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DTC codes / C04xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C0455

C0455Steering Wheel Position Sensor Circuit

C0455 indicates that the steering wheel position sensor circuit has a fault, meaning the computer cannot reliably read the steering angle. The sensor reports how far and how fast the steering wheel is turned, and the control module has detected an abnormal signal or circuit condition such as an open, short, or implausible reading.

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
  • Anti-lock brake (ABS) warning light on, often accompanied by a steering angle fault
  • Electronic stability control (ESC) system disabled or showing a service message
  • Steering feel may become heavier or less assisted if the fault affects a variable-assist system
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with normal steering and braking behavior

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Faulty steering wheel position sensor or its internal electronics
  2. Damaged, chafed, or corroded wiring in the sensor circuit
  3. Loose or contaminated electrical connector at the sensor or control module
  4. Steering column or clock spring damage affecting sensor signal
  5. Low or unstable battery voltage causing erratic sensor readings
  6. Steering angle sensor calibration lost after battery disconnect or suspension work
  7. Failed control module that cannot process the sensor signal correctly

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Scan all modules for related codes and record freeze-frame data to confirm the fault is active
  2. Inspect the sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, looseness, or physical damage
  3. Check battery voltage and charging system output to rule out low-voltage glitches
  4. Measure sensor circuit resistance and voltage with a multimeter, comparing to manufacturer specifications
  5. Perform a steering angle sensor calibration or relearn procedure if the sensor is functional
  6. Replace the steering wheel position sensor if tests confirm it is faulty
  7. Clear codes and verify the repair with a road test that exercises the steering through full lock

What most technicians overlook on C0455

  • A weak or failing battery often sets this code because the steering angle sensor needs stable voltage to report correctly, so always load-test the battery before condemning the sensor.
  • The sensor is frequently replaced unnecessarily when the real problem is a damaged clock spring or a poor ground connection in the steering column.
  • After any suspension alignment or steering column repair, the sensor must be recalibrated or the code will return even with new parts installed.
  • C0455 can be stored by the ABS module or the stability control module, and the code may reappear in a different module if the root cause is a shared ground or communication bus fault.
  • A steering angle sensor that reads plausibly but is offset by a few degrees can set this code intermittently, so live data comparison during a slow full-lock turn is more revealing than a static resistance check.

Can I keep driving with C0455?

You can usually continue driving with C0455 because the steering and brakes remain functional, but stability control and ABS may be disabled. Avoid aggressive maneuvers, towing, or driving in slippery conditions until the fault is repaired, and have the system diagnosed 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.

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