C0620 code meaning
Variable Effort Steering Lock/Safety Actuator Control Circuit/Open
What C0620 means
Some steering systems that vary effort or ratio carry a second actuator whose only job is safety: a solenoid lock that blocks the motor or gear so the wheel turns the wheels directly. Delphi's patent combining Magnasteer with an active steering actuator uses a solenoid that is energised to unlock and drops into lock without power; JTEKT and Continental lock their superimposed steering the same fail-safe way. C0620 means this lock's circuit is open, so the unit cannot release and the variable function stays off. No maker publishes C0620 in this sense. On 2014–2019 GM trucks C0620 appears among suspension codes in PIT5307G, an older, unrelated assignment.
C0620 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0620
- Variable steering function disabled; steering works with a fixed characteristic
- Steering system warning
- Possible click or no click from the steering when switching on
Common causes of C0620
- Most likelyConnector to the lock solenoid unplugged or corroded
- PossibleOpen lock solenoid coil, for example after overheating
- PossibleBroken wire between the steering module and the lock
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Ves lock actuator
What each part of C0620 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 20 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0620 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 C0620
What does C0620 mean?
C0620 means "Variable Effort Steering Lock/Safety Actuator Control Circuit/Open". Some steering systems that vary effort or ratio carry a second actuator whose only job is safety: a solenoid lock that blocks the motor or gear so the wheel turns the wheels directly. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0620?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0620 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0620 fail an emissions test?
C0620 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 C0620 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0620 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.