C0196 code meaning
Yaw Rate Sensor Circuit
What C0196 means
C0196 is absent from the accessible J2012 lists, yet it is the yaw rate code of GM and Saab and is also used by Karma. The Saab 9-5 sets it when the sensor output leaves 0.25–4.75 V for longer than 0.1 s or its 2.1–2.9 V reference strays for 0.2 s; GM's multi-axis sensor reports 00 for a faulty signal and 5A when offset or plausibility against lateral acceleration, steering angle and speed fail. GM bulletin 15-05-25-001 traces C0196-5A on 2014–2016 full-size trucks and SUVs to stone hits that make the sensor in the airbag module resonate at 12–14 kHz. GM (Volt, ELR) and Karma (Revero 2017–2018) report it after transport on a carrier, when the car senses motion without wheel speed; a relearn, rest and a drive above 20 mph clear it.
C0196 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of C0196
- Service StabiliTrak message, traction/ABS or ESP OFF lamp
- Stability control and hill start assist disabled
- Red brake lamp on in some vehicles
Common causes of C0196
- Most likelyCode set during transport or flat towing while modules were awake
- PossibleFaulty or unlearned yaw rate / multi-axis sensor
- PossibleSignal spikes from body vibration, stone impacts or loose mounting
- Less likelyCorroded connector or CAN wiring fault
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Yaw rate sensorEsp control moduleSensor cluster
What each part of C0196 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 96 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0196 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about C0196
What does C0196 mean?
C0196 means "Yaw Rate Sensor Circuit". C0196 is absent from the accessible J2012 lists, yet it is the yaw rate code of GM and Saab and is also used by Karma. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0196?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0196 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0196 fail an emissions test?
C0196 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is C0196 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0196 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.