C0745 code meaning
Electric Power Steering Overtemperature Protection
What C0745 means
Public documentation of C0745 is missing; it is not in the publicly available J2012 tables, in NHTSA bulletins or in maker indexes. GM reports an overheated EPS controller as C0176 (PIT5213B). The protection itself is well described in a Delphi patent: instead of relying on thermistors, the controller squares the motor current and runs it through several low-pass filters, each standing for one thermal time constant, the slowest close to 2,000 s. When a filter exceeds its limit, motor current is reduced step by step, more strictly when the motor is stalled against a lock. The example motor handles 15 A continuously or 75 A for about 5 s. Long parking manoeuvres or holding full lock therefore make the steering heavier until the unit cools down.
C0745 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0745
- Steering gradually heavier after repeated manoeuvring
- Power steering warning message
Common causes of C0745
- Most likelyLong parking manoeuvres or holding the wheel at full lock
- PossibleStiff steering gear, joints or tires raising motor load
- Less likelyTemperature estimate or sensor in the module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Eps motorEps control module
What each part of C0745 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 45 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0745 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 C0745
What does C0745 mean?
C0745 means "Electric Power Steering Overtemperature Protection". Public documentation of C0745 is missing; it is not in the publicly available J2012 tables, in NHTSA bulletins or in maker indexes. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0745?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0745 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0745 fail an emissions test?
C0745 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 C0745 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0745 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.