Chassis, generic

C0196 Yaw Rate Sensor Circuit

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modePossible

C0196 is absent from the accessible J2012 lists, yet it is the yaw rate code of GM and Saab and is also used by Karma. The Saab 9-5 sets it when the sensor output leaves 0.25–4.75 V for longer than 0.1 s or its 2.1–2.9 V reference strays for 0.2 s; GM's multi-axis sensor reports 00 for a faulty signal and 5A when offset or plausibility against lateral acceleration, steering angle and speed fail. GM bulletin 15-05-25-001 traces C0196-5A on 2014–2016 full-size trucks and SUVs to stone hits that make the sensor in the airbag module resonate at 12–14 kHz. GM (Volt, ELR) and Karma (Revero 2017–2018) report it after transport on a carrier, when the car senses motion without wheel speed; a relearn, rest and a drive above 20 mph clear it.

Likely causes

Code set during transport or flat towing while modules were awake
Faulty or unlearned yaw rate / multi-axis sensor
Signal spikes from body vibration, stone impacts or loose mounting
Corroded connector or CAN wiring fault

Symptoms

  • Service StabiliTrak message, traction/ABS or ESP OFF lamp
  • Stability control and hill start assist disabled
  • Red brake lamp on in some vehicles

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€0–700
Time0.3–2.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

yaw rate sensoresp control modulesensor cluster

Related codes

C0186C0496C0497C0288

References: saabwisonline.com, saabwisonline.com, static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov.