Contaminated or damaged wheel speed sensor (dirt, metal debris, or a failing sensor); Damaged or corroded wheel speed sensor wiring harness or connector; Faulty steering angle sensor or its calibration being out of range; Malfunctioning yaw rate sensor or lateral acceleration sensor; Low brake fluid level or a hydraulic issue affecting the ABS/traction control system; A software glitch or internal fault in the ABS/traction control module; Mismatched tire sizes or severely uneven tire wear causing continuous wheel speed differences

DTC codes / C04xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C0405

C0405Traction Control Active Too Long

Q: What does code C0405 mean?

Traction Control Active Too Long. C0405 means the electronic stability control (ESC) or traction control system has commanded the brakes or throttle to intervene for longer than the module considers normal, typically because wheel slip is being detected continuously. The computer sets this code when the traction control active timer exceeds a calibrated threshold, often due to a sensor or module fault rather than actual road conditions.

C0405 means the electronic stability control (ESC) or traction control system has commanded the brakes or throttle to intervene for longer than the module considers normal, typically because wheel slip is being detected continuously. The computer sets this code when the traction control active timer exceeds a calibrated threshold, often due to a sensor or module fault rather than actual road conditions.

SystemChassis

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaBrakes, steering and suspension

Symptoms you may notice

Traction control or stability control warning light illuminated on the dashboard
The traction control system may activate unexpectedly on dry pavement or at low speeds
Reduced engine power or throttle response as the system tries to cut torque
Intermittent activation of the ABS (anti-lock braking system) or brake pulsation without a slippery surface
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the fault is intermittent
Cruise control may be disabled automatically when the traction control fault is active

Common causes, most likely first

Contaminated or damaged wheel speed sensor (dirt, metal debris, or a failing sensor)
Damaged or corroded wheel speed sensor wiring harness or connector
Faulty steering angle sensor or its calibration being out of range
Malfunctioning yaw rate sensor or lateral acceleration sensor
Low brake fluid level or a hydraulic issue affecting the ABS/traction control system
A software glitch or internal fault in the ABS/traction control module
Mismatched tire sizes or severely uneven tire wear causing continuous wheel speed differences

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect all four tires for correct size, matching tread depth, and proper inflation pressure
Clean each wheel speed sensor and its tone ring, checking for metal debris or damage
Perform a visual inspection of the wheel speed sensor wiring and connectors for corrosion or breaks
Use a scan tool to read live wheel speed data from all four sensors and compare readings while driving
Check the steering angle sensor calibration and perform a zero-point reset if required
Test the yaw rate and lateral acceleration sensors with a scan tool and verify their readings
If all sensors and wiring check out, diagnose the ABS/traction control module for internal faults or software updates

Before you replace the ABS module

A common oversight is a mismatched tire circumference from uneven wear or incorrect tire sizes, which makes the wheel speed sensors report different speeds and keeps the traction control active.
Debris stuck to a wheel speed sensor or tone ring can mimic a failing sensor, so cleaning often resolves the code without any parts replacement.
The steering angle sensor can drift out of calibration after a wheel alignment or suspension work, causing the stability system to think the driver is steering continuously and triggering C0405.
A weak battery or low charging voltage can cause erratic sensor signals and false traction control activation, so always check the charging system before condemning sensors.
This code does not always mean the traction control system is physically stuck on; it can be set by a single intermittent wheel speed sensor dropout that the module interprets as prolonged slip.

Can I keep driving with C0405?

You can usually drive the vehicle, but traction control and stability control may be disabled or behave unpredictably, so avoid slippery conditions and aggressive maneuvers. If the brake pedal feels strange or the ABS activates unexpectedly, have the vehicle inspected promptly.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.