How to Fix Chevy “Service StabiliTrak” & “Service Traction Control”
Early to mid 2000’s Chevy trucks and suburbans have a common problem with the stabilitrak and traction control service lights appearing on the dash. For most truck owners, the warning lights occur frequently when the truck is idling and then disappears and reappears while driving. The “Service Stabilitrak” light will usually appear first and then the car will turn traction control off. Once traction control is turned off, the transmission beings to shift very hard and rough.
Additionally, the warning light most commonly appears in cold temperatures. Loss of engine power and or limp mode are also symptoms in addition to very hard shifting. While not isolated to these engines, the problem is most common in 2007-2013 trucks with the 5.3 Vortec and AFM.
What is Stabilitrak?
Traction control obviously help you gain traction on low-traction surfaces, such as snow and ice. Stabilitrak is another “electronic stability control” system, but it serves a different purpose than traction control. Traction control will limit power to various wheels to help your Chevy go from stop to start when there is low traction on the road.
Stabilitrak helps your car go in a straight line once it is already moving. The system uses sensors to determine the position of the steering wheel and tires compared to the direction the car is moving. If you are on a slippery road and begin to fishtail, Stabilitrak will kick-in to help correct your path. If your car is fish tailing to the right, but you have your tires and steering wheel pointed towards the left, Stabilitrak will apply the brake on the outside front tire to straighten the car out.
Stabilitrak is connected to your Chevy’s stability control system, your wheels and steering wheel via sensors, and to your brakes. Because its a connected system, multiple issues can cause the “Service Stabilitrak” light to appear in your Chevy.
What Causes the Service Stabilitrak Light?
Despite the system being steering, braking, and traction related, a number of engine and other problems can cause this warning light. Overall, we have seen Service Stabilitrak caused by a handful of issues. And the correct fix here seems to vary widely by vehicle. Here are the most likely causes, in my best attempt to rank them in order of frequency:
- E85 Fuel: many people report their service stabilitrak light disappearing after running their tank dry on E85 fuel and changing back to traditional gasoline
- Changing the fuel filters might fix it as well
- Active Fuel Management: try turning off AFM
- Failed Throttle Position Sensor or defective Throttle Body Assembly
- Bad Steering Wheel Position Sensor
- Throttle Position Sensor
- Tire Pressure Monitor Sensors
- ABS Sensors
- Brake Switch
- Body Control Module
- Engines Misfires / Old Ignition Coils and Spark Plugs
- Bad Fuel Pump: doesn’t appear to be very common
- Lifter Failure: also less common
Unfortunately, the dealers are relatively unhelpful when it comes to diagnosing the issue. Codes generally do not appear for this issue and the problem is very intermittent making it difficult to diagnose. Additionally, as shown above, a number of things have been know to cause this issue and the fix tends to vary.
It appears most issues are caused by fuel, AFM, or something around the throttle body. However, years later there still isn’t really one known cause or fix for this issue unfortunately. E85 fuel appears to be the most common culprit so my first recommendation is to try using regular gasoline for a tank or two and then turn AFM off it keeps appearing after that.
There are thousands of forum threads on this. I did my best to synthesize all of the information. Considering this problem is still a mystery today, there could be a number of other issues causing service stabilitrak but I did my best to include all the common culprits I could find.
Symptoms of Stabilitrak and Traction Control Issues
- Hard shifting
- Warning lights appearing
- Loss of power / limp mode
- Trouble codes that have appeared alongside the issue:
- C0561: ABS Disabled
- P0011: Camshaft Positioning A
- P0521: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor
- P0121: Pedal Position Sensor
- *Getting no engine codes is common*
Can I Keep Driving with the Stabilitrak Light On?
Your Chevy truck is still drivable with both the stabilitrak and traction control lights on. However, you may notice a lack of power and 90% of the time the problem is accompanied with hard shifts. While still drivable, hard shifts are not good for a transmission.
Hard shifting usually occurs from low transmission fluid, which means the metal components inside the transmission are rubbing on each other with a lot of friction. However, in the service stabilitrak situation, it generally has nothing to do with low fluid levels. Nonetheless, the internal transmission components are rubbing hard against each other which is what causes the “hard shift” feeling.
Why the transmission hard shifts with stabilitrak issues is still unknown. With that being said, driving while hard shifting can cause serious wear and tear on your transmission and is not recommended.
I’m having this issue w my 2017 Trax AWD. It only has 56000 miles on it. I really didn’t want to trade it but I’m tired of having to put money in it. After this experience I will not b buying another Chevrolet vehicle an what’s so bad I really enjoy my vehicle.
My 2018 buick encore light started yesterday with the stabilitrak and it has never did that before so I’m worried about what’s going on
This just started happening with my 2017 trax and I only have 58000 on it
2019 and not even 20 000 km
I got 2011 Chevy traverse my came on once before and all I had to do is Change the wheel bearing. Now I got the problem again but light doesn’t come on until I drive 15 mile or more everything seem fine tho with the car can’t figure it out driving me crazy
Loom just get you some Throttle body cleaner and a toothbrush and clean all the build up in the throttle body.It fixed my problem
That’s what I did took a soaked rag and some throttle body cleaner and it removed the traction control light on dash.easy peazy
Texas Winter Storm 2021…Thank God for my Chevy? Hmmm. 2008 Chevy Silverado 4×4 5.3L V8 flex. By Wednesday Stabikitrak warning and everything mentioned here happened. My computer system gave out a P0641 code indicating a issue with the 5v electrical system. I replaced the oil pressure sensor during my DIY rampage and reset the computer via the battery. No go. I wish Chevy would own up to some answers. I finally have electricity after a week and am left with a broken down lemon that I’ve thrown over 10k into since I bought it. Chevy used to be a truck you could be proud of. Apparently they dont care much anymore.
2012 cheverlet 5 3l every two weeks throw a quart of oil in it to keep the check engine light off did the oil pump sensor did the screen did all that just add oil fixed the problem. Cleaned throttle body no check engine real crazy stuff after high rev in gear breaking jumping tack. All good drive it and keep driving will relearn and act right. Future buy afm delete that plugs in make it straight 8 no problems. I interchange flex fuel one tank regularly with ethanol no problems.
this just started happening to my 2013 silverado after the texas ’21 snowpocalypse .the stabilitrak lights turn on and off and i can hear the ABS activating/chattering. fun times.
Check your abs sensors, shoul be dirty and that should fix the problem
Same here. Just did steering angle sensor and shift solenoids a still hard shifting one day and slipping the next. And now the traction control light will not go off.
stabilitrak and traction light came on, and engine power reduced in my 2009 Chevrolet 1500 Silverado. Truck didn’t go over 20mph. Made it home, turned it off then came back out an hour later. Truck runs great now. What the heck is going on??!
I think we all get lawyer and file classaction lawsuit to GM. With this case.
Let find lawyers who’s wiil take the cade?
Own a 2005 Impala 3.8 liter V6, have not worked since Covid-19 and my only means of transportation. TRAC Control along with ABS lights come on and warning that the Trac Control is active, this along with the hard shifting has become a big concern as I can’t afford to get a new car, come in GM, get your act together.
Had exactly the same experience with my 2009 Chev Express van, Suspect plugs may need changing, van had 110k miles of which I have put on 40k (no idea whether previous owner changed plugs). Will post what I find out.
Richard – I have a ‘09 Chev. Express, 6L ~55K miles automatic transmission. My “Service Stabilitrak” light came on in April ‘21, it’s on when I start the engine. I can cancel the dash warning, but indications are Stabilitrak never initializes. That means it’s not turned on. Chev. dealer checked and said (basically): “We can’t find anything wrong, just go ahead and drive it.” Is this the same as your experience or is your warning light more intermittent?
Yes indeed! They have no clue what to do! I have spent over $1,500 over 6 years and it still has issues. Never purchase Chevrolet products!!
My 2017 Trax is also experiencing a similar problem. 64k miles and the stability light turns on when I apply my brakes, only sometimes. I recently had my oil valve cover replaced due to it leaking oil badly also. I am getting what feels like a hard shift after using my brakes on a longer drive also.
I tried to start car and drive yesterday but it will not let me shift out of PARK and my Service Stabilitrak came in. I tried turning StabiliTrak OFF but it doesn’t even recognize those efforts and just continues to stay lit …..and I’m stuck in PARK. Car is a 2016 Checy Equinox. Wow. Incredible 🙁
Same thing is happening right now with my 2015 Chevy Equinox. It is dead in my driveway. When I am driving and the Service Stabilitrak comes on all my gauges on my dashboard go to zero. My a/c shuts off my speed drops to about 20 mph and when pulling away from stop lights I have to play with the gas for about 10 seconds before the car will actually move, very slowly at first.. I have almost been rear ended several times even with my hazards on. Not only frustrating but DANGEROUS. Then after I reach my destination and turn it off it doesn’t turn back on, I have to keep trying the ignition in 10 minute intervals. My mechanic had done the diagnostics and no codes come up. he said that the system is not “talking”. Has anyone replaced the PCM module? I understand it is about $800. but would that fix the issues?
Had an equinox that had similar problems. It was the battery was going bad. Got a new one and everything was fine after that.
Im having this exact problem right now. Was you able to get the issue fixed?
I also have a 2015 AWD Equinox and it’s doing the exact same thing! it’s so scary to drive! I’m beyond frustrated and tired of taking it to the dealership and then worrying after picking it when it’s going to do it again! I’ve lost count how many times I’ve taken it in!
I have a 2012 Chevy Impala ls and my traction, abs light, and stabilitrak light came on. Changes the abs wire harness, wheel bearings, and brake pedal position sensor and the only thing that still comes on is service stabilitrak…don’t know what else to do
I got stuck in slush and ice..it was deep, I managed to dig myself out and I put it into 4 wheel drive and reverse to get out of it. I slammed into a rut and slammed it hard and since then, my sensor Stabilitrak light keeps coming on every time I go over a bump.
That’s most likely one of the sensors in a wheel. Might be damaged or somethings loose. That or the breaks them selves can cause it since it appears to be linked together.
I have found that setting it on fire and rolling it off a cliff solves the problem.
Yes! or park it somewhere with the keys in it and let the thief deal with it. maybe sell it to the local police and they can use it as a bait car!!!
2010 Silverado, replaced the transfer case August 2020. Since then my cruise control would work every now and then, and eventually stopped working, my check engine light has been on since October. February 2021 I have felt like I’m not getting all the power I should be getting, March 2021 truck begins hard shifting every now and then. April 2021 My check stabiltrak light comes on and goes away almost every time I drive it along with the hard shifting. May 2021 back to square one…Stabiltrak light, Traction control light, reduced engine mode. 😑 I’m not paying over $2000 again. What is the real issue?
My 2007 Silverado cruise control started working sporadically and then finally failed completely. Turned out to be the brake light switch on the brake pedal. The switch has 2 circuits; one for the brake lights and one for the cruise control. The cruise circuit malfunctioned but I was still getting brake lights. Test by lifting up on the brake pedal with your foot and trying the cruise control. If it works, it’s the switch. $15 on Amazon.
My mechanic ended up having to replace the entire shifter component as one little red wire had broken and wasn’t repairable. But all works fine now!
Good luck to you …..it may be something tiny that needs to be discovered.
After my check engine light came on for stabltrac I checked it at work and the check engine light is gone but now I have problems with my radio not showing any channels except Sirius . What the heck?
I have a 2010 with the 4.8 V8, stabilitrac and traction control lights come on and go off randomly. Cruise works sometimes. No hard shifting or other issues though.
My 2007 Silverado cruise control started working sporadically and then finally failed completely. Turned out to be the brake light switch on the brake pedal. The switch has 2 circuits; one for the brake lights and one for the cruise control. The cruise circuit malfunctioned but I was still getting brake lights. Test by lifting up on the brake pedal with your foot and trying the cruise control. If it works, it’s the switch. $15 on Amazon.
Just got it this morning on the way to work with my 2016 Chevy Cruz LT. Now I’m worried.
My 2015 Chev Express 2500 has been showing traction control light and service stabilitrack since 30,000 klms. First started with humidity in the air. Now does it with right turn. I am thinking steering wheel position sensor. Dealers don’t have a clue or so they say. I do believe they don’t have a clue. Change the oil boys and rotate them tires. Sometimes I can’t even do that right.
My daughter just got her 2016 Chevy Equinox a week ago and the stubtrak light came on. Has an appointment at the dealer ship on Tuesday.
Same Is happening 2009 chevy Silverado z71…class action sounds like a good idea…anyone anyone? Bueller
Definitely a class action, my 2007 Tahoe stabilitrak and traction control service lights are coming on. I’m getting crankshaft sensor codes, bank 1 sensors, and catalyst system. The codes varies depending on the day of the week. I thought Gm had quality. Boy was I wrong. I have 144000 miles on it.
I am also having the same problems with my 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe. I have changed coil packages, plugs and wires, throttle body, and multiple other things and it always eventually comes back. I’ve put thousands of dollars in this problem. I want answers.
Agree! My 2007 Chev Tahoe. 6 yrs of BS and thousands of dollars and same trouble!! Never purchase Chev products!!
2010 Silverado 5.3 LTZ Service stabilitrak, traction control, abs, gauges all went to 0, door locks started locking by themselves, transmission shifts hard. Won’t start at all. Mechanic doesn’t have a clue. I don’t what to do.
I have a 2011 z71 ! Same thing here !!! There’s so many suggestions of what it could be .. still can’t find any answers from any mechanic! Make sure to file a claim on nhtsa.org so we can get a recall !
Got 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. No check engine light. While driving my radio shuts off gauges go flat like it’s wants to die then dies at stop signs. Some days runs fine some days like a dog turd. Trucks all stock. When problem happens dash says service stabilizer. Any that figures this shit out let me know please
my service stabilitrak ,traction control is been on for quite some time on my 2007 avalanche took the steering down to replace it and it is discontinued i find the part but it always has 8 pin connector and the plastic stub is in a different spot the dealers don’t have it and the only ones available are for 2010 and wont work does anyone have an answer for this problem no one at chevrolet dealer knows
This just started happening in my 2008 Tahoe LTZ and needless to say it’s pissing me off!! I only have 74k miles (I don’t drive a lot) and I recently picked it up from a maintenance visit at the dealer. I notice it only happens when I’m stopped; I hear ding, ding, ding, ding, then Stabilitrak Off, red brake symbol, Traction Control Off, and Service Brake System pop up on the dash. Eventually all disappear except for the little yellow road sign with the squiggly lines. No shutting off, no hard shifting, no losing power.; I can still drive fast and brake when I need to. So far, it’s more annoying than anything else because it shouldn’t be happening. But the craziest thing is, I called to ask my dad about it, he had no idea; and about two days later he called me furious saying the same exact thing starting happening to him 600 miles away in his 2015 Buick LaCrosse. WTH!!!! I’m down for a class action!!
When it does this it can possibly be the brake pedal position sensor located on the back of the break pedal under the dash n it’s easily to remove n replace
2013 Suburban LT Traction/Stability Lights flashing and the engine light flashing too! Auto Zone checked the engine light for free! #1 cylinder spark plug failed, I need a tune up (100k miles). This article says sometimes the problem is interrelated, so if I get the tune up the Traction/Stability Lights will reset? I pray so because I don’t have no money to pour into this vehicle (as much as I love it).
2013 Suburban LT with check engine light on and Traction Light on and Stability Light on. Auto Zone reads check engine light for free: cylinder #1 misfiring! $260.00 for a new coil spark plug and the wire + oil change $40.00= $300.00 and shes purring like a kitten! Once the spark plug was fixed the Traction/Stability Lights reset? Idk, but all the lights are out!
After reading all this, and experiencing my own Service Stabilitrak & it’s accompanying dashboard light show, I’m down for the class action. Seems Chevrolet needs to get its act together. Mine happens after parked in my driveway for 3 days w/o driving. Driveway is now an incline where I use my E-break as precautionary measure.
My 2017 GMC Savana van is doing it… I have it at the dealership and they have had it all day… I told them I couldn’t affect a lot of money… It only has 20,000 miles on it…!
I replaced my window master switch on driver side a year ago. Got part off Amazon. My problem with stability and traction started a few months ago. I unplugged the switch a week ago and problem went away. I f you have to switch out any electrical components get them from gm and not from Amazon. I found out the hard way.. good luck guys