C0700 code meaning
Active Steering Module Communication
What C0700 means
No public record shows a carmaker using C0700; public J2012 lists, NHTSA bulletins and maker indexes are silent. The title concerns superimposed steering such as the system from the Bosch-ZF venture that BMW introduced on the 2004 5 Series. A compound planetary set in the steering shaft adds an angle from an electric motor that turns the carrier, and an electromagnetic lock holds that carrier still whenever the function is off. A separate controller needs the angles at the wheel and at the pinion plus vehicle and wheel speeds over the network to compute the extra angle. If that exchange breaks down, the logical reaction is to lock the gear set, leaving a fixed ratio with full hydraulic assist; the car steers normally but feels slower at parking speeds. Lost communication is more often filed under U codes.
C0700 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 C0700
- Steering warning in the instrument cluster
- Steering ratio stays fixed, more wheel turns when parking
Common causes of C0700
- Most likelyDamaged bus wiring or connector to the active steering controller
- PossibleSteering angle or wheel speed message missing from another module
- Less likelyActive steering controller without power or defective
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Active steering moduleCommunication busChassis control module
What each part of C0700 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 00 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0700 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 C0700
What does C0700 mean?
C0700 means "Active Steering Module Communication". No public record shows a carmaker using C0700; public J2012 lists, NHTSA bulletins and maker indexes are silent. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0700?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0700 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0700 fail an emissions test?
C0700 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 C0700 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0700 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.