C0606 code meaning
Steering Wheel Angle Sensor Circuit Low
What C0606 means
C0606 flags a steering angle signal or sensor supply that reads too low, as caused by a short to ground, a sagging supply or an output stuck at the bottom of its range. In the Kelsey-Hayes design the two phase lines swing between roughly 0.6 V and 4.4 V on a 5 V feed, and anything below the lower band is a fault; Bosch's PWM sensor maps −720° to +720° onto 10–90 % duty cycle, so a line pinned to ground leaves that window, and the patent lists a short to ground as detectable. Sensors that talk over CAN, such as the Bourns type 6002 running on 8–18 V, report their errors on the bus instead. No maker documents C0606 publicly. Stability control shuts down; after repair the centre position may need relearning.
C0606 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 C0606
- ESC warning lamp on and stability control unavailable
- Steering angle in scan data pinned at one end value
- Driver assistance messages about limited function
Common causes of C0606
- Most likelySignal wire chafed against the steering column and shorted to ground
- PossibleLow sensor supply from a weak battery or a damaged feed circuit
- PossibleSensor output stage failed low
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 module
What each part of C0606 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 06 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0606 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 C0606
What does C0606 mean?
C0606 means "Steering Wheel Angle Sensor Circuit Low". C0606 flags a steering angle signal or sensor supply that reads too low, as caused by a short to ground, a sagging supply or an output stuck at the bottom of its range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0606?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0606 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0606 fail an emissions test?
C0606 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 C0606 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0606 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.