C0712 code meaning
Power Steering Position Sensor Range/Performance
What C0712 means
No carmaker is known to document C0712; it is not in the J2012 tables, bulletins or maker indexes searched. The title points to a position input of the power steering whose value is outside the expected band or does not track the other signals. An electric power steering relies on three position measurements: driver torque, the angle of the assist motor and the absolute steering wheel angle; Infineon offers separate angle sensors for the last two. How much an implausible angle hurts is shown by GM bulletin PI0800D for 2013 Equinox, Terrain, Malibu, LaCrosse and Regal: after a botched steering angle alignment the EPS logs a code that will not clear, assist drops to manual after only part of a turn and the car tries to steer to one side at speed. A new calibration or reflash usually follows.
C0712 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of C0712
- Power steering warning, assist reduced or lost
- Steering wheel off centre or vehicle drifts to one side
Common causes of C0712
- Most likelySteering angle or position learn skipped or done wrongly
- PossiblePosition sensor in the steering gear or column defective
- Less likelyIntermittent connection in the sensor wiring
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Steering position sensorPower steering moduleSensor wiring
What each part of C0712 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 12 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0712 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 C0712
What does C0712 mean?
C0712 means "Power Steering Position Sensor Range/Performance". No carmaker is known to document C0712; it is not in the J2012 tables, bulletins or maker indexes searched. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0712?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0712 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0712 fail an emissions test?
C0712 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 C0712 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0712 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.