C0805 code meaning
Steering Angle Sensor Calibration
What C0805 means
Public evidence for C0805 is lacking: it appears neither in code lists nor in the NHTSA index, GM's keyword table or the Saab and Mitsubishi indexes. The title describes a steering angle sensor whose zero point has not been learned. GM files exactly that fault elsewhere: in both 2011 Saab models, 9-5 and 9-4X, the brake module stores C0710 subcode 42 when the sensor reports no calibration, then switches off ESC and the hill holder until the next ignition cycle. Stellantis uses the J2012 code C0529 for the same condition on the ProMaster and advises an initialisation first, by turning lock to lock with the engine running or by scan tool, before any steering gear is replaced. The bulletin names a battery disconnect or a new steering gear as typical triggers for a fresh learn.
C0805 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyEasy
- Typical labor0.2 to 1 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0805
- Stability or traction control lamp stays on
- ESC and hill start assist unavailable
Common causes of C0805
- Most likelyZero point not learned after battery disconnect or steering gear replacement
- PossibleSteering wheel or sensor mounted off centre, so the learned offset is out of range
- Less likelySteering angle sensor defective and unable to store the calibration
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 module
What each part of C0805 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 05 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0805 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 C0805
What does C0805 mean?
C0805 means "Steering Angle Sensor Calibration". Public evidence for C0805 is lacking: it appears neither in code lists nor in the NHTSA index, GM's keyword table or the Saab and Mitsubishi indexes. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0805?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0805 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0805 fail an emissions test?
C0805 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 C0805 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.2 to 1 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0805 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.