Chassis, generic

C0440 Steering Wheel Position Sensor Circuit

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

C0440 cannot be verified publicly; searches of the available J2012 tables, GM bulletin PIP5094 and the full NHTSA index found no hit. Its title is word for word that of C0455, which GM does use for the steering wheel position sensor read by the brake module; the description here sticks to the sensor. It sits on the steering column and gives stability control the driver's intended direction. Bosch builds it with two measuring gears of different tooth counts, so the absolute angle is known over several turns, and sends angle and rate over CAN with internal plausibility checks. Saab's 9-5 sensor uses gears with 28 and 26 teeth and needs a zero calibration after front end work. GM bulletin PI0639D traces C0455 on 2007–17 trucks and vans to fretting corrosion at the connector.

Likely causes

Fretting corrosion or loose fit at the sensor connector
Zero position not calibrated after alignment or column work
Steering angle sensor internally defective

Symptoms

  • Stability control and traction control warning lamps on
  • Service StabiliTrak or ESP message

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€30–600
Time0.3–2 h

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

Parts involved

steering angle sensorclock springabs control module

Related codes

C0455C0445C0460

References: bosch-mobility.com, saabwisonline.com, static.nhtsa.gov.