Cadillac "Service Stabilitrak" Error: What's This and How to Fix?

When you hear Cadillac, you are likely to think of riding in luxury and style. Cadillac vehicles are known to offer comfort, swanky and luxurious service to their drivers and passengers. Cadillacs are manufactured by the Cadillac Motor Car division of General Motors (GM).

Service StabiliTrak message highlights

• Common reasons:any stabilization system component is faulty
• How to fix:scan for error codes to know the problem
• Possible consequences:the vehicle may eventually stop and you may be stranded
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$150-$1,000

Understanding GM's StabiliTrak system

StabiliTrak system works on your Cadillac like Electronic Safety Control (ESC) on other vehicles. It is a standard traction control feature found on all GM vehicles since 2007.

StabiliTrak system activates in a split second to help you avoid an accident or a spinout. The system uses ABS technology, speed sensors, and independent braking to determine which way you want the vehicle to go. This system applies braking force on specific wheels to help the vehicle return or remain in the intended orientation when it starts to fishtail from the rear or hydroplane from the front end.

StabiliTrak system helps you stay safe and have greater control of your vehicle in tricky conditions where the loss of control, collision, or even death is imminent. StabiliTrak system is quite advanced than your ordinary ESC. The system's sensors will sense if the vehicle is slipping and apply brake pressure on specific wheels to correct the vehicle's trajectory.

The system automatically uses engine power to change or correct the vehicle's direction. Using the engine and braking power simultaneously makes the StabiliTrak system very effective. If, for example, you are driving and your Cadillac starts to skid, the StabiliTrak senses the driver's intentions using the steering wheel sensors and compares them to the vehicle's movement. The system is activated and applies the anti-lock brakes on particular wheels to ensure the vehicle stops skidding or slipping in the wrong direction. When the StabiliTrak senses that the vehicle is under control, it deactivates.

It is worth noting that there is a difference between traction control and StabiliTrak. In the case of traction control, it ensures none of the wheels slips by limiting the engine power distributed to the respective wheels. StabiliTrak, on the other hand, ensures your Cadillac moves in a straight line no matter what obstacle comes on its way.

What does the "Service StabiliTrak" error mean?

The StabiliTrak system comprises many parts, and as such, it is complex. If any one component of the system malfunctions or fails, the driver is notified via the dashboard by the "Service StabiliTrak" warning light. The StabiliTrak system is optimal when all its components work as intended. The "Service StabiliTrak" error light can also light up because of the malfunction or failure of other systems or parts that might not seem directly related. Ignoring this warning light can be risky as the system may deteriorate and cause the vehicle to be uncontrollable when needed.

There are several error codes associated with this warning light. As such, you should use a proper OBD II diagnostic device to help you pinpoint the actual source of the problem. The right tool and skills will allow you to solve the issue on time and avoid further damage to the system and the vehicle. Let us look at why the "Service StabiliTrak" error light can come on.

Causes of the "Service StabiliTrak" light?

• Faulty ABS sensors
• A faulty throttle position sensor
• A malfunctioning steering wheel position sensor
• Using E85 fuel. Though many report the warning disappears once they refill the fuel tank with gasoline
• An error in the body control module
• Faulty brake switch
• A faulty Active Fuel Management (AFM) system
• Bad spark plugs and ignition coils. A malfunction of any of these causes misfire
• A defective fuel pump
• A faulty tire pressure sensor
• Bad O2 sensor
• A malfunctioning PCM
• Bad park assist sensor
• Connection issues. If the connection to the system is compromised, you will see this warning light.

What are the symptoms associated with the "Service StabiliTrak" error message?

If the StabiliTrak works as intended, your safety and vehicle stability will improve significantly. This is especially the case when you are driving on slippery surfaces. Whenever a sensor fails or a vehicle component that makes this system work optimally fails or malfunctions, you get a "Service StabiliTrak" warning message on your dashboard.

Some of the things that you might notice when your Cadillac has a StabiliTrak issue include the following;

• Hard shifting - The transmission refusing to engage gears as and when required can be an uncomfortable and dangerous experience. Failing to work on the hard-shifting problem can lead to more serious issues that can force you to spend thousands of dollars on the tranny.
• Additional warning lights - The StabiliTrak system works together with other vehicle systems and components. A check engine light can appear because of a faulty O2 sensor or a bad spark plug. The tire pressure sensor can give a defective tire pressure warning, and this can activate the "Service StabiliTrak" error message. In some instances, the "Service StabiliTrak" error message will be followed by the "Traction Off" light and "Service Traction Control" message.
• Loss of power - The vehicle will likely lose power when the StabiliTrak system malfunctions because the manufacturer has designed the vehicle to do that. The vehicle will switch to limp mode as a safety measure to prevent it from going out of control due to a malfunctioning StabiliTrak. You may also notice inconsistent or vague acceleration when the StabiliTrak is faulty.
• A StabiliTrak warning light appears - Of course, a fault in the StabiliTrak system will prompt an error message on the dash.
• Random codes recorded - Warning lights and messages on the dash come about when error codes are recorded. Codes such as the engine oil pressure sensor (P0521) or ABS disabled (C0561) can appear.
• Erratic steering - You might notice a wheel or wheels turn erratically and don't seem to obey your steering wheel commands.

How do you fix the "Service StabiliTrak" error?

Whenever you see the "Service StabiliTrak" error message, pay close attention to what you do next because it could determine the total cost of rectifying the problem. Moreover, as noted earlier, the StabiliTrak system is interconnected with other vehicle parts, such as the engine and the ABS. As such, further driving your vehicle without first establishing what caused the above warning light can prove to be very costly eventually.

The "Service StabiliTrak" warning light is fixed by following the following steps;

• Pullover - The first thing to do when you see the "Service StabiliTrak" on the dash is to slow down and look for a place to pull over.
• Switch off the engine - Once parked, switch off the engine and wait for about 30 seconds. This step is essential because it ensures that all your Cadillac systems refresh.
• Start the engine - Start the engine and observe whether the warning light has disappeared. If the message is still ON, it is time to consider the following steps.
• Use an OBD II scanner - If the warning light remains stubborn and doesn't go away, it is time to go for the OBD II. Switch the ignition to the ON position and plug in the OBD II scanner. Press 'Read' on the scanner and record all the error codes displayed. You must correct all the error codes before attempting to reset the codes. If, for example, you opt to delete a P0303 code before fixing it, it means you will continue driving while the spark plug or the ignition coil for the third cylinder is faulty. This could lead to more damage to the spark plug, coil, cylinder, or engine block.
• Reset the StabiliTrak system - Start by turning the engine ON and turn the steering wheel clockwise. The warning light should turn off. If it doesn't, proceed to the second step. If the light is gone, it means your Cadillac's StabiliTrak system has been reset.
• Turn off the engine - Turn the engine off and wait for around 15 seconds. If, on turning on the engine, the light is not gone, it is time to proceed to your local dealership to have the problem fixed by an expert.

Conclusion

The "Service StabiliTrak" error message is quite common on current GM vehicles. Many drivers have reported getting frustrated because the system malfunctions way too many times. However, after reading this article, you are in a better place to tell what this safety and stability feature is all about. But more importantly, you can fix the warning light by yourself.