C0559 code meaning
Power Steering Control Module Range/Performance – Rear
What C0559 means
C0559 covers the rear steering controller, the electronics of active rear-wheel steering, when it fails its own performance or plausibility checks. Systems such as ZF's AKC turn the rear wheels by up to 12° opposite to the front ones at low speed and in the same direction from about 60 km/h. No maker documents C0559 publicly, but the faults are known under other codes: Bentley logs P060700 (control module performance) in the rear axle steering unit J1019 and checks damage, ground point 710, replaces the rack and realigns; Audi updates J1019 software for C12A329 and asks for an alignment; on the 2017 Q7 a sensor signal discrepancy lit the steering lamp. A Mazda patent compares three position detectors, uses the agreeing pair and returns the wheels to centre. The car then drives like one without rear steering.
C0559 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0559
- Steering or rear steering warning in the instrument cluster
- Larger turning circle, rear wheels held straight
- Driver assistance functions limited on some models
Common causes of C0559
- Most likelyRear steering control module software fault (update available)
- PossibleDisagreeing position or angle signals inside the rear steering actuator
- PossiblePoor ground or supply of the rear steering unit
- Less likelyDamaged, contaminated or worn rear steering actuator
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Rear eps module
What each part of C0559 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 59 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0559 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 C0559
What does C0559 mean?
C0559 means "Power Steering Control Module Range/Performance – Rear". C0559 covers the rear steering controller, the electronics of active rear-wheel steering, when it fails its own performance or plausibility checks. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0559?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0559 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0559 fail an emissions test?
C0559 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 C0559 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0559 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.