GMC Sierra Owners Manual
StabiliTrak® SystemDriving and Operating / Ride Control Systems / StabiliTrak® System
The vehicle has a vehicle stability enhancement system called StabiliTrak. It is an advanced computer-controlled system that assists the driver with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
StabiliTrak activates when the computer senses a discrepancy between the intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak selectively applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle's brakes to assist the driver with keeping the vehicle on the intended path.
StabiliTrak is on automatically whenever the vehicle is started. To assist with directional control of the vehicle, the system should always be left on. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is also on automatically when the vehicle is started. See Trailer Sway Control (TSC) on page 9‑112 for more information.
When the vehicle is started and begins to move, the system performs several diagnostic checks to insure there are no problems.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with the vehicle. The system should initialize before the vehicle reaches 32 km/h (20 mph).
In some cases, it may take approximately 3.2 km (2 mi) of driving before the system initializes.
If cruise control is being used when StabiliTrak activates, the cruise control automatically disengages.
The cruise control can be re-engaged when road conditions allow. See Cruise Control on page 9‑63.
If the system fails to turn on or activate, the StabiliTrak light along with a message will be displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
If a DIC message appears, make sure the StabiliTrak system has not been turned off using the Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak button. Then turn the vehicle off, wait 15 seconds, and then turn it back on again to reset the system.
If any of the messages still appear on the DIC, the vehicle should be taken in for service. For more information on the DIC messages, see Ride Control System Messages on page 5‑47.
The StabiliTrak light will flash on the instrument panel cluster when the system or the TSC feature is both on and activated.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working; this is normal.
The TCS/StabiliTrak button is located on the instrument panel.
The traction control part of StabiliTrak can be turned off by pressing and releasing the TCS/ StabiliTrak button if both systems (traction control and StabiliTrak) were previously on.
To disable both TCS and StabiliTrak, press and hold the TCS/StabiliTrak button until the StabiliTrak OFF light illuminates and the appropriate DIC message displays. This will also disable the TSC feature.
Traction control and StabiliTrak can be turned on by pressing and releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak button if they are not automatically shut off for any other reason. This will also enable the TSC feature.
When the TCS or StabiliTrak system is turned off, the StabiliTrak light and the appropriate message will be displayed on the DIC to warn the driver. The vehicle will still have brake-traction control when traction control is off, but will not be able to use the engine speed management system. See “Traction Control Operation” next for more information.
When the TCS has been turned off, system noises may still be heard as a result of the brake-traction control coming on.
It is recommended to leave the system on for normal driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow, and you want to “rock” the vehicle to attempt to free it. It may also be necessary to turn off the system when driving in extreme off-road conditions where high wheel spin is required. See If the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9‑16.
When the transfer case is in 4LO, the stability system is automatically disabled, the StabiliTrak light comes on, and the appropriate message will appear on the DIC. Both traction control and StabiliTrak are automatically disabled in this condition.
Traction Control Operation
The TCS is part of the StabiliTrak system. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing engine power to the wheels (engine speed management) and by applying brakes to each individual wheel (brake-traction control) as necessary.
The TCS is enabled automatically when the vehicle is started. It will activate and the StabiliTrak light will flash if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction while driving. If traction control is turned off, only the brake-traction control portion of traction control will work. The engine speed management will be disabled. In this mode, engine power is not reduced automatically and the driven wheels can spin more freely. This can cause the brake-traction control to activate constantly.
Notice: If the wheel(s) of one axle is allowed to spin excessively while the StabiliTrak®, ABS, brake warning lights, and any relevant DIC messages are displayed, the transfer case could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Reduce engine power and do not spin the wheel(s) excessively while these lights and messages are displayed.
The TCS may activate on dry or rough roads or under conditions such as heavy acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the transmission. When this happens, a reduction in acceleration may be noticed, or a noise or vibration may be heard. This is normal.
If cruise control is being used when the system activates, the StabiliTrak light will flash and cruise control will automatically disengage. Cruise control may be reengaged when road conditions allow. See Cruise Control on page 9‑63.
StabiliTrak may also turn off automatically if it determines that a problem exists with the system.
If the problem does not clear itself after restarting the vehicle, see your dealer for service.
Non-hybrid vehicles with StabiliTrak have a Trailer Sway Control (TSC) feature. See Trailer Sway Control (TSC) on page 9‑112.
Non-hybrid vehicles with StabiliTrak have a Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature. See Hill Start Assist (HSA) on page 9‑59.
Adding non-dealer accessories can affect the vehicle's performance.
See Accessories and Modifications on page 10‑3.
