One of the most common issues with the Buick Enclave, or any newer GM vehicle, is the “Service StabiliTrak” warning.
StabiliTrak is GM’s electronic stability control system. It does much more than a standard traction control system. It is one of the most innovative and vital safety features on your Buick Enclave and can keep you from crashing when skidding.
| Symptom | Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| “Service Stabilitrak” warning message appears | There may be an issue with the Stabilitrak system, such as a malfunctioning sensor, damaged wiring harness, or problem with the Stabilitrak control module |
| Traction control system engages at inappropriate times | This may indicate a problem with the Stabilitrak system, as the traction control system is closely tied to the Stabilitrak system |
| ABS warning light is on | The ABS system may be affected by a problem with the Stabilitrak system |
| Vehicle stability is compromised | If the Stabilitrak system is not functioning properly, the vehicle may not handle or respond as expected, which can affect stability and safety while driving |
| Reduced engine power | In some cases, the Stabilitrak system may reduce engine power to help maintain stability, so a malfunctioning system may result in reduced engine power |
The number one reason that the StabiliTrak system fails is a wheel speed sensor issue.
How The Stabilitrak System Works
Stabilitrak uses a complex system of sensors to detect whether or not your Buick Enclave is appropriately responding to your input in emergencies.
StabiliTrak: Main Components
- Wheel speed sensors– They measure how fast each particular wheel is turning. There’s one on each hub.
- Rotation rate sensor– Measures lateral speed and rotation around the vehicle’s centerline.
- Steering wheel position sensor– Measures how many degrees the steering wheel has been turned.
- Control Unit– Takes the data from the three sensors listed above and determines when to activate the StabiliTrak system. It can also tell the powertrain control module to cut engine power if needed.
- Hydraulic System– Can activate one brake at a time. Usually, it piggybacks off of the ABS.
How It Uses These Components
The StabiliTrak control unit uses data from its sensors to apply a specific brake or reduce the engine power to correct the slide and get your Enclave pointed back in the right direction.
For example, if your Enclave is sliding on ice, StabiliTrak can apply one of the rear brakes to help get you pointed in the right direction. Here’s a video from GM that shows precisely how the system works.
Service StabiliTrak Symptoms: Buick Enclave
Loss of StabiliTrak assistance is not going to be noticed during everyday driving. It only activates when it detects that your Enclave is not moving in the direction you steered or if it detects that a skid has been overcorrected. Most of the time, you’ll feel it when it engages.
- Service StabiliTrak Warning: Your Enclave’s “Service StabiliTrak” warning light is the number one indication that something is wrong.
- Cruise Control: If one of the wheel speed sensors is not working correctly, your Enclave may lose cruise control.
- Traction Control Not Working: Your Enclave’s traction control system primarily uses the same sensors to determine if a wheel has broken traction. Unlike StabiliTrak, which controls lateral issues (sliding), traction control keeps the wheels from unnecessary spinning. You may get a “service traction control” message and the “Service StabiliTrak” warning simultaneously.
Buick Enclave: Service StabiliTrak Light Causes
Many things can cause the StabiliTrak system to lose its ability to function, but the most common one is a wheel speed sensor. A good scanner should tell you which system has failed and is worth its weight in gold if you’re trying to fix your Enclave’s StabiliTrak system.
Wheel Speed Sensor
Wheel speed sensors are the number one reason that the StabiliTrak system fails.
If one of the wheel speed sensors is having issues, your Enclave will no longer be able to tell if all wheels are turning at the same speed. Without this data, the “Service StabiliTrak” warning will turn on.
Wheel speed sensors are exposed to road debris, mud, and salt. This can cause them to fail or their wiring harness to short out.
One telltale sign that the wiring harness to one of the front wheels is failing is the Service Stabilitrak warning when turning your Enclave to the left or right. This is because the harness moves a little while you turn, which can cause the wheel speed sensor to connect and disconnect intermittently.
Brake Pedal Switch
Your Enclave’s brake pedal switch does more than just control whether or not your brake lights are turned on. The ECU and StabiliTrak control units use this switch to know when you’re hitting the brakes. If the switch isn’t functioning correctly, these systems may be disabled.
The brake pedal switch is a common cause of Service Stabilitrak in the 2008-2014 Buick Enclave. Here’s a video that shows how to replace the switch:
Faulty Stability Control Module
The Stability Control Module is your Enclave’s computer that controls the StabiliTrak system. It may have failed or needs to be reset.
Wrong Tire Size
StabiliTrak may not work correctly if the tire size is not what GM calls for your model Enclave.
Many other less likely issues can cause the StabiliTrak system to stop working as well. It’s a good idea to test and see if you have any trouble codes. They may provide you with clues that’ll help you fix it.
How to Diagnose the Issue
When the “Service StabiliTrak” warning appears on the dashboard of a Buick Enclave, it is an indication that there is a problem with the StabiliTrak system. The following steps can be taken to diagnose the issue:
Reading Error Codes
The first step in diagnosing the issue is to read the error codes. This can be done using an OBD-II scanner. The scanner will provide a code that corresponds to the problem with the StabiliTrak system. These codes can be used to identify the specific issue and determine the appropriate course of action.
Physical Inspection
The next step in diagnosing the issue is to perform a physical inspection of the vehicle. This involves checking the StabiliTrak system components, including the sensors, wiring, and connectors. The physical inspection can help identify any visible issues that may be causing the problem.
If the issue cannot be identified through these steps, it may be necessary to take the vehicle to a professional mechanic for further diagnosis. It is important to address the issue promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
In summary, diagnosing the issue with the StabiliTrak system in a Buick Enclave involves reading error codes and performing a physical inspection. These steps can help identify the specific issue and determine the appropriate course of action. If the issue cannot be resolved through these steps, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance.
Steps to Fix Service Stabilitrak Warning
If you are experiencing a Service Stabilitrak warning on your Buick Enclave, there are a few steps you can take to fix the issue. Here are some possible solutions:
Resetting the System
Sometimes, the Stabilitrak system can be reset by turning off the ignition and restarting the vehicle. This can clear any temporary issues that may be causing the warning message to appear. If the warning message persists after restarting the vehicle, then there may be a deeper issue that needs to be addressed.
Replacing Faulty Components
One of the most common causes of a Service Stabilitrak warning is a faulty wheel speed sensor. If this is the case, then the sensor will need to be replaced. Other components that may need to be replaced include the ABS sensor, throttle sensor, or steering angle sensor. It is important to have these components replaced by a qualified mechanic to ensure that they are installed correctly.
Professional Service
If the issue is not resolved by resetting the system or replacing faulty components, then it may be time to seek professional service. A qualified mechanic can diagnose the issue and provide a solution. This may involve more extensive repairs or replacements, but it is important to address the issue to ensure the safety and performance of your vehicle.
In summary, if you are experiencing a Service Stabilitrak warning on your Buick Enclave, there are steps you can take to fix the issue. These may include resetting the system, replacing faulty components, or seeking professional service. It is important to address the issue promptly to ensure the safety and performance of your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Service StabiliTrak warning be reset on a Buick Enclave?
Yes, the Service StabiliTrak warning can be reset on a Buick Enclave. However, simply resetting the warning will not fix the underlying issue with the StabiliTrak system. It is important to have the system checked by a professional to ensure that it is working properly.
What causes the Service StabiliTrak warning to come on in a Buick Enclave?
The most common cause of the Service StabiliTrak warning on a Buick Enclave is a problem with one of the wheel speed sensors. Other possible causes include a malfunctioning steering angle sensor, a faulty yaw sensor, or a problem with the StabiliTrak control module.
Is it possible to fix the StabiliTrak system on a Buick Enclave?
Yes, it is possible to fix the StabiliTrak system on a Buick Enclave. However, the exact nature of the repair will depend on the specific problem with the system. It is important to have the system checked by a qualified mechanic or dealership to determine the cause of the problem and the best course of action for repairs.
How do I clear the StabiliTrak warning on my Buick Enclave?
To clear the StabiliTrak warning on your Buick Enclave, you will need to have the underlying issue with the system fixed. Once the problem has been resolved, the warning should clear on its own. If it does not, you may need to have it reset by a qualified mechanic or dealership.
How to Reset the StabiliTrak System
GM recommends that you power down the vehicle for 15 seconds to give the StabiliTrak system time to reboot. If it works after firing your Enclave back up, great! If not, it may be time to have it serviced.
Service Stabilitrak and The Check Engine Light
While the StabiliTrak system won’t cause any engine problems when it has issues, you may get the service engine soon light with the “Service StabiliTrak” warning. There could very well be codes stored that can tell you what part of the traction control system has failed.
This is good news. The stored codes should give you a solid place to start fixing “Service StabiliTrak” in your Buick Enclave. You’ll need a good code reader that can read codes stored in the body control module.
ABS + Service Stabilitrak
The ABS and StabiliTrak systems use the same wheel speed sensors. Fixing one will more often than not clear the other when you have the service Stabilitrak and ABS light on simultaneously.