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Service Stabilitrac / Service Traction Control

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262K views 210 replies 75 participants last post by  byers.jd84  
#1 ·
2009 Chevy Traverse, AWD, 33k miles, no mechanical issues until about 6 months ago.

When I'd hit a nice bump, the "Service Stabilitrac / Service Traction Control" message would come on the DIC. It happened say once a month for 6 months before I finally decided to take it in. I just *knew* it would take forever for them to address.

First time I took it in, they replaced the steering wheel angle sensor. 2 Days in shop.

Within 20 miles, on perfectly dry pavement with no bumps, potholes or anything - ding, ding, ding, the DIC shouted at me again. I also drove in some wet weather and driving through a nice size puddle would set it off as well.

To me, it appears that when the TC/SC are engaged, the system fails and throws the warning.

Took it in, they kept it for 3 days this time. The pulled all the wires, cleaned & re-greased them before putting things back together. They also ordered and replaced the yaw sensor. According to the work order, they did a 20 mile test drive, no problems.

Literally that evening the notice came on again. Decided I wouldn't let it bother me and went on with my day.

The next day however, driving in the rain, accelerating from a stop light and turning 90 degrees to the right, it went off again. I was near the dealer, so drove right there with the light on, which I believe they think never actually occurred, even though they had codes int he system. They were thrilled to see the truck with the notice on the dash. Read codes, the very same ones from before - it still wants a new angle sensor & yaw sensor... nothing new.

Long/short - made an appointment for 2 weeks out to have them look at it again. I'm getting loaners now, that it's not as big a deal giving up the truck. But I honestly don't think they're ever going to fix it. Does anyone have any experience with this issue or thoughts on resolution? With winter coming, I want the AWD and I want the TC/SC I paid for and which is necessary. I keep asking them if they can simply replace the entire TC/SC system and they say no, only what the codes tell us to do.

They don't seem to be "getting" it when I tell them that it's when it goes to engage that it fails. I've heard it "click" driving through rain before and it immediately fails when it does this. When the truck believes it needs TC/SC, it engages, fails, then throws the warning. That tells me it's not a sensor, but something in a part that "does" something actively.

Thoughts greatly appreciated.
PittCaleb
 
#29 ·
the service traction control/service stabilitrack or them being 'off'...

seem to occur for many reasons. from CELS to brake light switches.

its almost like a safety--- something is detected wrong- these items are flagged and the above messages appear...
 
#30 ·
Seems like these used vehicles that appear on a used car lot, with low miles, should be a big, big, red flag to those looking to purchase.

Think about it, how many people do you know that trade in a vehicle, with such low mileage? None that I know.

First owner had problems, dumped the vehicle because it wasn't getting fixed, or not fixed to his/her personal satisfaction .... which then becomes the problem for the next, unsuspecting owner.

ALWAYS, but ALWAYS get the warranty history, get the CarFax as well ...... BEFORE signing the contract and making such a purchase.

Buyer beware on these "low mileage" cream puffs!
 
#32 ·
Kia219 said:
I just purchased this vehicle 4 days ago and this error came up on my way home today? Is this s serious issue do I need to return this vehicle?
Kia219,

I’m sorry you are experiencing this issue. I recommend having the vehicle inspected by a certified technician for an official diagnosis. They will be able to provide more information after inspecting the vehicle.

Please keep us posted.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me privately.

Louis (assisting Michelle)
Chevrolet Customer Service
 
#33 ·
Picked up our 11 Traverse at the dealer in Palm Springs last Wednesday (March 7). On the 8th we left for a 4,000 Km drive back to Fort McMurray, Alberta arriving on the 12 (stopped for a couple of days in SF). Went from sunny, dry and +84 F to snowy cold and -11F, however the problem with the stabilitrack, traction control and cruise appear to have been corrected by replacing the brake light switch.
 
#34 ·
nice to know, which brake switch, and do you know where it's located? Part number replaced?
 
#35 ·
To my truck back to dealer they told me to bring it in when it comes back on, unfortunately it did not come back on until tonight when I was on the highway with my family in the car a semi truck behind me I lost power and the engine light came on as well. Had to pull over and restart the truck. I would say this function is not safe. And would like to know what is its purpose??????
:angryfire: :angryfire: :mad:
 
#39 ·
Good news on my '11. After cleaning the throttle body very thoroughly an dclearing the codes that had been stored we have now made it 600 miles and nearly a month with no further issues. :cheers:

Seems that these TB's are a maintenance issue due to the PVC system, IMO. I have ordered an oil separator from JLT that should help with this problem.

Be advised, you should probably be cleaning your TB as part of your regular maintenance every 30k +/-, again IMO.
 
#40 ·
@Kia219, I understand your frustrations and concerns with this feature. From my resources, this reduced power mode is to help guard against damage to the engine or drive train. Have you been able to talk with the dealership or some one from Chevrolet yet?

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service
 
#41 ·
11traverse,

I am having the exact same problem with my Outlook. rbarrios gave me the heads up on this thread. It is hard for me to imagine that we have the same seemingly unique symptoms and not have the same problem. Were you ever able to get part number on the brake switch?

I have the service manual and it doesn't look like there is a switch on the brake pedal, just a sensor. There is a switch on the parking brake. It ACDELCO Part # 01264464. It looks like it would be really easy to swap out. If I am reading the diagnosis protocol correctly, and that is big if, there is no way to pinpoint the switch as the problem unless it is totally dead. For me at least, and it sound like it happened to you, it is a slow death with intermittent failure. If that is the case that really sucks because have the brake lights malfunction is serious safety concern. My wife won't even drive the car right now.

Anyways... if there is anyway to confirm that they did indeed change the switch on the parking brake that would be so incredibly awesome.
 
#42 ·
From a quick look at a wiring diagram, the parking brake switch is wired through the BCM and it's only function is to turn on the parking brake light on the dash.
 
#43 ·
A cut and paste from my online service manual shows the brake pedal position sensor and a procedure on how to calibrate it. Yours might need calibration or replacement. Looks like a dealer performed procedure since a scan tool is needed. Some of the old style brake switches were adjustable by turning the threaded rod and then tightening a lock nut. Now they are electronic, but still need adjustments sometime.


Brake Pedal Position Sensor Calibration

Calibration Criteria

Important: Do not apply the brake pedal during the brake pedal position sensor calibration procedure. Any movement of the brake pedal during this procedure will cause the calibration procedure to fail. If this occurs, the brake pedal position sensor (BPPS) calibration must be repeated.

Brake pedal position sensor calibration must be performed after the brake pedal position sensor or body control module (BCM) have been serviced. The calibration procedure will set the brake pedal position sensor home value. This value is used by the BCM to determine the action of the driver applying the brake system and to provide this information to the vehicle subsystems via the GMLAN communication bus.

Calibration Procedure

Apply the parking brake.
Place the transmission in the PARK position.
Install a scan tool.
Clear all BCM DTCs before proceeding.
Navigate to the Vehicle Control Systems menu.
Select Module Setup menu item.
Select BCM menu item.
Select the BPP Sensor Calibration procedure and follow the directions displayed on the screen.
 
#44 ·
Yeah the brake sensor seems to fit the symptoms better. It would be a pretty poor design to let a faulty park brake switch cause the brake light to reverse (on when they should be off and off when they should be on).

Maybe some wishful thinking on my part, that park brake switch looks really easy to change.

I stopped by the dealership. They scanned for codes and got nothing. I didn't leave the car with them. I can't afford the guess and check approach at dealership prices.
 
#46 ·
jmer said:
:-[well mine came back. Makes me sad. Hey Michelle, would you like to reopen that case?
Hi jmer,

I am Kelly and I am now the contact along with Jessica for GM on the Traverse Forum. I am sorry you are having continued difficulty with your vehicle. If you have your case number or VIN number I would be more than happy to look into things for you. Please private message me!

Have a great day!

Kelly J.
Chevrolet Customer Care
 
#48 ·
I have a 2010 Traverse 2LT. We love this vehicle, except for the recurring Service Stabilitrak Service Traction Control problems. The light keeps coming on randomly while driving at a constant speed on the highway. When the light comes on it also disables the cruise control and the Park Assist features until the codes are removed. The dealer has told me every time I take it in that it's because he believes I'm driving with 2 feet. His manual tells him this, so that's what he tells me. Except I do not drive with 2 feet and I have tried several different times to try to hit both the brake and accelerator with the same foot at the same time with no success. I would have to turn my body in order to get one foot on both pedals simultaneously - and I certainly would know I was doing this while driving if this were actually the issue. I'm getting tired of paying to have the codes reset, told I'm a 2-footed driver and to stop it. This isn't the problem. Something else is wrong and neither Dealership I've taken my vehicle to can tell me what is actually going on with it. Does anybody else have these lights come on without any other symptoms occurring? I have not noticed any problems while driving the vehicle. It appears to be running perfectly, but then lights and bells go off.
I should note that this happened to 3 different drivers in our vehicle. Does this mean all three of us have the same (in)convenient 2-footed driving habit? Doubtful.
 
#49 ·
Pincus said:
I have a 2010 Traverse 2LT. We love this vehicle, except for the recurring Service Stabilitrak Service Traction Control problems. The light keeps coming on randomly while driving at a constant speed on the highway. When the light comes on it also disables the cruise control and the Park Assist features until the codes are removed. The dealer has told me every time I take it in that it's because he believes I'm driving with 2 feet. His manual tells him this, so that's what he tells me. Except I do not drive with 2 feet and I have tried several different times to try to hit both the brake and accelerator with the same foot at the same time with no success. I would have to turn my body in order to get one foot on both pedals simultaneously - and I certainly would know I was doing this while driving if this were actually the issue. I'm getting tired of paying to have the codes reset, told I'm a 2-footed driver and to stop it. This isn't the problem. Something else is wrong and neither Dealership I've taken my vehicle to can tell me what is actually going on with it. Does anybody else have these lights come on without any other symptoms occurring? I have not noticed any problems while driving the vehicle. It appears to be running perfectly, but then lights and bells go off.
I should note that this happened to 3 different drivers in our vehicle. Does this mean all three of us have the same (in)convenient 2-footed driving habit? Doubtful.
Hello Pincus,

This situation sounds frustrating! Would you mind sending me a private message with some details so I may look into this further? I will need your full name, VIN#, vehicle mileage, and the name of the dealership you visited. Also, did the dealership try to recreate the problem?

Jessica
Chevrolet Customer Care
 
#50 ·
Hey Chevy cust serv, I am not getting a response from you on my last post and my pm? My wife's car is still having this issue and I would like to know if my case is being re opened?

Please see last post for case number.
 
#51 ·
Hello jmer,

I apologize for the delay in response! I have reopened your case for you. Would you like to take the vehicle back to the dealership? If so, I would be happy to schedule an appointment. Just let me know what time is best for you!

Jessica
Chevrolet Customer Care

jmer said:
Hey Chevy cust serv, I am not getting a response from you on my last post and my pm? My wife's car is still having this issue and I would like to know if my case is being re opened?

Please see last post for case number.