Aclacrosse

Hi, I have a 2011 Chevy HHR with 80,000 miles. About 10 days ago the Service ESC light and ESC OFF light came on. It stays on all the time - I have been driving the car and need to make a couple of 500 mile trips in the next 10 days. I have not been able to get to a garage yet - my question is - Am I doing damage to the car by continuing to drive it? Is there any way to reset the Service ESC light? Thanks - any and all help and advice will be welcomed. Joe G.

LawDog88

Have to ask. Did you push the button on the dash?

donbrew

It probably won't damage the car. But it could mean several things that could kill you or cause a breakdown on the highway.

Any other lights on the dashboard?

There is a way to reset the warning, fix what is causing it.

I would check the brake fluid level first, if it is low that means your brakes are worn out. Reasonable at 80,000 miles.

Next, are you hearing any new "roaring" sounds coming from the front wheels while moving? That would indicate bad hubs.

But, it could be a lot of things, those are only top of the head.

You made me go out to my car in my stocking feet to check, lawdog. Pushing the button does turn the light on, but the message is "TRACTION OFF". My 2011 LT.

ChevroletCustomerService

Hey Aclacrosse,

Welcome to the forums! Check out your Owner's Manual page 4-44. The Service ESC light indicates that the Electronic Stability Control is off and needs service. If you'd like me to get in contact with your local Chevrolet dealership on your behalf to address this, I would be more than happy to assist you. Just send us a PM with your contact info, VIN, and preferred dealership (if you have one) and we'll get that ball rolling for you.

Let us know if you have any additional questions as well. We're here to assist.

Geoff G.
Chevrolet Customer Care

Aclacrosse

Thanks LawDog88 and donbrew. I did hold the button down on the dash but it did not go out. There are no other lights or warning being posted on the dash. I checked the brake fluid and it was full. No roaring sounds either. Also someone told me to be sure all the tires were at 35 PSI and they are. Thanks for the suggestions - I guess I will have ti try and get an apt to the Chevy garage. Hoping I make it to PHX and back tomorrow!

db/sb

LawDog88

I honestly thought I was going to get this for my question.

Sorry to the OP. Best of luck.

db/sb

Based on a couple of past 'occurrences', I actually thought it (post #6) would be gone next time I saw this thread.......

donbrew

Not a personal attack.

Oldblue

Stop by Autozone and have them pull any stored codes and write them down then ask them to clear them. If that is not an option simply disconnect the negative terminal cable from the battery for 30 minutes!
Reconnect the battery and drive it as normal , if the light comes back on then make an appointment with the dealership, they will most likely do the same thing and suggest you keep an eye on it, I always suggest the left one, or the right.