Chassis, generic

C0496 Yaw Rate Sensor Circuit

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

C0496 appears in no accessible J2012 list, and neither the NHTSA bulletin index nor the manufacturer portals checked contain it, so the code is not publicly verifiable; the established code with this title is C0196. What the title covers: a micromechanical gyro, usually combined with the lateral accelerometer and mounted near the centre of gravity. The Saab 9-5 unit gets a 50 Hz reference from the ESP module, reports yaw over ±138°/s and has its own self-test every 20 ms; the ESP module flags open circuits and shorts to ground or supply. Later designs such as the Saab 9-3 sensor or Bosch's SMI810 deliver digital data over a bus. Without the signal, stability control cannot work; whether a lamp lights depends on the maker.

Likely causes

Open circuit or short in the sensor wiring
Loose or corroded sensor connector
Yaw rate sensor internally defective

Symptoms

  • Stability and traction control unavailable
  • ESC warning lamp on, depending on the make

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€60–500
Time0.5–2 h

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

Parts involved

yaw rate sensorabs control modulesensor wiring

Related codes

C0196C0497C0520C0498

References: saabwisonline.com, saabwisonline.com, bosch-semiconductors.com.