when a bright warning flashes on the dash: ‘Service StabiliTrak’.
Moments later, your car feels looser around turns, like your tires aren’t gripping the road as they used to.
So, what exactly does the Service Stabilitrak message mean?
It usually indicates that the stability control system — which ensures vehicle stability in low traction conditions — isn’t working properly.
But don’t worry!
We’ll explore how this system works and the possible reasons why your StabiliTrak light is on. We’ll also share the average repair cost and ways you can avoid StabiliTrak issues.
This Article Contains:
- What is the Service StabiliTrak System?
- Why is Your Service StabiliTrak Warning Light On?
- How to Fix Your Service StabiliTrak Warning Light
- How to Reset Service StabiliTrak Message: 2 Methods
- What is the Average Cost of Fixing Service StabiliTrak Issues?
- Is It Safe to Drive with a Lit Stabilitrak Light?
- How to Prevent the Service StabiliTrak Warning Light From Coming On
What is the Service StabiliTrak System?
Service StabiliTrak is an advanced Electronic Stability Control (ESC) used in General Motors vehicles, including Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and trucks.
It works with other safety systems, like Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Forward Collision Alert (FCA), to keep your vehicle steady, safe, and in control.
How does it work?
The stability control system uses sensors to monitor the vehicle’s steering angle and wheel speed, ensuring it’s following the driver’s intended path. If it detects the truck or car drifting off course, especially on slippery roads, it engages automatic emergency braking and reduces engine power to help regain control.
In most vehicles, the “Service StabiliTrak” light briefly turns on and off during low traction conditions, indicating the system is active. But if the light stays on, the system is likely malfunctioning.
Now, let’s look at the reasons that could possibly make the light stay on.
Why is Your Service StabiliTrak Warning Light On?
One of the simplest reasons the Service StabiliTrak light comes on is that the StabiliTrak button has been manually turned off.
But, if that’s not the case, there are some other reasons that can trigger the Service StabiliTrak light:
- Bad sensor issues: The stability control system relies on sensors like yaw rate (how fast a car turns or spins) and steering angle sensors. If the sensors get dirty or damaged, they can send faulty signals to the system. Without accurate data, StabiliTrak shuts off and triggers the warning light.
- Steering problems: Loose components, misalignment, or other steering wheel issues can cause the steering angle sensor to send wrong data to StabiliTrak. This can confuse the system, prompting it to stop working and triggering the ‘Service StabiliTrak’ warning message.
- Malfunctioning braking system: The stability control system depends on the braking system to help correct loss of traction or control. Worn brake pads or a faulty electronic brake control module can prevent the braking system from responding correctly, triggering the StabiliTrak warning light.
- Engine control module issues: The Engine Control Module (ECM) coordinates data between critical systems like the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS). If it malfunctions due to electrical faults, low voltage, or communication errors, StabiliTrak may receive incorrect signals.
NOTE: Mechanical issues in connected systems like Anti-lock Braking System, Lane Keep Assist, and Traction Control System can also trigger the Service StabiliTrak warning.
- Dashboard not working: A software glitch, power issue, faulty wiring, or communication error between modules can cause the dashboard or driver information center to malfunction. This can falsely light up the Service StabiliTrak warning even when nothing’s wrong.
That brings us to the following question:
How to Fix Your Service StabiliTrak Warning Light
If the warning light is on simply because the StabiliTrak button is off, push and hold it for a few seconds to switch it back on.
Otherwise, fixing a “Service Stabilitrak” light on your own isn’t recommended, as a misdiagnosis or incorrect repair can compromise your vehicle’s safety and handling.
The safest move?
Contact an expert mechanic.
The mechanic will fix one or more of the following components to resolve the StabiliTrak issue:
1. Steering Wheel
Your mechanic will:
- Realign the steering wheel.
- Replace damaged wires and connectors.
- Fix issues with the steering angle sensor, steering wheel position sensor, and other sensors in the steering wheel.
- Replace the steering wheel if it’s damaged.
2. Brake System
Your mechanic will:
- Refill brake fluid.
- Check the Anti-lock Braking System, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Electronic Brake Control Module function.
- Fix the wheel speed sensor, brake fluid sensor, and other bad sensors in the brake system.
- Replace damaged brake components.
3. Engine and Electronic Control Module
Your mechanic will:
- Replace faulty spark plugs, throttle body, or other parts.
- Repair or replace damaged ECM wiring and connectors.
- Fix problems with the throttle position sensor, vehicle speed sensor, and other sensors that relay data to the ECM.
- Replace the ECM if it’s defective.
4. Dashboard
Your mechanic will:
- Clean or replace connections and wiring in the driver information center.
- Fix electrical short circuits.
5. Other Mechanical and Supporting System Errors
Your mechanic will identify and repair the fault in the supporting systems to turn off the StabiliTrak light. For example, if the Lane Keep Assist warning comes on with the Service StabiliTrak message, your steering wheel sensors may be malfunctioning. Fixing them may resolve the StabiliTrak issue and ensure uninterrupted stability control.
However, sometimes, even after fixing the problem, the light may stay on, and you may experience poor traction control. When that happens, your mechanic will reset the StabiliTrak system.
Let’s check out how that’s done.
How to Reset the Service StabiliTrak Message: 2 Methods
Resetting the StabiliTrak message restores the vehicle to its original condition, removing any temporary files, cached data, or corrupted software.
There are two ways your mechanic can reset the system:
1. Disconnect the Battery
Your mechanic will:
- Turn the engine off and disconnect the negative battery terminal first, followed by the positive.
- Wait for 10 to 15 minutes, then reconnect the battery. This will force the StabiliTrak system to run a self-check and turn the light off if the issue is resolved.
2. Reset Error Code with an OBD-II Device
The mechanic will connect the OBD-II device to the diagnostic link connector in your car. They’ll scan your car for the error code and fix the corresponding issue before resetting the Service Stabilitrak message.
But how much will fixing a StabiliTrak system cost?
Keep reading to find out.
What is the Average Cost of Fixing Service StabiliTrak Issues?
The cost for fixing a Service StabiliTrak issue depends on the underlying issue as well as your car’s make and model.
Here are the cost estimates for specific repairs (including labor charges):
- Sensor replacements: $200 to $500
- Steering system repair: $100 to $1050
- Brake system repair: $115 to $1,500
- Engine repair: $2,000 to $13,000
NOTE: Whether Service StabiliTrak repairs are covered under warranty depends on the malfunctioning component. For example, if your StabiliTrak isn’t working due to faulty sensors, modules, and other electronic components, it may be covered by a bumper-to-bumper warranty.
That said, the Service StabiliTrak light can show up at the worst times. So, if the light comes on, you need to know whether to keep driving or pull over.
Is It Safe to Drive with a Lit Stabilitrak Light?
You can technically drive while the Service StabiliTrak light is on, but it’s not recommended. The StabiliTrak system is designed to maintain control during slippery or emergency situations. Without it, you’re at the risk of:
- Loss of vehicle control: You won’t be able to control your vehicle during oversteering, understeering, or other low-traction conditions.
- System damages: Driving with StabiliTrak issues can put extra strain on your brakes, tires, and drivetrain, impacting their performance.
- Low vehicle performance: You may experience reduced engine power and fuel efficiency due to potential overuse of traction control or incorrect sensor data.
- Accidents: Without StabiliTrak, the risk of accidents rises in challenging driving conditions, like snow or loose gravel, where traction is already limited.
That’s why you should have a mechanic check out your car at the first sign of trouble.
But preventing it is better than fixing a problem.
Let’s check out how you can do that.
How to Prevent the Service StabiliTrak Warning Light From Coming On?
You can avoid Service StabiTrak problems if you:
- Follow timely maintenance to pick up potential StabiliTrak issues early.
- Check tires regularly to ensure they are properly inflated and have good tread.
- Avoid frequent aggressive driving, as it can strain the system.
- Use high-quality replacement parts for better durability.
Fix StabiliTrak Issues with AutoNation Mobile Service
Driving with a faulty StabiliTrak system isn’t just risky; it puts your vehicle in danger, especially in tough driving conditions. Worse, it can lead to more damage under the hood, turning a simple fix into a costly repair.
So, why take a chance?
Get in touch with AutoNation Mobile Service today.
We offer mobile auto repair and maintenance services, like a throttle body or brake pad replacement, right at your location. Our expert mechanics are available seven days a week and offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs for your peace of mind.
Contact us now, and get your ride back on track.