GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The vehicle has an electronic stability control 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 two miles of driving before the system initializes.

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.

If there is a problem detected with StabiliTrak, a SERVICE STAB SYS message displays on the Driver Information Center (DIC). See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information. When this message is displayed, the system is not working. Adjust your driving accordingly.

StabiliTrak and Traction Control (TCS) come on automatically whenever the vehicle is started and the systems are reset with each ignition cycle. However, when the transfer case is placed in Four-Wheel-Low mode, StabiliTrak is automatically disabled. See Four-Wheel Drive for more information. It is recommended to leave the system on for normal driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the TCS portion of the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow, and it is necessary to "rock" the vehicle to attempt to free it. If traction control is turned off, only the brake-traction control portion of traction control will work. The engine speed management will be disabled. In this mode, engine power is not reduced automatically and the drive wheels can spin more freely. This can cause the brake-traction control to activate constantly. See If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.


Object Number: 1278095  Size: A1

The StabiliTrak/TCS light will flash on the instrument panel cluster when the TCS system or StabiliTrak is both on and activated.


Object Number: 1278095  Size: A1

The StabiliTrak/TCS button is located on the instrument panel.

To turn off TCS, press and release the StabiliTrak/TCS button. The StabiliTrak/TCS light comes on in the instrument panel cluster, and TRAC OFF comes on the DIC. To turn TCS back on, press and release the StabiliTrak/TCS button.

To turn off TCS and StabiliTrak, press and hold the StabiliTrak/TCS button until the TRAC OFF and STAB SYS OFF messages come on the DIC and the StabiliTrak/TCS light comes on the instrument panel. To turn TCS and StabiliTrak back on, press and release the StabiliTrak/TCS button.

When the TCS or StabiliTrak system is turned off, the StabiliTrak/TCS light and the appropriate TRAC OFF or STAB SYS OFF message will be displayed on the DIC. The vehicle will still have brake-traction control when TCS or StabiliTrak is off, but will not be able to use the engine speed management system. The StabiliTrak/TCS light flashes when either system is actively working. See Traction Control Operation following for more information.