Is Your Check Engine Light Flashing Service StabiliTrak Warning? 6 Key Reasons and How to Fix Them!

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check engine light flashing service stabilitrak

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Modern General Motors and Chevy have the StabiliTrak system for better traction control and to prevent skidding. You may have noticed the engine light flashing and the StabiliTrak message popping. But why does this happen?

The check engine light flashes, and the service StabiliTrak message pops due to the following problems.

  • Faulty wheel speed sensors
  • Bad spark plug
  • Bad fuel pump and dirty fuel filter
  • Damaged steering angle sensors
  • Faulty throttle body assembly
  • Bad ABS sensors
  • Bad MAF sensors

In this guide, I will give the leading causes for the check engine light flashing service StabiliTrak message to pop. I shall also provide possible fixes to the underlying issues and how to diagnose these exact problems.

check engine light flashing service stabilitrak

Check Engine Light Flashing Service Stabilitrak – (Quick Overview!)

Let’s briefly look at the causes for check engine light flashes and the service Stabilitrak being on.

Causes For CEL Flashing And Service StabilitrakPossible Solutions
Bad spark plugs1. Check the spark plugs and clean the sooty and clogged ones.
2. Ensure proper gapping of the spark plugs.
3. Replace with new OEM parts.
Bad fuel pump and dirty fuel filter1. Inspect the pump and repair or replace it accordingly.
2. Clean or replace the dirty, clogged filters.
Faulty ABS sensors1. Clean the dirty sensors.
2. Replace the damaged ABS sensors.
Faulty throttle body and throttle module1. Clean and replace worn-out parts and those damaged by dirt.
2. Replace the throttle control module.
Damaged mass air flow sensorsReplace the sensors and inspect the cables for any electrical malfunction.
Bad steering angle sensorsReplace the sensors

Check Engine Light Flashing Service Stabilitrak – (Detailed Explanation Of Causes And Fixes!)

When the check engine light keeps flashing, the service StabiliTrak message pops. This indicates there is an issue with the sensors, power transmission systems, or engine misfiring.

Below are the leading causes for the check engine light and service StabiliTrak message being on.

1. Bad Spark Plugs

When the spark plugs get corroded or damaged, they cause the engine to misfire and, in turn, experience inconsistent RPMs. With a bad spark plug, the engine cranks but won’t start and backfires. Also, the wheel sensors send incorrect signals to the ECU for action by the StabiliTrak.

Both the ECU and the service StabiliTrak detect the inconsistency in the wheel speed, causing the check engine light to flash. The service StabiliTrak message pops on the dashboard, too.

Solution

1. Inspect the spark plugs and clean the sooty and blocked plugs. You can use sandpaper to scrub the soot or smooth steel wool and soap-water solution.
2. For extended gapping, adjust the gaps for efficient sparkling using the gauge. Keep the spark plug gap between the standard 0.028 – 0.060 inches gapping.
3. If the spark plug is damaged beyond repair, consider replacing it with the recommended OEM spare.

2. Bad Fuel Pump And Dirty Fuel Filter

The fuel pump ensures a steady fuel supply for combustion to the engine, while the filters ensure no dirt gets into the carburetor.

When these fuel supply systems are faulty or clogged, the engine has no sufficient fuel supply, resulting in the machine producing reduced power.

Reduced power supplies on the wheels will affect the vehicle’s stability and traction, causing the service StabiliTrak message to come on. This also causes the check engine light to flash due to the detected problems.

Aside from this, a bad fuel pump can also cause the remote start not working and check engine light illumination.

Solution

1. Inspect the pump valves for blockage or damage to the fins. Replace the damaged parts of the pump and repair the slightly damaged ones.
2. Check for loose wiring connections, tighten them if found loose, and clean the fuel filters.

3. Defective Mass Air Flow Sensor

The mass air flow sensors detect and regulate the ratio of air to fuel that is injected into the combustion chamber to ensure a balance of the two key components.

When the MAF sensors are faulty, they send defective signals to the ECU, leading to inappropriate ignition timing. The check engine light flashes, and the service StabiliTrak message is displayed due to loss of stability and traction.

Solution

The mass air flow sensor may not be repaired since the sensors are a one-time use. You need to replace the sensors and check the wiring to ensure no electrical short-circuiting.

4. Faulty Throttle Body And Throttle Control Module

The throttle body regulates the amount of air that enters the combustion chamber, which the throttle control module detects. Depending on the pressure at the fuel pedal, it regulates the air supply for efficient combustion.

A defect in the throttle system causes inconsistent power supply, and the wheel speed sensors send wrong signals. This causes the service StabiliTrak message to pop and the check engine light to flash.

Solution

1. Clean the throttle body by removing it from the engine using screws. You can also replace the throttle body if worn out or damaged.
2. Replace the control module if damaged or clean the clogged and dirty parts.

5. Faulty ABS sensors

The anti-lock braking system prevents wheels from locking during rapid braking. A faulty ABS sensor causes the wheels to lock and skid or lose stability.

These actions cause the service StabiliTrak message to pop and the check engine light to flash, indicating lost stability.

Solution

Clean the blocked ABS sensors with water and a soft brush for improved sensory. Also, replace it if damaged to ensure correct signals are sent to the ECU.

6. Damaged Steering Angle Sensors

The steering angle sensors are vital to the vehicle’s stability. They detect the direction and movement of the steering wheel and the tires.

When they get damaged, they send the wrong information to the ECU, causing the check engine light to flash and the service StabiliTrak message to pop. This is common when driving on wet and slippery roads.

Solution

Clean the clogged and blocked steering angle sensors and replace the damaged ones. Also, check the wiring connections for the steering angle sensors and replace the damaged steering angle sensors.

How To Reset Service Stabilitrak Message?

After fixing the ailing problem, reset the service StabiliTrak for proper functioning. Follow the steps below to reset it.

Step 1

Locate the diagnostic port under the dashboard.

Step 2

Insert one end of a scanner, such as the FOXWELL full system scanner.

Step 3

Switch the car on and leave it at ignition to power the scanner.

Step 4

Input the vehicle’s specifications, such as model and year of make.

Step 5

Select the control units option and click okay on the displayed module.

Step 6

Read the codes displayed and ensure they are all fixed.

Step 7

Clear all the error codes by clicking the reset button.

How do you diagnose specific problems causing the CEL to flash and service StabiliTrak to be on?

You need to diagnose the issue before embarking on the repair or replacement. Consider using an OBDII scanner to read the error code for an accurate and precise diagnosis. Read the codes displayed against a manual guideline and then address that specific problem.

To diagnose using an OBDII scanner, follow the steps below.

Step 1

Locate the link for data collection found on the driver’s side.

Step 2

Connect the OBDII scanner to the data link collector.

Step 3

Turn the ignition to the ‘on’ position.

Step 4

Scroll the scanner screen to diagnose the specific error codes.

Step 5

Input the vehicle’s specifications, such as the model and year of make.

Step 6

Scan the vehicle and read the codes on the screen.

Step 7

Use a manual or online code table to get the meaning of the displayed codes.

Final Words

When your vehicle loses traction and stability due to bad weather or a faulty condition, the service StabiliTrak message pops, and the check engine flashes. The most common causes are faulty sensors and engine misfires due to power loss.

You must diagnose the problem before repairing any parts to avoid causing further damage. Consult a professional mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair if necessary. Reset the service StabiliTrak after the repair and ensure frequent service maintenance of your car.

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