Service StabiliTrak: What It Means and What to Do

The Service StabiliTrak message means GM's electronic stability and traction control system has detected a fault and has been disabled.

Get it checked soon
Can I keep driving? The vehicle usually drives normally, but without stability or traction assistance, so take extra care in rain, snow, and sharp turns. If reduced engine power, the check engine light, or ABS and brake warnings also appear, have it inspected before long trips.
What it looks like
A car with curved skid lines beneath it, shown with the text message 'Service StabiliTrak' on the driver display.
Color
Amber/yellow message or icon on GM vehicles (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac). The skidding-car icon flashes briefly when the system is actively working.

Also called: StabiliTrak warning, service traction control StabiliTrak, GM stability control message, StabiliTrak off

Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research

Why the service stabilitrak comes on

StabiliTrak uses wheel-speed sensors, a steering-angle sensor, and a yaw rate sensor to compare where the driver is steering with where the vehicle is going, then applies brakes and reduces engine power to correct a skid. Because it controls engine torque, GM disables StabiliTrak when the engine computer reports certain faults, such as misfires or throttle problems, so the message often appears alongside the check engine light.

Steady vs flashing

A flashing skidding-car icon during slippery driving is normal operation. A steady 'Service StabiliTrak' or 'StabiliTrak Off' message means it is disabled, either by a fault or by the driver pressing the traction control button.

Common causes

  1. Engine faults such as misfires, throttle body problems, or sensor faults that also set the check engine light
  2. Steering-angle sensor fault or lost calibration after alignment
  3. Failed wheel-speed sensor or damaged wiring
  4. ABS module or hydraulic unit fault
  5. Brake pedal switch fault
  6. Low battery or charging-system voltage

What to do when the service stabilitrak comes on

  1. Check for other warnings, especially the check engine, ABS, and brake lights.
  2. Restart the vehicle; a temporary glitch may clear.
  3. Make sure the system was not turned off with the traction control button.
  4. Have codes read from the engine, ABS, and chassis modules, not only the engine computer.
  5. Repair any engine fault first, because StabiliTrak often returns once the engine issue is fixed.
  6. Drive gently and leave extra stopping distance until it is repaired.

Symbols and colors vary by manufacturer; your owner’s manual has the exact meaning for your vehicle.

Related OBD-II codes

P0300 — Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

P2135 — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "A"/"B" Voltage Correlation

P0101 — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance

P0500 — Vehicle Speed Sensor "A"

U0121 — Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module

Service StabiliTrak FAQ

What does the service stabilitrak mean?

The Service StabiliTrak message means GM's electronic stability and traction control system has detected a fault and has been disabled.

Can I keep driving with the service stabilitrak on?

The vehicle usually drives normally, but without stability or traction assistance, so take extra care in rain, snow, and sharp turns. If reduced engine power, the check engine light, or ABS and brake warnings also appear, have it inspected before long trips.

Why does Service StabiliTrak appear with the check engine light?

StabiliTrak relies on controlling engine torque, so GM disables it when the engine computer reports certain faults. Fixing the engine fault typically clears the StabiliTrak message.

Is it safe to drive with Service StabiliTrak on?

Normal driving is usually possible, but the vehicle lacks skid control. Drive conservatively, especially on wet or icy roads.

Can an alignment cause the Service StabiliTrak message?

Yes. If the steering-angle sensor is not recalibrated after an alignment or steering work, the system may see a mismatch and shut off.

Other dashboard warning lights

Check Engine LightFlashing Check Engine LightTraction Control LightABS LightAirbag LightOil Pressure LightBattery LightCoolant Temperature LightTire Pressure LightBrake Warning LightPower Steering LightTransmission Temperature LightDEF LightGlow Plug LightReduced Engine PowerLane Departure Warning LightForward Collision Warning LightLow Fuel LightSecurity LightWrench LightDPF LightBrake Pad Wear LightMaster Warning LightAWD/4WD LightMaintenance Required LightSeat Belt Light
OBD-II codes listCar repair costsYears to avoidAll warning lights →

Sources

General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. When in doubt, stop in a safe place and follow your owner’s manual.