Most GM vehicles are equipped with a stability control system called StabiliTrak. It detects wheel slip when the vehicle is slippery and assists the driver in maintaining control.
It is automatically turned on when the vehicle starts and the driver can toggle it off and on. Let’s walk you through how to reset it.
Place the key on the “On” position to reset StabiliTrak. In the driver information center, you will find a message telling you that the system has been reset after pressing the gas pedal five times within five seconds. Have a vehicle problem? Mechanics are available now to chat online.
What Is StabiliTrak System?
With StabiliTrak, the brakes are automatically adjusted when drivers detect wheel slip in slippery conditions.
This system uses traction control, stability control, and anti-lock brakes to stop the wheels from slipping.
There is also the option of applying brakes to specific wheels in order to maintain vehicle control.
Service StabiliTrak: What it means?
It is possible for the driver information center to display a message such as “Service StabiliTrak”. An authorized dealer should be contacted to repair the system.
You see this message every time you turn off the system on the driver information center.
A StabiliTrak light may be caused by the following:
Various reasons may cause the StabiliTrak light to appear. The following are among them:
Alternator failure
Alternators provide power to the electrical system of vehicles while their engines are running. The charging system might be malfunctioning sometimes, causing it to fail. In addition to causing the StabiliTrak light to illuminate, a failing alternator can cause other issues.
Sensor on the wheel is bad
It tells the ABS how fast each wheel is spinning with a wheel speed sensor. StabiliTrak will not be able to detect wheel slip if the sensor has a problem, causing the light to come on.
Control system failure
Among the components of the StabiliTrak system, the system controller is responsible for controlling all other components. StabiliTrak lights come on if it’s working properly, and it turns the system on and off.
Body Control Modules or BCMs are used by GM to control their systems. Several controllers are included in the BCM, each with its own software. This can control engines, transmissions, and antilock brake systems (ABS).
Any of these controllers may illuminate the StabiliTrak light if they run into a software malfunction.
Activating and deactivating StabiliTrak
Drivers take responsibility for using the StabiliTrak system, and they can turn it on or off as necessary. Starting the vehicle will automatically activate the StabiliTrak system.
Some times, such as driving on a dry road, the system may have to be turned off. StabiliTrak can be turned off in the following steps:
- Step One: Wait for a few minutes after turning off the car.
- Step Two: Turn the ignition on without starting the engine by inserting the key into the ignition.
- Step Three: When the five seconds have expired, step on the gas pedal five times.
- Step Four: When the system has been reset, a light will appear in the driver information center.
Try again after waiting around ten seconds in case the lights don’t go off.
StabiliTrak problems and their symptoms
Symptoms of a StabiliTrak system malfunction can be identified by looking out for certain symptoms. The following are among them:
There’s a light on for Service StabiliTrak
There is always a problem with the system when a message appears saying “Service StabiliTrak” on the driver information center. When the system is turned off, this message appears in the driver information center.
Steering error
When the steering becomes erratic, StabiliTrak is malfunctioning. It can occur when the sensors are faulty or the controller is malfunctioning.
Related Articles
GWM P Series Problems: Common Problems and Solutions
Ford Territory Issues [Common Problems & Solution]
Isuzu MU-X Problems & Reliability Issues 2024
Duramax Mass Air Flow Sensor Problems [Solution]
Conclusion
Every time you turn on your car, StabiliTrak should activate automatically. It is necessary to turn off your car for about 15 minutes before you can reset the stability track system.
Press the gas pedal five times in five seconds after turning the ignition to the “On” position. To indicate that the light has been reset, the light should light up and then go out.
Many modern cars come with a stability control system known as stabilitrak. In addition to preventing accidents, it can help to keep the vehicle stable. Taking your car to a mechanic for a check-up if you think the Stabilitrak system isn’t working properly is a good idea.
