C0455 code meaning
Steering Wheel Position Sensor Circuit
What C0455 means
C0455 is absent from the accessible J2012 lists but well documented at GM, where the electronic brake control module (EBCM) stores it for the steering wheel position sensor circuit. Bulletin PI0639C, covering 2007–2016 full-size pickups, SUVs, vans and the Colorado/Canyon, blames rising resistance between sensor and EBCM caused by fretting corrosion and a connector with too much play; it says not to replace the sensor but to fit shim stock and apply dielectric grease. PIT4225F adds a steering wheel fitted off its master spline, and PIT5207 an EBCM programmed for the wrong sensor design on 2010 hybrids. The driver sees Service StabiliTrak, often together with C0710.
C0455 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.2 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0455
- Service StabiliTrak message and stability lamp on
- ABS lamp may come on first
- Stability control unavailable
Common causes of C0455
- Most likelyFretting corrosion and play at the sensor connector (GM PI0639C)
- PossibleSteering wheel not aligned with the shaft master spline
- Less likelyEBCM programmed for the wrong sensor design
- Less likelySteering wheel position sensor defective
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Steering angle sensorABS control moduleSensor wiring
What each part of C0455 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 55 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0455 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 C0455
What does C0455 mean?
C0455 means "Steering Wheel Position Sensor Circuit". C0455 is absent from the accessible J2012 lists but well documented at GM, where the electronic brake control module (EBCM) stores it for the steering wheel position sensor circuit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0455?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0455 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0455 fail an emissions test?
C0455 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 C0455 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.2 to 1.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0455 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.