My Service Stabilitrak light just came on in my 2015 Chev...

Hi! Welcome to JustAnswer. Thank you for contacting us for assistance with your vehicle. I'm Ron. I will be happy to assist you with your question. May I ask to whom I have the pleasure of speaking with today?

Meghan Little

Hi Meghan. Nice to see you today! I'm sorry to hear you are having this problem. I know this can be frustrating. Please give me one moment to type out some information for you. Sit tight one minute... I'll be right back!

Okay thank you!

Thanks for holding, Meghan. When the Check Engine light comes on, the Stabilitrak light (car with squiggly lines) is also set, which turns this system off. This is a self-preservation mechanism, in case the reason the Check Engine Light is on can harm or effect the Stabilitrak system. So- fix the reason why the Engine Light is on, and the Stabilitrak system will come back online. When the Check Engine light comes on, this is the on-board computer's way of telling you it sees a problem in one of the monitored systems. Unfortunately, there are literally 100's of parts and sensors monitored in various systems, and to take a "guess" as to which part/sensor in which system is faulty, is virtually impossible. However, if you are not experiencing any drivability issues such as skipping, stalling, shifting problems, etc, then more than likely, the problem is going to lie in the EVAP (emissions control/recovery) system. Very commonly, this could be a faulty, loose or missing fuel cap or even putting fuel in while the vehicle is running can set the light. Check the underside of the fuel cap for any cracks or signs of defects that may keep the cap from sealing correctly. If there are any doubts about the inspection of the cap, replace it. Keep in mind, you will need a cap that meets OE Specs. Those "universal" or "locking" fuel caps sold at after market parts stores do not meet OE specs, and will not seal the system correctly. Check the top of the fuel filler neck for any signs of damage or debris. Check under the vehicle, around the rear areas of the vehicle, looking for any vacuum lines that have dry-rot cracks, holes or loose/missing connections. If these all check out, then the best thing to do at this point is to have the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (aka "p-codes") read from the on-board computer. These p-codes are what is used as a "starting point" for the diagnosis and will tell which part/sensor, in which system, has the fault. Every single Mechanic's first course of action will be to obtain the p-codes. It's standard diagnostic procedure. Once you get these p-codes you can more accurately and efficiently diagnose the problem and then make the correct repair. You can have these p-codes read **<u>FREE</u>** (except in California) at any local "big chain" part store (ie. AutoZone, O'Reilly's, Advanced, etc).

Autozone or O’Reilly’s will do it for free if I wasn’t in California?

That's correct. Unfortunately. CA is the only State that does not. Sorry Meghan!

That sucks! Do you know by chance how much they would charge if I went to them to check this out?

The rate varies from shop to shop. The average is around $50-$75. Most shops will use that few towards the repair... if you let them fix it.

Wow! OkayWow okay!my best bet is to go to a mechanic and have them check the p-codes to see what is causing these service lights to come on?

That would be the first step. Meghan, yes. No way to know what the problem is without those p-codes.

Okay. It's never great timing when this happens. Is the vehicle safe to drive in the mean time? If I'm not able to make it to a mechanic today?Or should I not drive it at all?

In the meantime... As long as there are no obvious engine performance issues (like skipping or chugging) or shifting issues, then it is perfectly safe to drive the vehicle. You should however, have the codes retrieved at least to verify. If the problem does lie in the EVAP system, it is strictly for emissions control/recovery and will in no way effect engine performance in any way. If the problem lies outside the EVAP system, it may be a good idea to have it serviced as soon as possible, as prolonged driving with a problem with the engine or transmission can make matters worse.

What does skipping or chugging mean?

You would notice the engine has a noticeable "chug" - lack of power. Very noticeable if it were there.

Oh okayskipping is the same thing?

Correct.

Okay

Any other questions on this issue, Meghan?

to just to make sure I'm understanding everything, the check engine light is the main issue and the service Stabilitrak light came on as a result of the check engine light coming on?

That's correct.

I'll take the car to a mechanic on my lunch to see if they have time to check my p-codesThank you so much for your help!

You're welcome, Meghan! Glad I could be of some help today! I hope everything works out well for you! If there are any additional questions on this issue that should arise, please feel free to reply and ask! Have a great day! Thank you for choosing Just Answer for your questions!

Thank you again!