Can I drive my car if it says service StabiliTrak?
The short answer is: you should not rely on stability control and it’s safest to avoid long drives. A “Service StabiliTrak” warning means the system has detected a fault and may be disabled, increasing the risk of skidding in challenging conditions.
What the warning means
StabiliTrak is General Motors’ electronic stability control system. It works with the vehicle’s traction control and anti-lock braking systems to help keep the car from skidding during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers. When the dashboard displays “Service StabiliTrak,” it indicates a fault in the system or a loss of communication with one or more sensors. In many cases, the system will be temporarily disabled to prevent unpredictable behavior, but other safety systems like ABS and traction control may still operate. You may also see accompanying warning lights such as the ABS or Traction Control indicators.
Common causes of Service StabiliTrak
Several issues can trigger the message, ranging from simple sensor faults to more complex electrical problems. The following are common culprits:
- Faulty wheel speed sensors or damaged wiring
- Steering angle sensor or yaw-rate sensor problems
- ABS module or CAN bus communication failures
- Low or unstable battery voltage or charging problems
- Software glitches in the StabiliTrak system or ECU
- Tire issues, such as uneven wear or mismatched tires, affecting wheel speed readings
The exact cause varies by model and year, so a professional diagnostic scan is usually required to pinpoint the fault.
What you should do now
To minimize risk and avoid getting stranded, follow these steps before deciding how to proceed with driving:
- Pull over safely and stop if you notice the warning while driving.
- Check tires for proper inflation and visible damage; address obvious wear or defects.
- Assess the battery and charging system; weak or fluctuating power can affect safety systems.
- Limit driving to short trips and avoid high speeds, aggressive cornering, or emergency maneuvers if you must continue.
- Have the vehicle towed or taken to a qualified repair facility for a full diagnostic scan using appropriate manufacturer-specific tools.
- Provide the technician with any recent maintenance or changes (tire service, battery work, wiring work) that might relate to the fault.
A diagnostic visit will typically involve reading manufacturer-specific trouble codes and live sensor data to identify the faulty component and plan the repair, which could range from sensor replacement to software updates.
How to drive if you must proceed to a service center
If you absolutely need to drive to a service center and cannot tow, take extra precautions to reduce risk:
- Drive slowly and smoothly; avoid sharp steering, rapid acceleration, and hard braking.
- Increase following distance and anticipate turns and stops with extra caution.
- Avoid highway driving, particularly in rain, snow, or other adverse conditions where stability control is most needed.
- Be prepared for the possibility that the car may not stabilize in a skid; stay calm and maintain control of the wheel.
Even when driving conservatively to a shop, the stability control system may still be unavailable, so prioritize getting the vehicle inspected promptly.
Summary
The appearance of “Service StabiliTrak” signals a fault in GM’s stability control system, potentially disabling ESC/traction control and increasing the risk of loss of control in slippery or emergency situations. Do not rely on stability control for normal driving conditions; have the vehicle diagnosed and repaired by a qualified technician as soon as possible. If feasible, arrange towing to a service facility; if you must drive, proceed with extreme caution and only for a short, direct trip to service.
