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 (view our guide here on how to turn 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
Mime too This is the third issue I’ve had with my vehicle the first time it went to limp mode on the freeway the second time I was backing into my garage and went to go pull out in the parking brake would not release this time every time I’m at a light and intermittently stops and starts and flashes that the stability track needs maintenance. I have a 2018 Buick enclave
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
Just did the passenger side front wheel bearing (traction, stabiltrac and ABS all were lit before and now about 15 miles later they just came back on. Going to change the driver’s side bearing next weekend and check my wiring on my sensors. Reply if you find a solution.
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
Where is the throttle body so I can clean it? I just had my TPMS replaced today. It helped that of course but not the traction/stabilization alerts. Thanks!
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.
I have a 2012 5.3 flex fule and it is doing the same as you was saying and I do fell its has alot to do with the flex system I can’t afford the chip to Make it stay in v8 so all I need to do is clean the intake
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.
I agree same problem here had the car for 6 days should I take back to dealer or can I even take it back I have a car note loss of power service light keeps coming on and now engine light
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!!
14 impala. Service stabilitrak ,power steering, parking brake & traction control light on. Some days it drives and shifts perfectly fine. 5 mins later it may not go over 60 and shift hard. It’s as if I’m stuck in 6th gear all the time. When my lights are on it drinks coolant. When it’s off it doesn’t. At top speeds of 50-55 I’m at 3800 rpm with my foot to the floor. Chevy told me they do t know what the problem is and good luck.
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?
Just researching and reading all the comments, I have the same problem, no codes prior diagnosis after 2 days at certified dealer service Body Control Module. The part is going out. Electric issues moving all around the vehicle. The Control module is the brain that controls all electric. About $1k to repair.
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.
Hi did they figure out what the problem was. Thanks
Yes mine was the window switch I replaced from Amazon. I’ll be getting the new one from dealer. Trying cleaning the throttle body real good and try and find out if any electrical components were replaced and if so where they dealer parts?
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!!
i just had the dealer diagnosis my 2008 chevy silverado z71 99800 miles for a traction control/stabilizer service light issue. 500 dollar bill to fix it. i”ll turn a corner an this when the light comes on almost every time i drive it. To hard to understand the dealers fix but it has to do with a angle issue on a code. truck drives ok. but hard to swallow 500 bucks for a light fix. maybe mores involved i don’t know.
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!!
My 2012 Z71 w/98k miles started doing that on Sunday. Monday I called the Chevy dealer to schedule an appointment. Found out they charge $140.00 for diagnostic. Out of curiosity I took it a local auto parts store for a free scan. Their tool indicated the vehicle was low on brake fluid and sure enough…. Anyway, I bought a $5.00 bottle of fluid and topped it off. No issues since. Now I’ll keep an eye on things to make sure I don’t have a leak somewhere. Hope this helps you.
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
It may only be a coincidence but I also installed a master window switch from Amazon and my troubles started. It took only a week though. I uninstalled the new switch but it didn’t fix the issue. I tested some other solutions and nothing else worked. The check engine code was lost TCM comms so I ended up having to purchase a new TCM. Fortunately I read that ordering one from https://dansdieselperformance.com was better than going into the dealership so I went that route. It took 5 minutes to swap out the old with the new and the truck is working again.
I have 2012 siverado ltz 96k km. My problem start when the engine check show up and the idle go down and up 1st start it in the morning,few days ago stability and traction goes on and off. Run the yun about 40 km and sundenly hard shift show up and loosing power. Traction and stability light show up..what is the cause of the problem?
2008 Chevy suburban with 79500 miles has the stabilitrax issue so I took it in and to completely fix it isn’t even possible due to GM discontinuing the part all together. Can’t even get the problem taken care of. I’m seriously not happy about it. Glad we are in Florida where it’s summer all year long. Wouldn’t be smart to drive in the snow.
The Chevy Express vans have fifteen or more ground points, at least my 2008 does. I have experienced multiple issues in recent years related to poor grounds. Such as damaging fuel pumps, throwing intermittent codes and power steering failure. I’ll bet it’s a poor ground somewhere. And difficult to find.
Not power steering but cruise control failure.
I have a 2012 Chevy Equinox and I’m having the same issues with the stabilizer track light going on loss of power light show hard shifting I’ve had it checked no codes but have changed spark plugs wheel bearings oil and all filters changed brand new tires and sensors and I drive to Texas I feel like they should discontinue these vehicles and give us a compensation for our money lost from trying to fix these crappy trucks. I DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO!!!
I am having this problem with my 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 with 79,000 miles on it
My 2014 express has both tire pressure sensor issue and then this stabilitrak problem @ only 69000 miles. Really annoying as I depend on this van for work!
It’s under warranty and I do like this van! I hate to have to consider another one besides Chevy but with the amount of other people having to deal with strange unexpected problems I don’t know.
I have a 2008 Chevy Silverado 1500 V8 4×4 with over 140,000 miles. My stabilitrak warning has been coming and going for the last year, but it always turned off once we turned the truck off and turn it back on. A few days ago the warning has been on and it beeps every so often. There is also a bad smell like something is too hot. Can that be from something rubbing too much? Anyone else have a bad smell associated with the Service Stabilitrak and service Traction Control warnings? We changed the oil thinking that was the smell problem. I’m out in the remote village and can’t get to a auto shop. I still need to use our scanner and see what codes pops up but figured I’d ask if anyone else is experiencing any smell.
I’ve had ABS system light come on, now I’m having the stabilitrak light come on – but no smell. Mine started literally a mile from where I got new tires put on. Wondering if that triggered something?
Same problem here 09 1500 z71 Silverado wow hard shifting scary
I’m a single mom, have a 2013 Chevy Express 3500 15 passenger van. A few years ago the ABS light would come on going around mountain curves, power would be cut and I could not control the steering wheel for 2-10 seconds, last time it was about 15 seconds. Braking did nothing, I eventually would lift my foot off the gas and wait it out. I’ve become paranoid about it and take curves super slow now (people behind me hate it, but it’s better than driving into the mountain or off a cliff). Numerous mechanics can’t figure it out, shrug, and tell me to come back if it happens again (costly for a single mom).
Today I had new tires put on my van, they are Cooper and have a 50K life warranty on them. I haven’t had these before, the tire store went into depth to research tires that would last longer and help with dirt road traction and this was it.
A mile away from the store, I went over a bridge and I had my first “service stabilitrak’ light come on. It turns off after the engine is turned of and doesn’t come back on. Going back over the same bridge in the same direction sets it off again.
I’m about to go on an 18 hour one way trip and I’m nervous there is something wrong? I routinely change oil, change the other fluids before they are due, and try hard to keep everything working well.
Any ideas? Is the ABS and the stabilitrak lights connecting now because of tire/brake issues?
Can I turn both off – and tow a trailer – without problems happening? No one locally (mechanics and brake people) can find a single thing wrong, have replaced sensors, but lights keep coming on…sigh.
Just looking for a little reassurance or a ‘this needs to be fixed before you go’ I guess.
Thanks for your time.
2011 Chevy Silverado with 4.8L v8. Been dealing with check engine light and service stabilitrack/ traction control for about 6 months now. Check engine light and traction control light will come and go regularly. One day it’s there and shifts really rough and power to the truck is noticeably low. Come back a few hours later or the next day and lights will be gone. Super frustrating. No clue where to start but thankfully I found this thread and maybe start down the list and try a few of the items listed to see if it helps. Truck is E85 friendly but have never put E85 in the tank since I’ve owned it. Roughly 4 years. At first I thought I could bypass the traction control light by turning off the traction control before I started the truck. Seemed to have worked for a bit but as time goes on doesn’t seem to really help the issue as sometimes the traction control light will come on while driving but does not shift rough and will tend to go away. Only time my truck will shift rough is when the traction control light comes on when I first start the truck. Also I know when the traction control light will come on upon starting the truck. It won’t turn over nearly as quick and seems to struggle a bit to start, that’s when the issues start. When I started having this issue I had it taken to shop to see if I could get anything to come up on a scanner to help narrow down the problem. This issue was so hit and miss at first, the mechanic kept the truck for 4 days and couldn’t get the traction control light to appear, a day later after getting it back from the shop she was back on her bullshit. As time goes on it seems to happen more and more, the part that really works me is I can turn off the truck when it’s acting up at times, wait 5 minutes and start it again and it drives likes there was never an issue. Gahhhhh!!!