C0497 code meaning
Yaw Rate Sensor Range/Performance
What C0497 means
Neither the accessible J2012 lists nor any manufacturer bulletin or service text mention C0497, so its use cannot be confirmed publicly. The title describes a yaw rate signal that is electrically present but does not match how the car moves. Stability units test this against estimates: a Siemens patent builds a reference yaw rate from steering angle, wheel speeds and accelerations, expects a value near zero at standstill and marks the sensor faulty when the gap passes a threshold. A Ford patent turns yaw rate and lateral acceleration into two road-bank estimates and counts a yaw fault when one exceeds a limit taken from the other, then disables brake control. A Linköping thesis for ZF tried such residual checks with injected faults. Saab gives a ±138°/s test range.
C0497 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of C0497
- ESC lamp on, stability control switched off
- Unwanted brake interventions when cornering
Common causes of C0497
- Most likelyYaw rate sensor offset or drift
- PossibleSensor loose, twisted or mounted in the wrong orientation
- Less likelyWrong comparison input (steering angle not calibrated, wheel speed fault)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Yaw rate sensorLateral acceleration sensorSteering angle sensor
What each part of C0497 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 97 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0497 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 C0497
What does C0497 mean?
C0497 means "Yaw Rate Sensor Range/Performance". Neither the accessible J2012 lists nor any manufacturer bulletin or service text mention C0497, so its use cannot be confirmed publicly. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0497?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0497 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0497 fail an emissions test?
C0497 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 C0497 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0497 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.