The Chevy Malibu boasts several safety features working in the background to improve safety and performance. One of these features is the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system. Like many features in your Malibu, the ESC system can malfunction and trigger the service ESC notification.
If you’re unfamiliar with the ESC system, this alert may leave you worried and distracted. So, what does the service ESC Chevy Malibu notification imply, and what can you do about it?
Herein, I discuss the Chevy Malibu ESC service, its causes, and effective fixes. You’ll also learn what the ESC system does and how it impacts your car.
What is Service ESC Chevy Malibu?
Before looking into what Chevy Malibu ESC service means, it’s good to understand the ESC system.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is an automatic system that helps drivers maintain control of their Chevy Malibu in hard steering maneuvers. It prevents loss of control in emergency steering maneuvers or curves by stabilizing the vehicle when it veers off the road.
This system works with the Brake Assist, Traction Control, Differential Brake Control, and Tire Pressure Monitoring systems to prevent skidding or the driver from losing control of the car. It utilizes several sensors to monitor steering input, vehicle speed, tire pressure, and yaw.
The ESC system determines when the brakes should be applied to slow the car down. It applies brakes on the affected wheels after detecting the tire slipping on the road.
Now that you understand what the ESC system means, let’s see what the service ESC implies.
Generally, your Chevy Malibu will display the service ESC notification to indicate an issue with the system. This may happen when the ESC struggles to gain or maintain traction due to a defect within the system.
A malfunctioning ESC system is the leading cause of this notification. However, the alert may occur if you manually turn off the system. Sometimes, the service ESC alert may flash for a few seconds and turn off. You don’t need to worry about a faulty electronic stability control system when this happens.
Why is the ESC System Important?
A functional ESC is an accident-preventive and life-saving feature working in the background. The system offers several benefits, such as:
- It helps drivers retain the vehicle’s general driving control.
- It works with various safety features like anti-lock braking system and airbags to ensure road safety.
- It counteracts car skidding when driving in slippery conditions.
- It levels the driving safety, agility, and comfort.
- It offers corrective support in urgent driving situations.
- In the case of an accident, the ESC system can prevent your Malibu from rolling over.
Causes of Chevy Malibu ESC Service
The most common causes of the service ESC Malibu notification are:
Deactivated ESC System
Before looking for defects in the system, it’s important to check for a deactivated ESC system. If you manually turn off the system, you’ll see the service ESC alert on the dash.
The ESC system is a selectable option that allows drivers to turn the system on and off. This choice is available for drivers who want to drift with their cars. Drifting is not a safe driving technique, particularly at high speeds.
Always keep the ESC activated if you don’t want to drift with your Malibu. Turning on the system will help retain the vehicle’s control in normal driving conditions.
Faulty Wheel Speed Sensors
A malfunctioning wheel speed sensor can trigger the ESC alert. These sensors read the speed of each wheel’s rotation and send this info to the ECU. The ECU calculates how fast your Malibu moves and communicates with the ESC system.
If the wheel speed sensor is defective, it may trigger issues with the stability control, brake assist, and traction control systems. Eventually, you’ll see the service ESC warning light on the dash.
Your Chevy Malibu features a wheel speed sensor on each wheel. Over time, these sensors can malfunction due to wear and tear, dirt, damage, or exposure to extreme conditions.
Defective Steering Angle Sensor
The steering angle sensor could also be to blame if the Chevy Malibu ESC service alert appears on the dash. This sensor and the wheel speed sensors work together to ensure your car wheels turn at the right speed and in the right direction.
When turning or cornering, the outside wheel will rotate quicker than the inside. It’s the role of the steering angle sensor to inform the PCM what’s happening. If this sensor is defective, it may send incorrect info to the PCM.
The PCM may think that one wheel is losing traction. As a result, the onboard computer will trigger the service ESC Chevy Malibu warning light on the dash.
The steering angle sensor can malfunction due to a broken sensor, faulty wiring, or dirt.
Bad Wheel Bearing
A bad wheel bearing may also cause the service ESC warning light to turn on. Each wheel has this bearing sitting between the wheel’s hub and its axle. It allows the wheel and the axle to rotate while driving.
Over time, wheel bearings can wear out or break down and compromise wheel rotation. A defective wheel may also affect the proper functioning of the anti-lock braking and traction control systems. When this happens, the electronic stability control system will malfunction and trigger the service ESC alert.
Electrical Issues
The Chevy Malibu ESC service light can appear due to various electrical problems. Loose wiring, damage wiring, bad connections, and blown fuses may trigger this problem. The wiring between the sensors and PCM may be damaged, leading to communication problems.
How to Fix Service ESC Chevy Malibu
Below are various ways to resolve the service ESC on Chevy Malibu.
Activate the ESC System
Check the ESC system button to see if it’s on or off. If the system is off, press the button to turn it on.
Clean or Replace Wheel Speed Sensors
A faulty wheel speed sensor and the service ESC alert will trigger a warning light. Locate each sensor on the wheels and inspect them for dirt. Use a rag and soapy water to clean the sensors.
If the sensors appear worn or broken, you’ll need to replace them. After changing the defective sensors, drive a few miles to clear the warning light.
Adjust the Steering Angle
Check if the steering angle is offset and adjust it accordingly. You can know if you have an offset steering angle if the tires are not straight after positioning your steering wheel in the center.
Clean or Replace the Steering Angle Sensor
If the service ESC light persists after adjusting the steering angle, the steering angle sensor might be faulty.
Locate the sensor behind your Malibu’s steering system and check if it appears dirty. Use some cotton swabs and an electronic cleaner to clean the sensor. Replace the sensor if it looks broken or worn.
Check the Wiring, Connections, and Fuses
The wiring between the PCM and sensors could be broken, frayed, or worn. Check these wires and replace them if necessary. Then, inspect the connectors and tighten them if they appear loose. Clean the connection points if they look dirty or corroded.
Next, check the relevant fuses to see if they’re in good condition. Use your car’s owner’s manual to locate the fuses in the fuse box. If you find any blown fuses, replace them.
If none of these fixes work, take your Chevy Malibu to a professional mechanic. A mechanic will handle any severe issues causing the service ESC light.
Wrapping Up
The ESC system in Chevy Malibu is an innovative safety feature that helps prevent loss of control in emergency maneuvers. It’s an accident-preventive and life-saving feature you can rely on while driving. Unfortunately, this system can malfunction and trigger the service ESC warning light.
In most cases, the service ESC Chevy Malibu occurs due to a deactivated system, sensor problems, bad wheel bearing, or electrical issues. Address the root problem when your Malibu displays this alert to enjoy a safe driving experience.
