How To Reset The Service StabiliTrak Light | Easy Guide

Have you encountered the warning “service StabiliTrak light” on the dashboard of a GMC Terrain, Sierra, Acadia, Chevy Equinox, or other General Motors-manufactured vehicle? Now, you’re looking for a DIY, easy method to reset the service StabiliTrak warning light. 

When the StabiliTrak light illuminates the dashboard, it means that something is wrong with the stability control system, causing an error. Promptly fixing or turning off the error light is crucial to prevent the vehicle from potential safety concerns.

As an experienced certified technician, I will help you understand how to reset the service StabiliTrak light. We will also explore the StabiliTrak system, possible causes, how to prevent your vehicle from this error, and the cost of repairing or problem-fixing service from a mechanic shop.

What does the service StabiliTrak mean?

The StabiliTrak is an electronic traction control system developed in modern General Motors vehicles to help drivers maintain control and prevent wheels from locking up, spinning, or losing traction, especially when driving in slippery conditions. 

The system consistently receives data from sensors such as wheel speed, ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), steering wheel, and yaw rate sensors to monitor vehicle performance and traction control.

When it detects any unusual action by the driver, such as too hard pressing the throttle, which leads to wheels slipping, or hard pressing the brake pads to lock wheels, the StabiliTrak system will quickly reduce the engine power and apply brake pressure to help the driver regain control and keep the vehicle in normal condition. Keeping the StabiliTrak system active is crucial, especially when driving on slippery surfaces, snow-covered roads, or during rainy weather. 

How to Reset the Service StabiliTrak Light

The warning light illuminates to inform you to fix the error promptly and stabilize the vehicle’s traction control. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reset the service StabiliTrak light. 

Turn the steering wheel

Turn the steering wheel clockwise so that it rotates completely. Look at the flashing light. If it is turned off, then the problem is fixed, and there’s no need to perform repair. If the light is still blinking, then follow the below guidelines. 

Turn Off the Vehicle

Park the vehicle safely, press the start/stop button, or turn off the ignition and remove the key. Remove the battery terminals and disconnect their connection with the battery. Now, wait 15 minutes for the vehicle system to reset automatically without any manual actions.

Restart the vehicle

After waiting 15 minutes, reconnect the battery terminals and restart the vehicle. In some cases, the StabiliTrak system becomes disabled due to software glitches or malfunctions. If the error is temporary, a simple restart can fix it and you don’t need to take service for resetting.

Check the StabiliTrak button

Sometimes, drivers accidentally hit the StabiliTrak button, which turns off the traction control system. Press the button and hold it for 15 seconds to see whether the light turns off.

Conduct a diagnostics scan

Conduct a diagnostic scan of the StabiliTrak system to identify the culprit causing the error. Use fault code scanning tools like the OBS-II scanner and run a full scan to look for fault codes. Once the diagnosis is completed, you will know which problem is triggering the warning light and how to resolve it.

Seek professional help

After following the above guidelines, I hope your issue will be resolved. Still, if it remains unsolved, you must seek professional help and consult a mechanic to reset or fix the service StabiliTrak light. Ignoring or not fixing the issues can be safety-compromising and dangerous.

Also Read:

https://sinceremechanic.com/electronic-stability-control/
https://sinceremechanic.com/stop-vehicle-leave-engine-running/

Causes of the Service StabiliTrak Warning Light

Here are the possible causes you must be informed of that will help you diagnose and detect the faulty components.

Faulty sensors

• Wheel speed sensors: These sensors’s function is to monitor the speed of each wheel. When any of the four sensors malfunctions or is faulty it will start sending incorrect data to the traction control module which will result in service StabiliTrak warning light illumination on the dashboard. It is usually caused by dirt, debris, bad weather conditions, and electric issues.
• Steering angle sensor: Its main function is to measure the angle of the steering and monitor the driver’s movement whenever he turns the steering wheel. When the steering angle sensor becomes faulty it can’t accurately monitor the driver’s intended direction and steering turns. 

Accidental button press

The GM modern vehicles have a StabiliTrak button that is used for activating or deactivating the system manually by pressing the button. The accidental pressing of the button which can be done by the driver unwantedly will result in the flashing of the warning light. 

Traction control module issues

Issues in the traction control module will turn the warning light because it is considered the heart of the StabiliTrak system. It manages the power in the StabiliTrak system and maintains the vehicle’s stability and traction control. 

When the traction control system fails to function properly it will affect the vehicle’s traction control especially when driving on slippery surfaces like snow and rainy roads. You might need to consult a professional mechanic to diagnose and inspect the traction control module and he will fix it if any problem is found.

ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) 

The anti-lock braking system maintains the vehicle stability during emergency braking and it works closely with the StabiliTrak system. When any issues such as sensor malfunctions, electric damage, or control module issues affect the ABS, it will also impact the StabiliTrak system’s ability to function correctly. 

Here’s the short video to take a re-look at the cause and solutions of the fault.

Cost to Fix the Service StabiliTrak Error

The cost to fix the error varies depending on geographic location, the mechanic shop, and which component needs to be replaced or repaired. If the sensor is faulty and needs replacement, it will cost between $100 to 300$, and if there is a fault occurs in the traction control module or ABS then it will be quite expensive to fix the issue. The below chart will help you to know the estimated cost of each component replacement.

The indication of the StabiliTrak warning light tells you to protect your vehicle by fixing the encountered faults whether it is caused by accidental button presses, faulty sensors, ABS issues, or control module problems. However, a proper understanding of what the warning light means, how to reset the service StabiliTrak light, possible causes behind the issue, and how can you prevent the vehicle from such faults can help you keep the vehicle in optimal and reliable working condition.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How to reset the service StabiliTrak light?

The process of fixing the StabiliTrak warning light is quite easy and doesn’t require any additional equipment or professional mechanical tools. First of all, turn off your vehicle & remove the battery terminals, and wait for almost 15 minutes to reset the vehicle system. 

Restart and see if the issue is fixed. Secondly, you can try a second method turning the steering wheel completely in a clockwise direction. It will reset the light if it occurs temporarily.

What causes the StabiliTrak light to come on?

However, several causes can contribute to triggering the warning light but the most common potential causes include faulty or malfunctioning sensors, ABS issues, low brake fluids, traction control module issues, and accidental pressing of the StabiliTrak button.

Is it safe to drive with the “Service StabiliTrak” warning light on?

It’s not advised to ignore the warning and drive without fixing it. Although the vehicle is driveable whether the issue is triggered it’s recommended to promptly reset the light because not resetting of light can result in reduced vehicle control especially when driving on slippery surfaces where the chances of losing control are higher.

How much does it cost to fix the “Service StabiliTrak” warning?

The cost of fixing the StabiliTrak warning light can vary widely and depending on what type of issue is causing it. However, if the wheel speed sensor or steering angle sensor is causing the issue, you will need to replace it which is not quite very expensive. Similarly, if the culprit is found to be a control module or ABS components then it will be very expensive to fix the problem.

Will the “Service StabiliTrak” warning light go off on its own?

If a temporary issue is causing the warning light illumination, it may turn off automatically if the issue resolves itself or by performing some basic tasks like the steering wheel turning. However, if the light stays on or reappears after specific time intervals then you must visit the nearest mechanic shop and get the service done by the mechanic.