C0405 code meaning
Traction Control Active Too Long
What C0405 means
C0405 could not be found in any public source, including the public J2012 tables, GM's PIP5094 and NHTSA's bulletin index, and no maker publishes a time limit for a traction control intervention. So only the monitored function is outlined. Traction control brakes a spinning drive wheel and asks the engine for less torque; Bosch counts it among the functions of ESP. In the 2004 Saab 9-5 the return pump runs throughout every TCS or ESP braking event while the control valves raise, hold and lower pressure, and the function lamp lights only when braking and torque reduction act together. An intervention lasting far longer than expected suggests a false wheel speed or a stuck valve; how and when a system then reacts is maker specific.
C0405 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0405
- Traction control lamp flashes for a long time or stays on
- Engine power reduced and a wheel braked without reason
- Hot or smelling brake on one wheel
Common causes of C0405
- Most likelyErratic wheel speed signal faking continuous wheel spin
- PossibleSpare wheel or tires of different size on one axle
- Less likelyHydraulic control valve sticking in the brake unit
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
ABS control moduleWheel speed sensors
What each part of C0405 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 05 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0405 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 C0405
What does C0405 mean?
C0405 means "Traction Control Active Too Long". C0405 could not be found in any public source, including the public J2012 tables, GM's PIP5094 and NHTSA's bulletin index, and no maker publishes a time limit for a traction control intervention. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0405?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0405 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0405 fail an emissions test?
C0405 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 C0405 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0405 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.