StabiliTrak Light On and Car Shaking: Here's What You Should Check

As you start your Chevy one day, you notice your StabiliTrak light comes on. And no matter what you do, it refuses to deactivate. Ignoring the issue, you set off on your journey. But soon, you notice other issues. The steering wheel is hard to control, the gas pedal doesn't respond well, and the transmission refuses to work as well. All because of a single light on your dashboard. How can you put an end to this mechanical mayhem?

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

How serious are StabiliTrak issues?

As the name implies, StabiliTrak is a stability-enhancing system found on many Chevy models. But while it is somewhat similar to traction control, it activates in slightly different circumstances.

StabiliTrak corrects any kind of abnormal steering. It comes in especially handy in bad weather, such as during the snow, and when you're trying to avoid an object on the road. In both cases, the system improves the curve of your steering. This helps prevent skidding and fishtailing, making your Chevy much safer to drive.

The system relies on brake pressure and engine power. When you lose control of your Chevy, the system applies brakes to a target wheel to prevent skidding. It also manages your engine power to stabilize your car further. Once the sensors detect that you have regained control, StabiliTrak deactivates.

This brief description of StabiliTrak paints a clear picture of how serious the issue is. Of course, you'll only find it useful during extreme situations. Some people may never end up needing it. But if you experience a bad turn, it could mean the difference between life and death.

While you can still drive your Chevy with a bad StabiliTrak system, we don't recommend it. Since it makes your vehicle unsafe to drive, you should have it examined by a professional mechanic.

8 symptoms of a failing StabiliTrak system

Unfortunately, the loss of stability control won't be your only problem once StabiliTrak malfunctions. You'll have your hands full with many other symptoms, most of which will worsen the quality of your ride. Thus, you should address the issue as soon as possible.

Here are X common symptoms of a failing StabiliTrak:

• The StabiliTrak light is on
• Steering difficulties
• Poor acceleration
• Strange noises
• Transmission issues
• Poor engine performance
• Dashboard lights/messages
• Troubleshooting codes

1) Your StabiliTrak light comes on permanently

Your Chevy has a specific StabiliTrak light that comes on whenever the system is active. This simply means that StabiliTrak has taken over, helping you avoid an accident. It normally deactivates once you've regained control.

In case of a malfunction, the StabiliTrak light will stay on even after the system's done its job. However, StabiliTrak isn't meant to be active indefinitely. If it is, it's likely due to faulty sensors in the system.

If your StabiliTrak light doesn't turn off even after you restart your car, you'll need to troubleshoot the system. We'll discuss this in a later section.

2) You have a hard time steering your Chevy

If StabiliTrak stays on permanently, your steering wheel will be much harder to control. This is because the system may attempt to 'correct' your steering even when there is nothing wrong.

Sometimes, the opposite may happen and your StabiliTrak will stop functioning completely. In this case, your steering wheel may move spontaneously even if you don't steer it.

Losing control of your steering wheel is a very serious symptom. If it happens to you, have your vehicle checked by a professional.

3) Your gas pedal responds poorly

Another common symptom of a failing StabiliTrak system is poor acceleration. When you press the gas pedal, it may take a while before your Chevy speeds up. In some cases, it may not speed up at all.

The issue occurs when the system falsely assumes something is wrong with your vehicle. In some cases, it may also activate the 'limp home' mode. Having to drive in this mode can be a nuisance, especially if it happens in heavy traffic.

In the worst-case scenario, your car may not move once you turn on the engine. Although this is an extreme symptom, it's still something to keep in mind when dealing with a faulty StabiliTrak system.

4) You hear grating, whirring noises

When StabiliTrak fails, your Chevy may produce a series of whirring noises. These noises result from the StabiliTrak brakes grinding against the wheels. However, other components of the system may give off unpleasant noises as well.

Hearing abnormal noises coming from your car is never a good sign. If you hear anything out of ordinary, make sure you inspect your Chevy thoroughly.

5) Your transmission acts up

StabiliTrak applies brake pressure to specific wheels to help you steer your car. When it's turned on permanently, your wheels will resist movement. As a result, your car won't shift gears as well.

6) Your engine performs poorly

StabiliTrak may interfere with your engine's performance. This often leads to misfiring or even stalling. Both can be dangerous if they happen in heavy traffic.

7) Your Chevy displays a troubleshooting message

Your dashboard may display a 'Service Traction Control' message. Older models may use the more generic 'Check Engine' light instead. In either case, you'll need to examine your vehicle for further signs of a malfunctioning StabiliTrak system.

8) Your Chevy display troubleshooting codes

While you can read dashboard messages without any special equipment, that isn't the case with troubleshooting codes. To read them, you'll need a scanner.

Here are the 5 most common codes you may encounter when your StabiliTrak light comes on and your car starts shaking:

• P0300: Misfires
• P0121: Pedal Position Sensor
• P0011: Camshaft Positioning
• C0561: ABS Disabled
• P0521: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor

However, it's normal for your car to display no messages at all. These are just some of the most common ones associated with the StabiliTrak light on and car shaking issue.

What causes StabiliTrak issues? 8 common reasons why the system acts up

Now that you know what malfunctioning StabiliTrak looks like, it's time to look at what causes the issues in the first place. StabiliTrak relies on a series of sensors to do its job properly. In most cases, it is these sensors that cause it to act up. It's also controlled by a computer, which is another reason it may malfunction.

Here are the 8 common reasons why your StabiliTrak light is always on and your car shakes:

• Faulty power steering sensor
• Faulty input sensor
• Powertrain issues
• Faulty output sensor
• Bad controller
• Bad connection
• Malfunctioning ABS
• Fuel system issues

1) Faulty power steering sensor

The power steering works together with the input sensor to ensure the smooth operation of the StabiliTrak system. This particular sensor gives the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) information about your steering, helping it determine if more or less steering aid is necessary.

When the sensor goes bad, you'll have a harder time steering. This will cause the StabiliTrak light to come on.

2) Faulty input sensor

Another vital component of the StabiliTrak system is the input sensor. It evaluates your Chevy's steering angle and yaw rate. Without it, your StabiliTrak won't respond to the situation on the road accurately. This may cause the StabiliTrak light to stay on permanently.

3) Powertrain issues

The power train is a complex system responsible for transmitting power from the engine to your wheels. When it goes bad, your StabiliTrak system may shut down due to insufficient power. This might also prompt the 'Service Traction Control' message to appear on your dashboard.

4) Faulty output sensor

The output sensor controls how much torque each wheel receives. Any malfunction will cause the sensor to provide inaccurate information to the ESC. As a result, your StabiliTrak will start acting up.

5) Bad controller

The controller processes the information from your sensor, helping it calculate the best response to your current situation. When the controller malfunctions, your StabiliTrak will be more or less active than it needs to be.

6) Bad connection

The GM-LAN connection acts as a bridge between the sensors and the controller. If compromised, your StabiliTrak will start acting up. This often occurs when high temperatures melt the plastic box holding the cables.

7) Malfunctioning ABS

The ABS controls your Chevy's braking system. When it goes bad, your StabiliTrak will stop working as well.

8) Fuel system issues

StabiliTrak gets its power from the engine. Thus, a bad fuel pump or fuel injector can cause it to malfunction. This is likely if you experience symptoms unrelated to StabiliTrak, such as reduced mileage.

How to fix the StabiliTrak light on the issue?

If your StabiliTrak acts up, fixing it depends on what caused the issue in the first place. Since most of the causes are rather complex, you should leave potential repairs to a trained mechanic.

However, sometimes your StabiliTrak light may be on just because of a minor glitch. If so, simply resetting the system should be enough to solve the issue.

Here's how you can solve the StabiliTrak light on and car shaking issue on your own:

• Start your car.
• Move the steering wheel clockwise. This should deactivate StabiliTrak.
• Turn your car off and wait for at least 1 minute.
• Start the car again.
• The light should be off. If it isn't, you'll have to visit a mechanic.

Our final thoughts on StabiliTrak problems

The StabiliTrak system helps you maintain your car's direction even in poor weather conditions. It activates when it senses sharp steering or loss of control. Without it, driving your car isn't nearly as safe.

When the system malfunctions, the StabiliTrak light might come on permanently. Some users also report their cars shaking violently. Other symptoms include difficulties with steering, unresponsive transmission, and slow acceleration.

Sadly, most of the reasons why the StabiliTrak light comes on are very technical. Thus, you'll have to visit an auto shop to fix the issue.

But before you visit a shop, you can try restarting the system on your own. Although it's not foolproof, it's sometimes enough to solve the issue completely.