Traverse Forum banner

Service Stabilitrac / Service Traction Control

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
 
#2 ·
99 % of the time this system errors out do to a faulty Wheel speed sensor. I have no idea why they keep doing all of the other things they are doing.

You probably need one of the hubs replaced.

The system TC/SC will not work if the system has an error.
 
#4 ·
Since youve already gone thru some salty winters...
this may be your issue..

hmmm- I see you live in snow.
But just noticed it is a 2011... so may be too early for this


On some 2007-2010 OUTLOOK; 2007-2011 Acadia; 2008-2011
Enclave, CTS/CTS-V; 2009-2011 Traverse;the
following DTCs or Symptom codes may be set: C0035, C0040,
C0045, C0050, with symptom bytes 18, 5A, 0F. The ABS, Service
Traction Control System, and/or Service StabiliTrak lights also
may be illuminated.
This condition may be
caused by single or multiple
pieces of ferrous
metallic debris stuck to
the wheel speed sensor
magnetic encoder ring.
Instead of a traditional
mechanical-type tooth
tone wheel, some new
model vehicles use a
wheel speed sensor tone
wheel made of a magnetized
nitrile rubber ring,
typically brown in color.
This magnetic encoder
ring is now part of the inboard
bearing hub assembly
The magnetic encoder consists of multiple North and South pole
pairs surrounding the outer circumference. When the magnetic
encoder ring rotates and passes by the wheel speed sensor head,
it generates a sine wave in the wheel speed sensor. The wheel
speed sensor converts an analog signal to a digital square wave,
and typical digital signal values switch between 7mA (Low) and
14mA (High) DC current.
Encoder Ring
Cleaning
Inspect and clean any
debris from the encoder
ring using the following
procedure. This inspection
and cleaning procedure is
supporting information to
with symptom bytes 18, 5A, 0F can be repaired by removing or
cleaning any accumulated debris on the magnetic encoder ring,
located on the inboard side of the bearing hub.
TIP: Most repairs can be
performed without replacement
of the bearing hub assembly or
wheel speed sensor. Be careful
not to damage the bearing outer
seal when brushing or cleaning
the magnetic encoder debris.
Do not use any type of magnetic
tool to remove the debris from
the bearing magnetic encoder.
An external magnet can damage
the encoder.
1. Based on the specific EBCM
Wheel Speed Sensor DTC
code, inspect the appropriate
corner magnetic encoder ring
for possible debris.
• C0035 Left Front Corner
• C0040 Right Front Corner
• C0045 Left Rear Corner
• C0050 Right Rear Corner
2. If debris is found, gently use a
dry nylon soft bristle brush to
remove the foreign debris from
the magnetic encoder ring. If
debris was removed, proceed
to step 3.
If debris still remains, wash the
encoder ring using a mild soap
detergent and wipe dry.
3. Connect a scan tool to the
vehicle. Turn on the ignition.
Clear the DTCs.
4. Perform vehicle diagnostic
repair verification procedure for DTC C0035-C0050. Refer to the
appropriate Service Information.
the SI wheel speed sensor
diagnostic mechanical
fault table. In most cases
the DTCs C0035-C0050


Image
 
#5 ·
This definitely sounds like a nightmare for you, and I hope they get it figured out for you. You would think that they have to get it fixed for you before you leave, especially since it's under warranty, since all vehilcles sold 2011 and beyond must have some type of stability control system, that works. Keep on them about it, and make sure it's fixed correctly. Of course this is a terrible time for you to not have the AWD that you purchased, as snow is just around the corner.
 
#6 ·
New to the Traverse but aware of the issue on the Corvette. The #1 cause on the Vette after hitting a pothole or going over rail road tracks is a bad connection to the wheel sensor that experienced the jolt. Cleaning/inspecting/replacing that connector (not the sensor) usually solves the problem.
 
#7 ·
mine came on for the second time tonight.

First time, it came on, along with the malfunction light, while going into my driveway. By the time I got to the dealer a couple of days later, it was gone...and they couldn't find a code...but said that the fuel cap was not seated on properly. I don't know why if it wasn't seated properly, why the sensor took so long to come on, instead of immediately after fueling up the Traverse.

This time, the 'service stabilitrac/service traction control' came on and so did the malfunction light again, along with the DIC saying the parking assist was off. Seems to have trouble accelerating when at a stop. Got into the garage, turned off the car, and waited a couple of minutes. Restarted the car and seemed to clear itself up, but the malfunction light was still on...reseated the fuel cap, and nothing...lamp was still on. The fuel tank is half fuel, and I"ve filled up at the same gas station, so I don't think it's not the fuel cap again...but we'll see.

This is annoying...second time in a couple of months...and we didn't go through and bumps or potholes in the road when it went off. We'll see if the malfunction lamp goes out or else back to the dealer again...literally 2 weeks after being there for replacing the steering rack for it's 'groaning' noise.

I took a couple of pictures of the message on my cell phone to show them if I have to go in again.

:angryfire:
 
#8 ·
merlin said:
why the sensor took so long to come on, instead of immediately after fueling up the Traverse.
The 'check' for the fuel tank related items (like the gas cap) is not run every time you start your car.

This is a 'test/check' that is performed every x number starts. (usually x # of cold engine starts).
thats why it didnt appear right away.
 
#9 ·
thanks rbarrios, for that bit of info.

still don't know why the stabilitrac message came up though.
 
#10 ·
after 2 days in the shop, finally got the Traverse back.

Work order said that codes P0700 and P182E came up. They pinpointed it to an internal mode switch that was losing contact internally, causing lack of power and that it required an updated mode switch.

To get it it, they had to remove the transmission valve body cover, the control valve and transmission control module.

The work order said they replaced a lever, pin, and 5 litres of Dexron V1(don't know why they had to do that though).
 
#11 ·
merlin said:
after 2 days in the shop, finally got the Traverse back.

Work order said that codes P0700 and P182E came up. They pinpointed it to an internal mode switch that was losing contact internally, causing lack of power and that it required an updated mode switch.

To get it it, they had to remove the transmission valve body cover, the control valve and transmission control module.

The work order said they replaced a lever, pin, and 5 litres of Dexron V1(don't know why they had to do that though).
If they had to remove the Trans, then more than likely, they had to take out the Torque converter as well, and that would easilly hold 5 litres of Trans Fluid.
 
#12 ·
A belated thanks - long/short - they cleaned replaced stuff in the hubs as noted above. The tech was thankful for the printout I provided (this thread) and that seems to be what he needed. Sad it took so long, happy it happened under warranty!

Cheers,
PittCaleb
 
#13 ·
PittCaleb said:
A belated thanks - long/short - they cleaned replaced stuff in the hubs as noted above. The tech was thankful for the printout I provided (this thread) and that seems to be what he needed. Sad it took so long, happy it happened under warranty!

Cheers,
PittCaleb
wooo-hooo== thanks for that update.
Happy my little post helped- I copied and saved those pics and put them toghether in one image- I figured it would come up eventually...sure enough it did.
 
#15 ·
Im happy to see a conversation on this issue as I am also experiencing this with my 2011 Traverse. Since May of 2012, my car will lose power and give me both the traction control and stabilitrak errors. This is quite a terrible experience as Im driving with children in my car and do not have the ability to accelerate normally. If I pull over for about 5-10 minutes I can usually restart and get home without a problem. However with that said, the dealer to date has not been able to fix the issue. Sensors have been replaced, transmission taken out and worked on, today they say it is a throttle body issue?? Help! What finally will solve this problem if you have experienced this with your Traverse. Thank you!! :banghead:
 
#16 ·
Sorry to hear about this issue and any frustration is certainly understandable. Please keep us updated on the repair status. If you would like a case with GM, please PM with information including: your VIN#, name, situation, contact information, name of dealership doing repairs, and current mileage. I hope this is resolved rapidly for everyone. Thank you.

Matt,

GM Customer Assistance (Assisting Michelle)
 
#17 ·
I guess it is my turn. My wife and kids are just cruising along when these warnings chime and the car goes into safe mode nearly getting them creamed on the interstate. Thanks Chevy! That was fun. ;D

Only problem for me is that the MIL is not illuminating so when it goes to my chevy dealer they can't help me because there are no codes. I have cleaned the wheel speed sensors to no avail per the above post.

So now what? No codes means just drive it till you get a code. Oh, but make sure no one gets killed on the freeway! I don't want to just start throwing parts at it needlessly either. This car is 15 months old and just out of the Certified 12 month b2b warranty also. VERY frustrating!
 
#18 ·
JLG said:
Im happy to see a conversation on this issue as I am also experiencing this with my 2011 Traverse. Since May of 2012, my car will lose power and give me both the traction control and stabilitrak errors. This is quite a terrible experience as Im driving with children in my car and do not have the ability to accelerate normally. If I pull over for about 5-10 minutes I can usually restart and get home without a problem. However with that said, the dealer to date has not been able to fix the issue. Sensors have been replaced, transmission taken out and worked on, today they say it is a throttle body issue?? Help! What finally will solve this problem if you have experienced this with your Traverse. Thank you!! :banghead:
This sounds like an impending computer/ECU failure. The moment you reboot it, its fine. So strongly suggest you push to have the ECU that controls these stability abs etc systems replaced. One key here is to emphasis the safety to you and your family that is being imperiled by the failure to [properly identify the cause.
 
#19 ·
jmer said:
I guess it is my turn. My wife and kids are just cruising along when these warnings chime and the car goes into safe mode nearly getting them creamed on the interstate. Thanks Chevy! That was fun. ;D

Only problem for me is that the MIL is not illuminating so when it goes to my chevy dealer they can't help me because there are no codes. I have cleaned the wheel speed sensors to no avail per the above post.

So now what? No codes means just drive it till you get a code. Oh, but make sure no one gets killed on the freeway! I don't want to just start throwing parts at it needlessly either. This car is 15 months old and just out of the Certified 12 month b2b warranty also. VERY frustrating!
I’m sorry to read about the experience your wife and family have had with the Traverse. I would like to look into this to see if there are any avenues available for me to help you with this. I’ll send you a private message requesting the information I’ll need to get going on this.

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service
 
#20 ·
So I misunderstood my dealer. The codes were there but most over the counter code readers won't read them if the MIL is not on. I got the codes with my reader and found that the problem is in the TAC. I cleaned the wheel speed sensors and throttle body and have not had the issue reoccur in about a hundred miles.

Chevrolet has contacted me to try to help, thank you Michelle. I will post again if it recurs or if we make it 500 miles with no recurrence. :thumb:
 
#21 ·
jmer said:
So I misunderstood my dealer. The codes were there but most over the counter code readers won't read them if the MIL is not on. I got the codes with my reader and found that the problem is in the TAC. I cleaned the wheel speed sensors and throttle body and have not had the issue reoccur in about a hundred miles.

Chevrolet has contacted me to try to help, thank you Michelle. I will post again if it recurs or if we make it 500 miles with no recurrence. :thumb:
Thank you for getting back with me about the situation with your Traverse. I’m happy you have gotten this taken care of. I’m more than happy to read any other updates you would like to share.

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service
 
#22 ·
We are also happy to hear that someone else having this problem. We've been dealing with this for a couple weeks on and off. Typically can get about 60 miles on (after leaving it sit overnight) before the warning comes up, and the power gets reduced. Although, sometimes its just 20 miles. The little engine symbol has only came on once, then disappeared the next time the vehicle was started. Hopefully the code didn't disappear.
The wife is taking it in to Chevy dealer in 2 days, we'll see what they have to say. Hope its just the dirty wheel sensors. As we live in central wisconsin, i'm sure they are full of crud, especially this time of year.
2011 Traverse, bought used in May 2012. Just got to 50,000 miles We'll keep ya posted on this problem

Love the forum!! Used it first 2 months ago, when i had to figure out how to change a headlight bulb.
 
#23 ·
sledders said:
We are also happy to hear that someone else having this problem. We've been dealing with this for a couple weeks on and off. Typically can get about 60 miles on (after leaving it sit overnight) before the warning comes up, and the power gets reduced. Although, sometimes its just 20 miles. The little engine symbol has only came on once, then disappeared the next time the vehicle was started. Hopefully the code didn't disappear.
The wife is taking it in to Chevy dealer in 2 days, we'll see what they have to say. Hope its just the dirty wheel sensors. As we live in central wisconsin, i'm sure they are full of crud, especially this time of year.
2011 Traverse, bought used in May 2012. Just got to 50,000 miles We'll keep ya posted on this problem

Love the forum!! Used it first 2 months ago, when i had to figure out how to change a headlight bulb.
sledders,

Please keep us posted of the results of your dealer visit. If you have additional questions, please feel free to PM me.

Louis (assisting Michelle)
Chevrolet Customer Service
 
#24 ·
Purchased a 2011 traverse AWD in Phoenix in January. It had just over 34,000 miles so I bought the 5 yr 75,000 mile warranty. I have been experiencing the same problem reported by others with the traction control shutting off and the stabilitrak and traction control service lights coming on and with the cruise not working even though it's turned on.

A friend driving behind me when I first experienced the problem asked if I was driving with both feet as my brake lights were also coming on when accelerating. Brought the vehicle to the dealership and when I picked it up I was told it was corrected. 2 days later the problem recurred. Made an appointment and brought it back -the error messages were gone by now-and after having the vehicle for a day they said they were unable to find a problem. Suggested that if the problem returned I should come in while the message was there as neither the bcm nor the PCM had recorded any error. I also received an onstar diagnostic report that day saying that everything was fine.

The next day the error message came on again while I was out of town but disappeared before I got home. Same thing the next day. This morning the problem returned and I was near the dealer so I brought it in and left it running. They hooked it to the diagnostics while the error message was on and could not identify a problem.

An hour later they called and said they were on the phone with GM who wanted to know if I drive with 2 feet since dragging on the brake pedal can cause this problem. Told them that I don't but advised about the issue of the brake lights coming on while I was accelerating. So the vehicle was at the dealership all day and is there overnight and they have not been able to diagnose the problem.

With my 2007 Pontiac G6 convertible I had a similar problem that required 10 visits to various dealers to identify a faulty micr switch that was sending a faulty "top not secure" message whenever I went around a turn. It seems that these electronics problems are, quite often, beyond the ability of the dealership to properly diagnose. What concerns me this time is that the error message was on when the dealer took the vehicle and even with GM's assistance they're unable to identify or correct the issue.
 
#25 ·
Reply to 11traverse,
That is an interesting comment that the error occurred when rounding a turn as my problems also began when turning. Not once has GM ever mentioned a computer problem. My problem is that they have done so much to my car with no success that I dont want to return to any dealer to here yet another guess on what they think is wrong. They have no clue how to fix this and this issue has been going on across the board for so many makes and models of GM cars that it is shameful they have not done a recall. :banghead: