Did you suddenly see the StabiliTrak warning light in the driver information display while driving?
It means your GMC Sierra’s wheel may slip, and it could become a safety issue while driving.
Most GM cars have StabiliTrak sensors to warn drivers when a wheel is slipping.
When you see the StabiliTrak warning light on your dashboard, you should diagnose the actual cause before resetting the warning light.
The StabiliTrak warning light can also be reset directly, but this is not a permanent fix.
In this article, I have explained the StabiliTrak warning light’s meaning, causes, and resetting steps.
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What is StabiliTrak?
StabiliTrak is a safety feature known as an “Electronic Stability Control System.”
It is designed to balance vehicle stability and prevent slides or skids.
Most GM vehicles use this feature, including the GMC Sierra.
StabiliTrak uses different sensors to monitor vehicle speed, wheel slippage, and steering angle.
When the StabiliTrak system notices unusual responses, it changes the engine’s torque, slows down the vehicle, or applies the brakes to stabilize the truck.
The system is helpful when snowy or rainy, especially if the road is wet or slippery.
The StabiliTrak system is put in to keep a car safe and easy to drive by keeping it from sliding or skidding.
Symptoms of Bad Service StabiliTrak
If there are any issues with the StabiliTrak system, you will experience the following six common symptoms:
- StabiliTrak warning light
- Hard Shifting
- Rough idling
- Unresponsive braking
- Changes in handling
- Trouble codes such as C05621, P0121, P0011, P0300, etc.
When you see any of these six symptoms, you should check the car to see what is wrong with the StabiliTrak.
What Causes StabiliTrak Light to Come On [6 Causes]
Several factors may cause the StabiliTrak light to come on.
But the most common causes that are directly responsible for the StabiliTrak warning light coming on are listed below:
1. Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor
The StabiliTrak system functions based on signals coming from sensors.
The wheel speed sensor is one of those sensors.
StabiliTrak triggers the warning light if the faulty sensor sends incorrect data.
2. Faulty Alternator
The alternator is a crucial part of supplying electricity during engine operation.
A faulty alternator causes various problems, including the StabiliTrak warning light.
3. Faulty Brake System
The StabiliTrak system is directly related to brake systems, like ABS modules or brake pressure sensors.
The ABS module and the brake pressure sensors are essential for a properly functioning StabiliTrak system.
The warning light may show up if there are problems with the ABS or the brake pressure sensor.
4. Faulty Steering Angle Sensor
The steering angle sensor is one of many sensors that StabiliTrak relies on.
If there is a problem with the steering angle sensor, the StabiliTrak warning light can come on.
5. Electrical Issue
Many electrical wires connect the StabiliTrak system and sensors.
The sensors and StabiliTrak may both be working, but there may be a problem with the electrical connections.
That’s why the warning light may appear on the vehicle’s dashboard.
6. Issues with the StabiliTrak Module
The StabiliTrak warning light may also come on due to problems with the StabiliTrak module itself.
Therefore, when the warning light illuminates, you should also check the StabiliTrak system.
How to Reset Service StabiliTrak Light GMC Sierra [5 DIY Steps]
Generally, resetting the battery connection and restarting the vehicle will reset the service StabiliTrak warning light.
Sometimes the StabiliTrak warning light appears even while driving on a dry road.
It is unexpected to encounter such a situation.
In such a situation, it requires resetting the StabiliTrak light.
Here are five steps to reset the GMC Sierra’s service StabiliTrak warning light:
- Turn off the truck and remove the key.
- Remove the negative battery cable, wait 15–20 minutes, or do anything else.
- Now reconnect the negative battery cable and insert the key into the ignition.
- Keep the key in the “On” position, but don’t start the engine.
- Press the gas pedal 4-5 times every few seconds interval.
By following these steps, you can easily reset the service StabiliTrack warning light on your GMC Sierra.
Watch the Camaro StabiliTrak warning light reset video; it is the same as resetting the GMC Sierra warning light.
As a car mechanic, I recommend inspecting the truck properly and finding out what is causing the StabiliTrak warning light to pop up.
After finding the faulty part, repair or replace it to solve the issue.
As the StabiliTrak warning light relates to your driving safety, don’t take the warning light lightly.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix the Service StabiliTrak?
The cost of a StabiliTrak repair varies depending on what is causing the StabiliTrak warning light.
Generally, fixing StabiliTrak will cost around $100 to $220.
But the amount you should expect to pay can go up depending on your local service center and any faulty parts.
FAQs
Can I drive my car with the StabiliTrak light on?
Yes, you can drive your vehicle with the StabiliTrak light on.
But this is not recommended because of safety concerns.
When the StabiliTrak service warning light appears, it means the system is not working properly and needs to be checked.
If you do not take precautions, you may face wheel slippage during sudden maneuvers and further damage to the system.
What does it mean when your GMC says service StabiliTrak?
The service “StabiliTrak” means there is a problem with the truck’s brake control system or the StabiliTrak system.
After the warning message appears, you may have trouble with the truck’s stability, such as wheels slipping, brakes that don’t working properly, sudden trouble turning when the road is wet, etc.
Therefore, taking your truck to a repair shop for a proper diagnosis is wise.
What sensor controls StabiliTrak?
Six different sensors control the StabiliTrak system:
- Wheel speed sensor
- Steering angle sensor
- Accelerometer
- Yaw rate sensor
- Hydraulic modulator
- Electronic Control Module (ECM).
Where is stability control sensor located?
The stability control sensor is located underneath the center console of the GMC Sierra.
By removing the central console, you can access the stability control sensor.
Final Thoughts
StabiliTrak is a significant safety feature of your GMC Sierra.
When the StabiliTrak warning light comes on, you should pay attention to it so that nothing unexpected happens.
It is easy to reset the StabiliTrak, but diagnosing and resolving the problem is more important.
If you can’t figure out how to fix the StabiliTrak warning light, you can hire an experienced car mechanic to do the job for you.
