Stabilatrak problems - traction control

Tiny
BRADCX12
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 35,000 MILES
Having problems with stabilatrak showing that it needs to be serviced? And traction control showing on then off, tried the tire pressure fix and that is not the solution any thoughts?
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Friday, December 4th, 2009 AT 9:01 PM

19 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,915 POSTS
Chances are there is a problem with one of the ABS sensors. The systems work in conjunction with each other.

Has the check engine light or abs come on? This video will help us fix it

https://youtu.be/Pb6nXV-iamI

and

https://youtu.be/rTtAnsOlZU4

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Saturday, November 24th, 2018 AT 6:51 AM
Tiny
JWOODBURN
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  • 1 POST
  • 2006 CHEVROLET TAHOE
For the last 3 to 4 months I have had what sounds like a swish swish swish swish sound coming from behind the speedometer when I start from a dead start. It makes that sound exactly 4 times every time. Last week upon starting there was a funny noise followed by a "service stability system" message. I have contined to drive the car without the message appearing but I still get the swish swish sound. I noticed I can turn the stability system off. When I do this I no longer hear the swish swish sound. Is it not safe to be driving the car? Regardless, I want to have this taken care of and I am wondering what is involved in the repair and the approximate cost to fix it. Thank you!
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
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I think and believe its one of the wheel bearing that need to be replaced
its the sound of the ABS system activating the pump
with out any codes in the ABS system will be very difficult to catch which one it is and need to monitor each speed sensor.
This may be one that you have a shop look at. I only say that since they will most likely have the proper scan tool to see if the motor is activating and if so which sensor is causing it to do so.
Without these answers you could needlessly throw a lot of money at it and never get it fixed
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
NATIVEJ
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
Every time we start our engine the traction control automatically engages and you must push the traction control button each and every time to turn it off. Since 90% of driving does not require the traction control and with 4 wheel drive, the traction control becomes a redundant and pricey feature, we were wondering if and how to disable the auto engage and make it respond to manual controls like the 4 wheel drive part of the drive train.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:17 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,689 POSTS
I think you're looking at this feature wrong. It is designed to be on all the time, just like the anti-lock brake system which it's added onto. Traction control isn't actually part of the four-wheel-drive system or all-wheel-drive system. The main reason they provide a switch to turn the system off is so you can run the vehicle, in gear, on a hoist. A lot of front-wheel-drive cars also have traction control. All it does is lightly apply the brake for the wheel that's spinning and has no traction, so the other one is forced to spin and pull the vehicle.

Think of the overdrive in the transmission. You have the option of turning that off too, but you never would except when you're pulling a heavy trailer. Overdrive and traction control will both turn on each time you start the engine because neither is meant to be turned off on a regular basis.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
NATIVEJ
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I spoke with 2 mechanics about the traction control and they both said the same thing. It was unnecessary for most driving conditions and it does add wear and tear to the vehicle. Not only that when (not if) it goes out it is extremely pricey to repair and align so that it will work properly once again. My son has TC on his Jeep and it will only engage when and if he presses his TC button. Similarly, we both have the towing control which once again we press into function only when we desire to have it. I noticed since disengaging the device, we have added almost 10% to our fuel economy.

I appreciate your response, but I still don't want it working 24/7.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,689 POSTS
I'm not aware of any way to turn the feature off automatically. Also, you do not have the same 4wd system as on the Jeeps. Jeeps have all-time four-wheel-drive and are very picky about having all four tires with the same outer circumference. Chevy Astro Vans had the same system. Your truck can be driven on 2wd mode.

You should not be seeing any difference if fuel mileage. If you are, something is wrong. As for the mechanics who claimed wear is taking place due to this system, to avoid that wear you'd have to stop using the brakes, and that is not practical. What is much more likely to be happening is GM has had a huge problem with wheel speed sensors, and if one is developing a weak signal, it could be causing the system to activate when it shouldn't be. Under normal driving conditions, meaning no snow and ice, the Traction Control system should not engage at all. It's common to drive for months without the system engaging. Every manufacturer is worried about every extra mile per gallon they can achieve. There's no way you will lose any fuel mileage due to traction control. Even when it does engage, it will slow one wheel for only a few seconds.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JENKSY327
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 30,000 MILES
How do I turn off the traction control?
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Push the button? According to my software there is a switch to disable the traction contol
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JENKSY327
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I've looked and I can't seem to find the button to disable the traction control. Do you have any idea where the switch is located? Thank You very much for your time and effort relating to my question.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
My software doesnt have any pics for the location. Is this an AWD or 4wd?
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JENKSY327
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Actually, this vehicle has both. It has 4 pushbuttons concerning the drive. It has a button that says "4 ( with an arrow pointing down)", "4 (with an arrow pointing up)", "2 (with an arrow pointing up)" and a round button that says "AWD". Would it help if I sent you my VIN #. I'm not sure if that would tell you which version of Tahoe this is. The owner's manual is very generic and doesn't give any specifics other than what the buttons look like. I don't even know if this model can have it's traction control turned off. Again, thank you very much for all of the extra effort you're putting into this for me.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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Since it is AWD I dont think it can be turned off or there would be a switch for it
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JENKSY327
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  • 5 POSTS
OK, that makes sense. Thank You for answering my question.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Sorry it took so long to figure out
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JENKSY327
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
That's no problem. I'm just happy that somebody was able to give me some information, I'm in East TN and it seems nobody around here was able to figure it out. It is a strange request, most people don't want to spin their tires, but since this is an automatic trans, spinning the tires is the only fun I can have while driving it. I'll probably end up buying a late 60's 4 speed muscle car of the Chevrolet variety just so I can get out and smoke the tires. Thanks again for all of your help, I will recommend your service to anyone who asks me.

Bill Jenkins


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/154290_My_New_Tahoe_1.jpg

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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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Glad to be of help. Enjoy fryin the tires
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
NATIVEJ
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
That only works as a temporary fix. We have the same problem and have to engage the disable button each and every time we turn the engine on. I as well as others would like this to only turn on and engage if and only when we press the traction control button, not the other way around.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
NATIVEJ
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The button on ours is below the radio to near the center of the dash panel. It has a picture of a tire with wavy lines. As said in the other comment in order to disengage it you must do it every time you turn the engine on which is extremely annoying since over 90 percent of the time it isn't necessary, nor wanted since it increases engine wear and tear and negatively affects mileage.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)

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