Chevrolet-specific code — factory diagnostic data| DTC Data Sheet | |
| Code | C0561 |
| Vehicle | Chevrolet Tahoe / Suburban (2007-2020) |
| Engine | All |
| System | STABILITY CONTROL |
| Fault type | Circuit |
| Official meaning | System Disabled Information Stored |
Definition source: Chevrolet factory description. Diagnostic guidance is based on factory-defined fault logic for this code.
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C0561 Quick Answer
C0561 on a Tahoe is an informational code — the EBCM disabled StabiliTrak / Traction Control because of another stored fault, not because of an issue with the StabiliTrak system itself. Always paired with a partner code (wheel speed sensor, steering angle, brake light switch, or low battery voltage). Diagnose the partner code first; C0561 clears once the underlying issue is fixed.
What Does C0561 Mean on a Chevy Tahoe?
The Chevrolet Tahoe (2007-2020) shares the GMT900 / K2XX SUV platform with the Suburban — and the engine families with the Silverado 1500 pickup. C0561 root causes mirror the truck-line behavior on the same engines. The model-specific failure patterns documented below apply to both the Tahoe and Suburban variants.
Symptoms
- “Service StabiliTrak” or “Service Traction Control” message
- Traction Control / StabiliTrak warning light
- StabiliTrak disabled until fault clears
- C0561 stored alongside one or more other codes
- Base brakes still work normally
Common Causes (Most Likely on This Model First)
- Wheel speed sensor codes (C0035, C0040, C0045, C0050). Most common Tahoe C0561 partner. Any wheel speed sensor fault disables StabiliTrak.
- Steering angle sensor (C0455, C0710). Often appears after alignment or suspension work without an SAS relearn.
- Yaw rate / accelerometer fault (C0186). The internal accelerometer in the BCM or standalone module on later trucks.
- Brake light switch failure. StabiliTrak needs to see brake-pedal application. Check that brake lights work.
- Low battery voltage (B1325 partner). StabiliTrak self-disables below threshold. Charging system inspection.
Diagnostic Approach
- Pull all EBCM codes — C0561 is informational. Find the partner code.
- Diagnose the partner code using its specific procedure.
- After repair, clear C0561 with a scan tool or let it auto-clear over a few cycles.
- If steering angle was the partner, perform SAS relearn (straight steering, ignition on).
- Test StabiliTrak on a wet surface to confirm the system intervenes again.
Possible Fixes
| Fix | When |
|---|---|
| Diagnose and repair partner code | Always — C0561 is informational only |
| Steering angle sensor relearn | After alignment / suspension work |
| Charging system service | B1325 also stored |
Can I Still Drive With C0561?
Yes — base hydraulic brakes still work. StabiliTrak and traction control are offline. Drive carefully in slippery conditions until fixed.
How Serious Is This Code?
Low to moderate. The notification matters less than the underlying partner code which can range from a $40 cleaning to a $500 repair.
Repair Costs
| Repair | Cost |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic time to read partner code | $80 – $160 |
| Partner-code repair varies | $80 (brake switch) to $580 (hub bearing) |
FAQ
What does C0561 mean on a Tahoe?
C0561 is informational — it means StabiliTrak/Traction Control was automatically disabled because another fault was detected. The actual problem is whatever partner code was also stored. Diagnose the partner; C0561 clears once it’s fixed.
Can I drive my Tahoe with C0561?
Yes — base hydraulic brakes work normally. You’ve just lost traction control and StabiliTrak intervention. Avoid driving in challenging conditions until the underlying partner is repaired.
How do I fix C0561 on a Tahoe?
You can’t fix it directly — find the partner code (wheel speed sensor, steering angle, brake switch, or low voltage) using a scan tool that reads the EBCM. Repair that partner code and C0561 auto-clears.
Will C0561 affect my Tahoe brakes?
No — base hydraulic braking is unaffected. Only ABS, traction control, and StabiliTrak are disabled. You can drive normally, just without those safety assists.