C0710 code meaning
Steering Position Signal Malfunction
What C0710 means
C0710 does not appear in the publicly available J2012 lists, yet GM uses it widely in the brake control module for the steering angle it feeds to stability control. Saab 9-5 2011 wording matches the title for subcode 00 and adds 42 (centering not stored) and 5A (signal missing, offset out of range or at odds with yaw rate); the 9-4X adds 71 for invalid data. The sensor should sweep from -550 to +550 degrees. When the code sets, StabiliTrak is switched off for that ignition cycle. GM bulletins give typical causes: a wheel mounted one spline off (PIT4225F, 2007-13 trucks), lift kits, other wheelbases or tire sizes (PIT4322G), a worn lower column bearing on the 2005-06 STS (PIC3171E), and the wrong sensor calibration after programming 2010 hybrid trucks (PIT5207).
C0710 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of C0710
- Service StabiliTrak or stability message, ESC indicator on
- Unwanted stability intervention while cornering
Common causes of C0710
- Most likelySteering angle sensor not centred after alignment or repair
- PossibleSteering wheel mis-splined, or suspension, wheelbase or tires changed
- PossibleFaulty steering angle sensor, connector or worn column bearing
- Less likelyBrake module programmed for the wrong sensor design
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Steering angle sensorEsp control moduleCommunication bus
What each part of C0710 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 10 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0710 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 C0710
What does C0710 mean?
C0710 means "Steering Position Signal Malfunction". C0710 does not appear in the publicly available J2012 lists, yet GM uses it widely in the brake control module for the steering angle it feeds to stability control. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0710?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0710 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0710 fail an emissions test?
C0710 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 C0710 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0710 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.