Service Stability Track and Traction Control 2008 Tahoe

[miamidolphins561]

Any advice one can give on the below issue is greatly appreciated:

About a year ago, my 2008 Tahoe began sending "Stability Track Off, Traction Control Off, Service Stability Track, Service Traction Control". The ABS light and another light pop up on the dash. This was happening off and on for the past 10-12 months.
Now, there are more serious problems. In order to put the transmission into gear (reverse or drive), I have to press the brake as hard as I am able into the floorboard. Then after putting her into gear the stability and traction error comes on immediately.
Today, I was stopped on my way out the driveway because all of my brake lights are out. They flash for a moment when the brake is tapped, then no longer light up. I ordered a new brake light switch which should solve this problem, but I am lost on the Stability and Traction issue. I have not found one solution yet on the internet.
My previous truck, an 01 Tahoe had ABS electrical issues as well. I paid $900 at the dealership and the problem came back 2 years later. So needless to say, I am jaded on going that route again.

Please send any and all advice, I need to find a solution ASAP. This is beginning to get dangerous on the road! Many Thanks.

 

[Naks]

When the wheel speed sensor in the vehicle's hubs fail, it will set off the abs/traction control light on your dash. If a speed sensor is the cause of your problem, then you'll most likely be replacing a hub(s). Working in a GM dealership I see this much too often. These tahoes / avalanches are notorious for hubs letting go (I replaced both of mine in my 07 hoe).

As for your braking problem.. This is just a shot in the dark but also quite plausible; Since you've had this problem, have you tried using auto start (if equipped) or setting cruise control? There is a sensor behind the brake pedal which senses when you press the brake, and this switch is also known to fail quite frequently. intermittently working autostart / cruise control is a good sign that the sensor needs to be replaced.

This sensor is quite cheap (under 30$) and is really easy to install. You can do it in your driveway in just a few mins.

 

[miamidolphins561]

Naks,

Thank you for your reply. You seem to understand the problem quite well; however, I am not well versed in mechanics. How would I go about replacing the "hub" or speed sensors?
I have ordered a new "brake light switch", is this the correct $30 sensor you are speaking of that can be replaced behind the pedal?
I have definitely been unable to set cruise control for some time and it is very rare for the auto start to work.
If you have a moment, will you please send me a link to where I may view and purchase the "hubs" and correct sensor?

Many Thanks!

 

[TheSuspensionSource]

When the wheel speed sensor in the vehicle's hubs fail, it will set off the abs/traction control light on your dash. If a speed sensor is the cause of your problem, then you'll most likely be replacing a hub(s). Working in a GM dealership I see this much too often. These tahoes / avalanches are notorious for hubs letting go (I replaced both of mine in my 07 hoe).

As for your braking problem.. This is just a shot in the dark but also quite plausible; Since you've had this problem, have you tried using auto start (if equipped) or setting cruise control? There is a sensor behind the brake pedal which senses when you press the brake, and this switch is also known to fail quite frequently. intermittently working autostart / cruise control is a good sign that the sensor needs to be replaced.

This sensor is quite cheap (under 30$) and is really easy to install. You can do it in your driveway in just a few mins.

This was a problem on my truck with just 100 miles on it. Mine was covered under warranty. They had to replace all the sensors and harness.

 

[Naks]

Naks,

Thank you for your reply. You seem to understand the problem quite well; however, I am not well versed in mechanics. How would I go about replacing the "hub" or speed sensors?
I have ordered a new "brake light switch", is this the correct $30 sensor you are speaking of that can be replaced behind the pedal?
I have definitely been unable to set cruise control for some time and it is very rare for the auto start to work.
If you have a moment, will you please send me a link to where I may view and purchase the "hubs" and correct sensor?

Many Thanks!

Thats right, that 30$ brake sensor is right behind the pedal and is held in by a clip, real easy to do yourself.

The speed sensor is attached to your hub, and for some reason just replacing the sensor is more expensive then getting the entire hub changed (as far as getting it replaced at a GM dealership)… not to mention that 50% of the time the sensor snaps inside the hub when trying to remove it lol.

You're gonna have to figure out first if thats in fact your problem though. If your not mechanically inclined, I would just recommend bringing your truck to the dealership and get them to replace whichever one is broken.. They are way easier to replace when you have a hoist and air tools.

I'd also just get the OEM hub from them (I did for both my fronts). They are far better quality and last wayyy longer then the aftermarket ones that I've seen. Plus, they come with a 1yr or so warranty which is nice incase the sensor prematurely fails, which they do from time to time. If spending money at the dealer isn't an option for you then just take a look on google, there may be some how-to's on it.

 

[ALVTAHOE]

My 2008 Tahoe was doing this and the brake fluid resievor was really low and it would cause the traction control light to come on, so I filled it back up and no problems. Also after I changed the rear shocks I had a problem with the abs & traction control light coming on and it ended up being a bad connection on a plug on the frame rail above the rear axel.