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Service Stabilitrak/Traction Control

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163K views 96 replies 52 participants last post by  greentraverse  
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#1 ·
So my fabulous Traverse decided to have MORE electrical glitches, now it has taken to randomly showing Service Stabilitrak/Service Traction Control. A quick search turned up similar problems involving wheel sensors which also showed the ABS warning lamp, but I'm not seeing any ABS faults. I've seen it happen immediately after putting it in reverse, but I've also seen it while driving along the highway. I just hear "ding ding ding", see the traction control lamp, and can just make out the service messages on my failing DIC display.

Sad that my 40 year old MG Midget with the notorious Lucas electrical system is being extremely reliable compared to a 6 year old Chevy. In the 2 years I've had it, I've had:

Driver's door speaker failed
Power mirror switch failed
Right headlight burned out
Both rear turn signals burned out
Left front marker light burned out
left rear window switch can only put the window down, won't put the window up
Service Stabilitrak/Traction Control randomly showing
Odometer/DIC display failing, only readable at night or if I cover up the daylight sensor
Driver's door open switch failing randomly, sometimes have to open and close the door multiple times to get the radio to turn off
Spare key fob died after using it once, won't do anything and can't re-learn even with a new battery
Takes multiple attempts to re-learn the TPMS sensors after rotating tires, it seems to get confused and thinks it's done after doing 2 or 3 wheels
 
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#32 ·
2015 Chevy Traverse Traction Contol Issues

My wife and I had taken our Traverse to get a routine oil maintenance at our dealership where we had bought it at. After getting our oil change we were notified that there was break fluid leaking and that it would cost a $100.00 or so dollar to get replaced. I advised them to not do anything yet as I needed to confer with my wife. We had never seen any stains in our drive way that would indicate any fluid leaks so, this caused suspicion on our part. I then advised the gentleman who advised me of the issue that we were going to take it to our mechanic who we know and trust to take a look at it. From here, he asked that i give him a moment and came back to me. He did advise that they will go ahead and continue with the maintenance and not charge us. Reason being is they had already gotten with their claims department and they had already approved repair. I said, ok, since there is no cost, go ahead.

Today on our first road trip out of town since the repair our traction control light came on a quarter of the way. Once the light came on I could already feel the difference. The SUV started shaking every time I accelerated. We pulled over, shut the suv down and looked at the manual for instruction. I had initially thought my wife had accidentally hit the traction control button, however, after repeatedly pressing the button the traction control light would not turn off. We decided to end our trip and go back home. Once the vehicle was turned back on, the light was now off. We were concerned, but, we decided to try and carry on with the trip assuming that turning off the suv and turning it back on this somehow reset the traction control. About 40 minutes later the light appeared again and the same stuttering.

We decided to end our trip and comeback home. Of course, once we were home the light turned off again.

I am righting this for not only my documentation, but, to see if this is a know issue with Chevy Traverses. I have been googling this issue and it appears to be some known consumer issue. If this is the case, why has there not been recalls on the vehicles?? I feel that I unknowing put my family at risk because of this and fills me with regret for purchasing this family vehicle.

We will be taking the vehicle to the dealership first thing Monday morning and hope for a satisfactory explanation.
 
#33 ·
I presume that your Traverse is still under the 3 years bumper to bumper warranty?
 
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E
#34 ·
How cold was it when this happened? I believe the throttle body is sticking when this happens. I may need a good cleaning, or is may have had ice on it if it were cold there. Is this the first time this has happened?
What exactly did the dealer replace? He may have left a connector loose as well.
 
#76 ·
electbc said:
How cold was it when this happened? I believe the throttle body is sticking when this happens. I may need a good cleaning, or is may have had ice on it if it were cold there. Is this the first time this has happened?
What exactly did the dealer replace? He may have left a connector loose as well.
Click to expand...
Hello, my 2015 traverse has the stabilitrak/TC issue followed by reduced power and pitching during acceleration. I've never had the issue in the winter - it just started doing this and it is about 78-89 degrees here.

No codes are being thrown even while Stabilitrak/TC lights are on.
 
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#35 ·
service stabilitrak/ traction control and ABS light on.

I have a 2011 traverse that the service stabilitrak/traction control and ABS lights have come on the reset. But when your driving it shakes or slows down and the rpm's go up and down the drive ok then does it again randomly and at a number of speeds. Can anyone help with what this may be? A possible wheel speed sensor? Thanks.
 
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#36 ·
I am dealing with the exact same issue, expect the last time, my car shut completely off driving 55 miles an hour and came to a dead stop! It almost killed us! Thankfully, no one was behind me. I called the local dealer and also filed a case with GM. The local dealer told me that because it is not throwing a specific code when I got it to them, they can't do anything. As those of you know who have this problem, that is what happens. Once you turn the key off and then a few seconds later back on, its up and going.
So, who is liable? They turned me away and said "bring it back when its doing it"- that is impossible!

GM has to know there is an issue- I know that there are many who are having this issue and apparently no one knows what the problem is.

What is the next step? Wait for the accident?
 
T
#37 ·
Hi all! So my hubby and I spent over 5 hrs trying to figure out why my 2011 Traverse lt died. I was sitting in a parking lot with the car on and my air stopped working ..... I thought that was odd so I pressed the fan button and the air cane back on. Then all these messages about device traction control is shutting off service stabletrac and check , service battery charging system and saving battery mode. We took the factory battery out and put in a brand new battery. The car turned over but there was now some smoke coming from under the hood. Now we are stumped! Is it the alternator? Something else? What was smoking? Ugh I’m just so frustrated. My suv is currently in the parking lot of the grocery store. My hubby was going to try and get to the alternator to test it. Anyone else have these issues? Oh and when the truck dies the key gets stuck in the ignition. Thanks for any help in advance!!
 
#66 ·
The key in the ignition is definitely the ignition switch needs replacing...my 09 chevy traversed turned off on me as well after the alarm light came on..and she wouldn't come back on...so I read here that it was 3 fuses in the inside passangers foot area..labeled 20A .those 3 suckers fixed my girl...check it out...but one issue after the other..makes u not want to deal with it...
 
M
#38 ·
Good day, I'm Mauro Mtz from Mexico, I've been looking for the diagram to replace the yaw rate sensor of a 2014 traverse truck, I'm checking the indicator of the stability control system I already bought it but I do not know where it is located to be able to change the piece, I do not want to take it to the dealership because I do not trust in the work that they have done in the previous services, they could tell me in which part of the truck the sensor is located
 
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#40 ·
2015 Traverse stabilitrak. I have seen the same concern with many many owners in forums and videos. It's discouraging how much money is being wasted with little or no solution to the problem. My two children and I are often stranded roadside for up to ten minutes before the vehicle restarts. Power window was fixed only to go out a few months later. I plan go back to a Honda.
 
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#41 ·
Sad 2012 Owner




I hear you. I bought my 2012 Traverse LT NEW as a military retirement present to myself. Shoulda bought a Honda. I am having the dreaded "REDUCED POWER" and throttle body issues right now. My rear A/C evaporator is shot, Steering rack and pinion is jacked-up, Wiper washer doesn't work, replaced the Driver's side window switch cluster 2 times... ONandONandON...

This is my LAST new Chevy. I'm going back to Chevy classics and NEW Japanese cars for reliability.
 
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#44 ·
Same thing happening to my 2012 Traverse.
The first time I was in a restaurant drive thru but sitting idle. Then several warnings flashed on my dash about traction control and stabilitrak and limp mode and it started to stink. We towed it to our mechanic and he could not tell what code was initiating the issue so he cleared the codes and it ran fine after that. After a couple additional trips to the mechanic, we did have a couple issues seemingly related and he ended up replacing a coil and all the spark plugs.
Now, a few months later, my wife was driving up the road to our house and just before turning into our driveway, the same error messages came up on the dash. She turned off the car and called me. When I got home I started the car and got the same results. We had the car towed to our mechanic again. This time when the tow truck arrived, the car did not start. After it arrived at our mechanic, he could not start it, and he could only read one code and it said nondefining code and he could not determine what the problem is. He then cleared the code and it is running fine again.
I am VERY concerned this is going to happen on the highway with my wife driving and she will be seriously hurt. I am shockingly surprised at so many other similar incidents and NOTHING is being done by Chevrolet. I will most likely trade mine for a NON-Chevy product and I will N OT EVER by another Chevy.
 
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#45 ·
2016 LT 43,000 mi 3.6L V6 - Stabilitrak / Traction control

Hello all, this evening my wife experienced the same issue described on this thread when driving the car home from her work. The car slowed suddenly and dangerously when she was on the interstate highway. She says several lights came on - check engine, service Stabilitrak, and service Traction control. The engine power and speed were greatly reduced. I bought the car used in Nov of 2016 from a dealer with about 12,000 mi. This is the first time the issue has occurred. The car was a certified GM used car.

From this thread I understand cold weather and a dirty throttle body are root causes of this issue. Another poster mentioned a PVC mod to the throttle body. At present I don't have any idea how to clean the throttle body or do a PVC mod. I will take the car into the dealer immediately and see what they say. I will ask the dealer what codes are reported by the car's computer and report back to this thread.

I am making this post to let others know that this issue continues to occur and also to find out if there are any new insights or suggestions on how to deal with this.

Also from all these posts I must agree that this seems to be a widespread and potentially dangerous issue and I wonder why GM has not taken action to address it more comprehensively for the customer base.
 
R
#47 ·
nrgopks said:
Hello all, this evening my wife experienced the same issue described on this thread when driving the car home from her work. The car slowed suddenly and dangerously when she was on the interstate highway. She says several lights came on - check engine, service Stabilitrak, and service Traction control. The engine power and speed were greatly reduced. I bought the car used in Nov of 2016 from a dealer with about 12,000 mi. This is the first time the issue has occurred. The car was a certified GM used car.

From this thread I understand cold weather and a dirty throttle body are root causes of this issue. Another poster mentioned a PVC mod to the throttle body. At present I don't have any idea how to clean the throttle body or do a PVC mod. I will take the car into the dealer immediately and see what they say. I will ask the dealer what codes are reported by the car's computer and report back to this thread.

I am making this post to let others know that this issue continues to occur and also to find out if there are any new insights or suggestions on how to deal with this.

Also from all these posts I must agree that this seems to be a widespread and potentially dangerous issue and I wonder why GM has not taken action to address it more comprehensively for the customer base.
Click to expand...



What was the weather like? Cold?


If it was, then the throttle body most likely froze with the moisture in the tube.
Once warmed up- the ice melts, and it works fine. So they may not find an issue.
But since the CEL came on- it may have a code pointing to the throttle body.


For a while now, Ive posted that winter is coming- and that owners should change oil and clean the tube and throttle body-- so that the winter conditions dont cause the power loss.


Hopefully it is just a dirty tube/throttle body.


I changed out the oil 5 days ago, in our 2013 Equinox with the 3.6. I did give the throttle body a nice little spray down- and moved the butterfly to loosen any buildup.


HOW TO clean throttle body-- https://www.traverseforum.com/29-faqs-links-recalls-how-tos/1467-how-clean-your-throttle-body-9.html


HOW TO PCV modification--- https://www.traverseforum.com/33-engine-drivetrain/5986-pcv-modification-picture-thread-3.html
 
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#46 ·
The issue on my 2013 (exact same symptoms) ended up being the front right wheel speed sensor(s). I had already previously removed and cleaned the throttle body... which is a good maintenance item either way... but it did not get rid of the random Stabilitrak / TC / ABS warnings. I usually don't recommend dealers because of their incredible (in a bad way) prices, but they probably are the best place to troubleshoot this type of model-specific issue. My Chevy dealer was able to test drive my Traverse, while the warning lights were on and their mobile scanner plugged in, and they correctly isolated the problem. The repair cost in my case wasn't horrible (around $200) and the issue has not recurred in 6+ months and probably around 7k-8k miles.
 
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#48 ·
2016 LT 43,000 mi 3.6 V6 - Stabilitrac / TCS - post 2

As a postscript to my earlier post, the dealer diagnosed the issue as code P2138 Throttle/Pedal Pos Sensor/Switch D / E Voltage Correlation and replaced the accelerator pedal under warranty for free. For now the car is running fine and the warning lights have gone out.

Thank you for the helpful comments and replies.
 
R
#49 ·
glad it was fixed.
Though take some time and look into the throttle body and at least spraying it to keep it clean.
 
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#50 · (Edited)
So many different sensors cause this issue.
Mass Air Flow sensor
Brake Petal Position Sensor.
Throttle Body Position.
ABS Tone wheel and sensor.
Brake Fluid Level.
Any others I missed?
Loose Underhood Fuse Block, some members have replaced with positive results.
Milkshake in the Intake snorkel and throttle plate freezing up in cold weather.


My messages came and went for a few months , until I brought it to My Mechanic with the messages active. He spent a good part of the day troubleshooting and narrowed it down to the MAF sensor.Cleaning it didn't help, it needed replacement. This was when the Milkshake was first discovered in the air intake. That problem wasn't solved then but several months later when the Polar Vortex hit on New Years Eve. Driving 65one the interstate one minute and barely 25 the next. Ten minutes on the side of the road with the engine off defrosted it and we went on our merry way. Then after living with it for a couple months and before I found the Mod, I must have poured out about a pint of water from the snorkel and replaced a few MAFs. I got pretty good at it too, in under 10 minutes on several ski trips. Anyway, after the mod, the random misfires went away too, I believe that was caused by water getting sucked into the cylinders when I can to a stop. Truck is still running fine with 212,000 miles on her, the new owner is very happy with it.
 
#86 ·
electbc said:
So many different sensors cause this issue.
Mass Air Flow sensor
Brake Petal Position Sensor.
Throttle Body Position.
ABS Tone wheel and sensor.
Brake Fluid Level.
Any others I missed?
Loose Underhood Fuse Block, some members have replaced with positive results.
Milkshake in the Intake snorkel and throttle plate freezing up in cold weather.


My messages came and went for a few months , until I brought it to My Mechanic with the messages active. He spent a good part of the day troubleshooting and narrowed it down to the MAF sensor.Cleaning it didn't help, it needed replacement. This was when the Milkshake was first discovered in the air intake. That problem wasn't solved then but several months later when the Polar Vortex hit on New Years Eve. Driving 65one the interstate one minute and barely 25 the next. Ten minutes on the side of the road with the engine off defrosted it and we went on our merry way. Then after living with it for a couple months and before I found the Mod, I must have poured out about a pint of water from the snorkel and replaced a few MAFs. I got pretty good at it too, in under 10 minutes on several ski trips. Anyway, after the mod, the random misfires went away too, I believe that was caused by water getting sucked into the cylinders when I can to a stop. Truck is still running fine with 212,000 miles on her, the new owner is very happy with it.
Click to expand...
What about a downstream O2 sensor heater?
 
N
#51 · (Edited)
OK, I thought I would add some information about my problems here.

For about two months I’ve been having issues with my 2011 Traverse (165k miles) where it gives Service Stabilitrak and Traction Control messages along with and occasional Service Brake System message. Sometimes went into limp mode, but not always. Started in January, of course when we started getting very cold weather, down in the teens and sometimes single digits. Funny thing was I take the vehicle to the ski resorts where the temps are at least 10 degrees colder here (Colorado), but never saw any of these messages. Usually happened to my wife and after shutting the vehicle off for a few minutes, and turned on, everything was fine. The first time it happened to me was after filling the tank and I actually got a check engine light. I took it to Autozone to read the error codes. The printout they gave me pointed to it needing a new battery. Unbelievably, we were on our first battery since buying the vehicle new. So I called AAA and they came out to my house and changed out the battery. Check engine light went away and I did not see any messages for a few days, but then my wife saw them (Stabilitrak and Traction Control).

About that time I needed to change oil/filter and air filter, so I purchased a new PCV valve and breather valve. I saw a Youtube about modifying the metal breather valve by drilling the holes out a little more, so I did that and changed out the valves. I took throttle body spray and sprayed out the hose between PCV valve and the place where oil tends to build up in the larger air hose. I also checked the larger air hose and saw a bit of the “chocolate milk” in the place where it normally pools. I did my best to wipe the inside of the air hose down and let it dry. I sprayed throttle body spray all over the front of throttle body and cleaned it a bit. I never disconnected the negative battery lead (probably should have) and did not remove throttle body to clean other side (probably should have). I put everything back together and installed the new air filter and we drove it a bit with no messages, but they eventually came back. Now decided to buy a new Bosch throttle body from Advanced Autoparts (warning – don’t buy this from Advanced, just go with Amazon) and when I got it along with a new gasket, I noticed the check engine light came on. I also bought a OBD2 Bluetooth scanner and purchased Torque Wrench Pro and saw that I had P2176, which pointed to throttle position error, so I disconnected the negative battery cable and changed out the throttle body with new gasket (this went very well). After connecting everything and reconnecting battery, check engine light went away and I drove the vehicle about 10 miles and did not see any messages/check engine light, etc. This was yesterday. Wife drove it this morning and saw the Service Brake System message (of course it was cold, around 32 degrees). Now with electbc’s message above, I’m thinking I might have a wheel sensor brake pedal position or maybe even brake fluid level issue (since it’s giving the Brake error). Since I have Torque Pro app and OBD2, is there a way to see this/dig deeper without going to the dealer? If it’s a wheel sensor, is this an easy fix?
 
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#52 ·
Easy fix for most of these Stabilitrak and Low Power alarms

Background info - I have a 2010 LTZ Traverse that was having all these same issues: Service Stabilitrak, Low Power Alarm, Traction Control - OFF warning....

After scouring the interwebs for the better part of the past week and becoming more and more desperate by the day as the alarms were going off while trying to just get to work a couple miles away, I decided to try the Throttle Body cleaning that many have been suggesting. Well...I was not successful with that remedy. Thinking that my next step is the dealer to run diagnostics and probably end up with a sizable bill, I thought I would differentially diagnose and replace the throttle body...at least then all the main suggestions I’ve found would have been worked through. The throttle body was available locally at Auto Zone and with a 10% discount coupon it was ~$160. My thought at least it would not be the $300+ that the ship would charge for the same part.

Next the installation...DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED. A person with a kindergarten degree can complete this fix as long as you have the tools. Socket set, flat head screwdriver is all you need.

To start clean with the ECU disconnect the battery and leave it disconnected wile you disassemble and reassemble the throttle body.
Pull the air intake assembly- removed the 2 clamps
Pull the old throttle body by removing the 4 bolts...disconnect sensor plug and then repeat to reassemble.

End of the repair is simply to connect the battery back up...turn engine on and let idle 3-5 minutes. Shut off and idle 3 minutes again (this was suggested through another forum and I do not know if required although seemed to work).

It fixed all codes...check engine is off, throttle response was like new and most importantly after driving ~45 minutes absolutely no alarms or codes noted.

My suggestion is prior to heading to the dealership or local shop; if you are having the warnings as noted in this forum, just replace the throttle body, reset the codes and then see if you need further diagnostics.
 
#53 ·
I just got a 2019 RS Traverse in Florida...front wheel drive turbo.
With just 400 miles the Stabilitrak warning beeping started and I have to keep hitting the middle button on the right side of steering wheel to silence it, only to come back on a minute or 2 later.
I spoke with dealer and I must now bring it in. Bummer, only 400 miles.
Any solutions??
 
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#57 ·
Same Problem Here....

I just ran into the same issue with my 2011 Chevy Traverse The service stability track and traction control light, reduced power all of it. This has happend twice now in the last month (September 2019) while transporting 4 kids on the highway. Took it to the Chevy dealership (Bergstrom in Apppleton WI) and tried to explain issue and show Youtube videos and these forum posts. Was told that the mechanic wouldn't be able to reference them and they have a strict set of policies they need to follow to diagnose issues. Paid $117 dollars to diagnose and drive it around for 15 miles. Wasn't able to find any issues and sent on my way. The very next day (9/26) my wife had the issue again on a highway and I took it right back to the dealership. So they said it was the ECM and needed to be replaced. That came to $816.00. Sent on my way again. I have no trust in the safety of this vehicle and the dealership seemed to care less. I left feeling like I was inconveniencing them. Talked to a fellow employee that owned a GMC Arcadia who had the same exact issue. He had the Throttle Body replaced but traded it in the next week with safety concerns. Please stay away from GMC vehicles. Learn from the issues in this forum.
 
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#58 ·
Have you checked on how clean your throttle body is? It's pretty easy to so and to clean it if it needs it and while doing so check if you have a milkshake in the air intake. Also wile you are at it, clean the Mass Air Flow sensor with the specialized cleaner for Mafs.
Out of the millions of these vehicles on the road, you are reading about less than 1% of them which have issues. After I solved my 2008 Stabilitrack issues I got another 80,000 miles trouble free before I sold it.
 
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#59 ·
I am have a 2009 Chevy Traverse. Love the Car but having second thoughts now. The dealer I had the special recall done on P0008 (timing belt issue) is saying they do not know where the oil leak is coming from but when I took it to another mechanic to get some work done on it to replace 2 ignition coils and spark plugs said it was leaking from the timing belts and that there was evidence of water in my engine but the dealership said there was no evidence of water in my engine. no my stabilitrak light is on probably because of my ignition coils need replaced because no one will replace them because the dealership says that will not just fix my problem. Also took it to the same dealer the week before and got one set of codes and was told 3 catalytic converters need replaced 2 ignition coils and a maf and now this week its 2 catalytic converters and an oxygen sensor and 2 ignition coils and do not know where the oil leak is from so they put dye in my oil to put a black light to it to see where it is instead of fessing up there wrong doing and eating a 3,300 dollar job.
 
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