StabiliTrak (traction controls) is an essential safety feature in your vehicle that tries to prevent wheel loss when driving on slippery surfaces like rain, ice, or any other condition that might make the wheels spin out of control.
However, in certain situations, you need control of the wheel; such as being stuck in mud or snow. In such cases, disabling Stabilitrak will give your engine more horsepower to return to stable ground more quickly.
By the end of this write-up, you’ll know everything needed about Stabilitrak, why drivers want to turn this feature off, and, of course, how you can make it happen. So, keep reading if you don’t want to miss out on any of this information.
What Does Stabilitrak Mean?
StabiliTrak is general motors’ electronic stability control (ESC) system. Stabilitrak operates by stopping wheels from slipping and adjusting the vehicle path accordingly.
Service Stabilitrak Chevy
When activated, Chevrolet’s Stabilitrak technology detects any discrepancies in wheel location or steering response that would require Stabilitrak activation.
This system responds to oversteer and understeer situations, providing excellent safety for drivers with limited experience driving on slippery surfaces such as snow or ice.
Chevy’s Stabilitrak system can detect when a driver requires assistance and then apply brakes or adjust power for a smoother ride.
Note: If your Break Pedal is stiff and the car won’t start, you can find the reasons here.
Service Stabilitrak GM
Stabilitrak from General Motors (GM) is pretty cool. It uses brakes to prevent wheel slippage and adjusts the car’s path. Stabilitrak can also identify when drivers have lost complete control by looking at information like steering angle or engine rpm levels.
Why Turn Off Stabilitrak Permanently?
If you are still confused about why you need to turn off Stabilitrak permanently on your vehicle, here are some reasons you can look into to make up your mind.
- For Added Control
Some experienced drivers require maximum control over their cars when off-roading or racing cars. This ensures maximum power over the car so they can stay ahead of the competition.
- Traction Control Limits
Stabilitrak often works hand in hand with traction control for optimal vehicle control. Especially in snow or muddy environments, enabling drivers to slow down the vehicle and prevent wheel spinning. However, some drivers prefer turning this feature off instead.
- Finding Car Issues
When looking for faults and other vehicle issues, turning off Stabilitrak may help locate problems related to wheel speed sensors or ABS components more quickly. For instance, if your clutch pedal sticks to the floor sometimes, disabling the Stabilitrak can help.
- To Avoid False Alarms
Sometimes, Stabilitrak turns on when not required, such as during bumpy roads. This can become annoying and interrupt your driving, especially when you have to surpass all the bumps on the road.
In such cases, disabling the Stabilitrak permanently can relieve the pressure, so you can continue your journey smoothly.
How to Turn off Stabilitrak In Various Vehicles?
One of the most striking questions you might wonder about as a vehicle owner is “How to turn off Stabilitrak permanently.” If this is your first time dealing with this problem and you are unsure how to perform this task, this step-by-step guide can help you disable the Stabilitrak without much difficulty.
Disabling the Stabilitrak on Ford
This process applies to vehicles manufactured by Ford or similar makes. However, its application depends on your car’s specific model. In these instances, you’ll need to locate and identify where Stabilitrak sensors can be found.
Finding the Traction button
Step # 1: Locate the Traction Control Button
Locate and release the traction button on your steering wheel.
Step # 2: Press and Release the Button
Once the button has been released, quickly press and hold it briefly; this action will turn off the traction control system.
Locating Stabilitrak Sensor (If Needed)
On other models, it may be necessary to locate the Stabilitrak sensor:
Step # 1: Access the Car Menu
Navigate to your car menu and look under your instrument panel for the steering wheel and column controls.
Step #2: Find Black Arrow
Locate and press a symbol resembling a black arrow on the left side of your steering wheel.
Step #3: Adjust the Settings
Once you’ve finished making changes, scroll back down. Adjust the settings, and when you are done with it, click on Accept. You will get more options after this.
Step #4: Choose the “DRIVER ASSIST” Option
Select the “DRIVER ASSIST” from the new options menu and click OK. Finalize the process, and you’re all set.
Disabling the Stabilitrak on Volkswagen
If you drive a Volkswagen or similar car, here is how you can turn off the SrabiliTrak on it.
Step # 1: Activate Accessory Mode
Your vehicle should be placed into accessory mode; ensure the ignition remains on yet does not start the engine, then proceed through each light with caution, placing hands over warning lights as directed.
Step # 2: Deactive Antitheft System
If you don’t know which button it is, find and press the triangle one. The warning lights should illuminate, signaling you can proceed to step two of this journey.
Step # 3: Pedal Activation
Now, it is time to press the accelerator pedals. Start slowly by pushing one pedal at a time until pushing becomes easy. Repeat this step four times.
Step # 4: Press the Pedal
Pressing the accelerator pedal will cause the vehicle to start moving forward automatically. Then disengage and activate once more.
Note: While this process will likely result in some safety features being temporarily disabled, simply reactivate them afterward to enjoy your vehicle entirely.
Disabling the Stabilitrak on Toyota
Regarding ease of use, Toyota provides a more straightforward process by offering a VSC button solution.
To disable the Stabilitrak on your Toyota vehicle, all you have to do is press and hold the button for several seconds until the VSC and TRAC are both turned off. A message stating VSC Off will also appear alongside the TRAC Off message.
Conclusion – How To Turn Off Stabilitrak Permanently!
That’s a wrap for this guide on how to turn off stabilitrak permanently. In this guide, I’ve explained in detail what Stabilitrak is and why some drivers like turning off this feature.
The guide also provided you with some methods you can use to turn the Stabilitrak off on different vehicles. Hopefully, now you clearly understand how to turn off Stabilitrak, and you can make an informed decision on when to turn it off easily.
