Here at Donohoo Chevrolet, you'll find that many of our new and used vehicles feature a system known as Stabilitrak. This unique electronic stability control feature provides safer reactions in difficult driving situations. However, it also needs regular maintenance and may lead to a warning light on your dashboard over time. Find out why you may want to choose a Chevrolet equipped with the Stabilitrak system, how to deal with a request to service traction control parts, and what to do to keep the system operating as designed over time.
What is Chevrolet Stabilitrak?
The Stabilitrak system by Chevrolet is designed to help you maintain control when braking suddenly, turning sharply, or skidding over a slick surface. Many different suspension and steering details are adjusted by the system, including the amount of yaw, the amount of braking power going to each tire, and torque on the front and rear axles to give you more control in off-roading situations. It tracks any conflict between steering inputs and road conditions to help you avoid serious collisions and sliding in icy conditions. It can also prevent rollover situations in SUVs and trucks.
All passenger vehicles sold in the US, including all Chevrolet models, have required electronic stability control features since 2012. Stabilitrak is just Chevrolet's version of that system. It's always on in vehicles that feature it, but it can become disabled if the vehicle's computer unit reports the need for servicing.
Which Models Feature the Chevrolet Stabilitrak System?
All modern Chevrolet vehicles feature this stability system, including all models manufactured after 2012. Some models featured the Stabilitrak system as early as 1997. Even the all-electric lineup from Chevy features a version of it adjusted for the powertrain.
What Does Service Stabilitrak Mean?
Since the Stabilitrak system is an electronic stability control (ESC) feature, you'll see those three letters used to indicate an issue with it on your dashboard or digital gauge cluster. It's also represented as a vehicle with squiggly lines underneath it on some models. Or you may see the phrase "Service Stabilitrak" on your infotainment screen.
A constant appearance of any of these indicators means that the system is disabled until you have it serviced and restored. That can affect the steering and stability of your drive, so take care of it promptly to keep your Chevy vehicle responding as intended. If the ESC or Stabilitrak icon lights up briefly but goes off, that's just a sign that it's activating as expected in certain driving conditions.
Common Causes of Stabilitrak Warnings
You may see the Stabilitrak warning text appear when you're also getting ABS warning lights or text that reads "Reduced Engine Power". That's not surprising when you consider the causes of these issues, including:
- ✔ Low brake fluid levels
- ✔ Failure of the automatic braking system (ABS) module
- ✔ Dirty, damaged, or failing wheel speed sensors
- ✔ Steering angle sensors that were damaged or removed during repairs
- ✔ Lack of voltage coming from a failing alternator or battery
- ✔ Engine misfires and throttle body problems, leading to a lack of engine power.
However, these aren't the only vehicle problems that can interfere with the Stabilitrak system. If you had your Chevy serviced recently, especially at a mechanic's shop that isn't associated with a dealership, you may be dealing with unauthorized parts or issues with the onboard computer.
Maintenance Tips for Your Stabilitrak System
Maintain the power system for your vehicle, starting with the battery and including testing of the alternator and relevant cables. Have your brake fluid levels checked at least twice a year, topping up the fluid as needed and investigating any leaks. Wheel sensors don't really need a lot of maintenance, but at our service center here at Donohoo Chevrolet, we inspect them during tire replacement and other relevant maintenance. If they're dirty or damaged, we may recommend you replace them as a preventative measure.
Avoid aftermarket modifications to the engine or suspension whenever possible. If you want to lift your truck or change the suspension handling, a certified Chevrolet service center is the right place to go. Skip aggressive driving as well, which puts stress on the Stabilitrak system.
What Other Systems Interact with the Stabilitrak Equipment?
Damage to the wheels leads to broken wheel speed sensors, affecting your stability system. The same is true of issues throughout the engine that affect the total power output, from sticking lifters to failing spark plugs. You may be surprised at what the service center has to replace or repair to get your Stabilitrak system working again, but we're dedicated to finding the cause and getting your vehicle back on the road. Choose Donohoo Chevrolet for repairs you can trust.
Donohoo Chevrolet
Address: 1000 Greenhill Blvd NW, Fort Payne, AL 35967
Phone: (256) 781-6789
Hours of Operation (Sales):
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed