C0496 code meaning
Yaw Rate Sensor Circuit
What C0496 means
C0496 appears in no accessible J2012 list, and neither the NHTSA bulletin index nor the manufacturer portals checked contain it, so the code is not publicly verifiable; the established code with this title is C0196. What the title covers: a micromechanical gyro, usually combined with the lateral accelerometer and mounted near the centre of gravity. The Saab 9-5 unit gets a 50 Hz reference from the ESP module, reports yaw over ±138°/s and has its own self-test every 20 ms; the ESP module flags open circuits and shorts to ground or supply. Later designs such as the Saab 9-3 sensor or Bosch's SMI810 deliver digital data over a bus. Without the signal, stability control cannot work; whether a lamp lights depends on the maker.
C0496 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0496
- Stability and traction control unavailable
- ESC warning lamp on, depending on the make
Common causes of C0496
- Most likelyOpen circuit or short in the sensor wiring
- PossibleLoose or corroded sensor connector
- PossibleYaw rate sensor internally defective
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Yaw rate sensorABS control moduleSensor wiring
What each part of C0496 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 C0496 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 C0496
What does C0496 mean?
C0496 means "Yaw Rate Sensor Circuit". C0496 appears in no accessible J2012 list, and neither the NHTSA bulletin index nor the manufacturer portals checked contain it, so the code is not publicly verifiable; the established code with this title is C0196. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0496?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0496 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0496 fail an emissions test?
C0496 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 C0496 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0496 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.