GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The vehicle may have a vehicle stability enhancement system called StabiliTrak. It is an advanced computer controlled system that assists the driver with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions.

StabiliTrak activates when the computer senses a discrepancy between the intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak selectively applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle's brakes to assist the driver with keeping the vehicle on the intended path.

When the vehicle is started and begins to move, the system performs several diagnostic checks to insure there are no problems. The system may be heard or felt while it is working. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with the vehicle. The system should initialize before the vehicle reaches 20 mph (32 km/h). In some cases, it may take approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) of driving before the system initializes.


Object Number: 879181  Size: A2

Press and hold the StabiliTrak button located on the instrument panel for more than five seconds to turn off StabiliTrak and part of the traction control system.


Object Number: 879181  Size: A2

The StabiliTrak light comes on the instrument panel cluster when the system is turned off or requires service.

For more information, see StabiliTrak® Indicator Light.

For your safety, the system can only be disabled when the vehicle speed is less than 20 mph (32 km/h). Three chimes will be heard and the StabiliTrak light comes on.

To turn on the StabiliTrak system, press the StabiliTrak button again. StabiliTrak will automatically turn back on when the vehicle speed exceeds 20 mph (32 km/h). One chime is heard and the StabiliTrak light will turn off.

When the StabiliTrak system has been turned off, system noises may still be heard as a result of the brake-traction control coming on.

It is recommended to leave the system on for normal driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow, and you want to "rock" the vehicle to attempt to free it. See If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.

StabiliTrak System Operation

The StabiliTrak system is normally on, except when the system is initializing or has been disabled with the StabiliTrak button. The StabiliTrak system will automatically activate to assist the driver in maintaining vehicle directional control in most driving conditions. When activated, the StabiliTrak system may reduce engine power to the wheels and apply braking to individual wheels as necessary to assist the driver with vehicle directional control. If cruise control is being used when StabiliTrak activates, the cruise control automatically disengages. The cruise control can be re-engaged when road conditions allow. See Cruise Control.

The StabiliTrak system may also turn off automatically if it determines that a problem exists with the system. If the problem does not clear itself after restarting the vehicle, see your dealer/retailer for service.

Traction Control Operation

The traction control system is part of the StabiliTrak system. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing engine power to the wheels and by applying brakes to each individual wheel as necessary.

If the brake-traction control system activates constantly or if the brakes have heated up due to high speed braking, the brake-traction control will be automatically disabled. The system will come back on after the brakes have cooled. This can take up to two minutes or longer depending on brake usage.

The traction control system may activate on dry or rough roads or under conditions such as heavy acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the transmission. When this a reduction in acceleration may be noticed, or a noise or vibration may be heard. This is normal.

Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect the vehicle's performance. See Accessories and Modifications for more information.