C0710 Code: Steering Position Signal (Causes, Diagnosis, & Repair)

Quick answer

• What it means: Code C0710 indicates that the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) is receiving an erratic, missing, or implausible signal from the Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS).
• Severity: Moderate to Low. It is generally safe to drive your vehicle home or to a shop, but advanced safety systems like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control will be disabled.
• Most common cause: A faulty steering wheel position sensor or a sensor that has lost its calibration after a recent wheel alignment or steering component replacement.

What the C0710 code means

The official OBD-II definition for C0710 is "Steering Position Signal."

In plain English, this means your vehicle's computer has lost track of which way the steering wheel is pointed. Modern vehicles use a Steering Wheel Position Sensor—usually mounted at the base of the steering column—to monitor the exact angle of the steering wheel and how fast it is being turned.

The Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) uses this data, along with wheel speed sensors and the yaw rate sensor, to operate the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control systems. If the vehicle detects it is skidding or losing traction, it compares where the driver wants to go (steering angle) with where the vehicle is actually going (yaw rate). If the C0710 code sets, it means the EBCM sees a signal from the steering sensor that is out of range, erratic, or completely missing. Because the computer can no longer trust the steering input data, it shuts down the stability control system to prevent dangerous, accidental brake applications.

Common symptoms

When the C0710 code triggers, you will typically notice the following symptoms:

• Illuminated Traction Control and/or StabiliTrak (ESC) warning lights on the dash.
• "Service StabiliTrak" or "Service ESC" message on the driver information center.
• Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control systems are completely disabled.
• Variable effort power steering may default to a heavy or stiff feeling at low speeds.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like Lane Keep Assist or automated parking may be disabled.
• The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) light may occasionally illuminate, though base ABS function usually remains intact.

Common causes

Here are the most common triggers for a C0710 code, ranked from most to least likely:

1. Faulty Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS): The internal contacts or optical sensors within the SWPS degrade over time, causing a dead spot or erratic signal.
2. Sensor Out of Calibration: If you recently had a wheel alignment, steering rack replacement, or steering column work, the sensor must be recalibrated to "Zero" degrees when the wheels are straight. Failing to do this relearn procedure will trigger the code.
3. Wiring and Connector Issues: Corrosion, loose pins, or chafed wires at the SWPS connector can interrupt the 5-volt reference, ground, or signal circuits.
4. Damaged Clockspring: While usually associated with airbag codes, severe steering column damage or improper installation can damage the clockspring/sensor assembly.
5. Faulty EBCM (Rare): The Electronic Brake Control Module itself may fail to process the signal, though this is highly uncommon.

How a technician diagnoses it

To accurately diagnose C0710, an ASE-certified technician will follow a systematic approach using a professional-grade bidirectional scan tool.

1. Retrieve Codes and Freeze Frame Data: The technician scans all modules (EBCM, BCM, EPS) for codes to see if C0710 is isolated or accompanied by voltage or wheel speed codes.
2. Check Live Data (PIDs): Using the scan tool, the tech pulls up the live data for the Steering Wheel Angle. With the wheels pointed perfectly straight, the reading should be 0 degrees (± 1 or 2 degrees).
3. Sweep Test: The technician will slowly turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while watching the live data graph. A healthy sensor will show a smooth, linear progression (e.g., -360 degrees to +360 degrees). If the graph spikes, drops to zero randomly, or flatlines, the sensor is internally faulty.
4. Circuit Testing: If the sensor reads a constant default value (like 0 or -800), the technician will use a multimeter to check the connector. They will verify a solid 5V reference voltage from the module, a good chassis ground, and continuity on the signal wires back to the EBCM.
5. Calibration Check: If the live data shows the wheel is at +15 degrees when physically straight, but sweeps smoothly, the sensor isn't broken—it just needs a zero-point calibration relearn via the scan tool.

Typical repair cost

Repair costs for a C0710 code vary depending on the vehicle make and whether the issue is a simple calibration or requires hard parts.

• Zero-Point Calibration (Scan Tool Relearn): $50 – $150 (Labor only).
• Steering Wheel Position Sensor Replacement: $250 – $650. The sensor itself typically costs between $100 and $350. Labor adds $150 to $300, as the technician usually has to remove the lower steering column covers, unbolt the steering shaft, and carefully slide the new sensor into place, followed by a mandatory scan tool calibration.
• Wiring Repair: $100 – $250, depending on the time required to trace and repair a broken wire.

Can I keep driving with this code?

Yes, you can continue driving with a C0710 code, but you should exercise increased caution. The fundamental mechanical steering and standard hydraulic braking systems are entirely unaffected. However, your vehicle will not have Electronic Stability Control or Traction Control. If you drive on wet, icy, or snow-covered roads, or if you need to make an emergency evasive maneuver, the vehicle will not intervene to help prevent a skid. It is recommended to have this repaired at your earliest convenience to restore your vehicle's safety features.

Related codes

If you have a C0710, you might also see these related chassis and steering codes:

• C0711: Steering Wheel Angle Sensor Signal Plausibility Failure
• C0186: Lateral Accelerometer Circuit (Yaw Rate Sensor)
• C0196: Yaw Rate Circuit Malfunction
• C0281: Stoplamp Circuit (often triggers alongside ABS/ESC issues)
• U0126: Lost Communication With Steering Angle Sensor Module

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