OBD-II trouble code
C0287: Longitudinal Acceleration Sensor Circuit
The stability control system detected a fault in the longitudinal (forward/backward) acceleration sensor circuit. On many GM vehicles the number-one cause is a corroded connector rather than a bad sensor. Stability and traction control usually turn off.
Quick facts
- System
- Chassis
- Category
- Stability Control
- Severity
- Medium severity
- Drivable
- Usually safe to drive short-term
- Repair cost range
- $0 – $500
- DIY difficulty
- Intermediate DIY
What does C0287 mean?
C0287 sets when a control module detects a problem with the longitudinal acceleration sensor circuit. This sensor measures how quickly the vehicle is speeding up or slowing down along its front-to-rear axis — the forward and backward g-forces. That data is used by the Electronic Stability Control system (branded StabiliTrak, ESC, or VSC), the ABS, and on all-wheel-drive vehicles the AWD/torque-distribution system, to understand what the vehicle is actually doing versus what the driver is asking for. When the circuit reads out of range, implausible, or unlearned, the module disables the affected functions and turns on warning lights.
The longitudinal sensor is one of a small family of motion sensors. It works together with the lateral acceleration sensor (side-to-side g, code C0186) and the yaw rate sensor (rotation about the vertical axis, code C0196). On many modern vehicles these are combined into a single multi-axis sensor cluster, often mounted low in the center of the vehicle or built into the airbag/stability module. C0287 completes that trio in the diagnostic library.
A very important, well-documented point on many GM applications: the most common cause of C0287 is not a failed sensor at all, but corrosion at a specific underbody connector (commonly connector X411, located near the fuel tank), where water and road salt attack the terminals. Cleaning and protecting that connection frequently fixes the code for little or no parts cost. A two-digit symptom byte accompanying the code helps narrow it down — for example values indicating 'invalid data,' 'not plausible' (the sensor conflicts with other inputs), or 'calibration not learned.'
Because C-code definitions vary by manufacturer, confirm your specific make and model's meaning. If the sensor is combined into a multi-axis unit or the airbag module, replacement and calibration should follow the manufacturer's procedure.
Common causes
- Corroded underbody connector (commonly X411 near the fuel tank on GM vehicles) — the single most common cause
- Damaged, chafed, or water-intruded wiring in the sensor circuit
- Faulty longitudinal acceleration sensor (often part of a combined multi-axis sensor cluster)
- Calibration/learn not performed after sensor or module replacement
- Implausible data caused by a conflicting yaw or lateral sensor input
- Low system voltage or a poor ground affecting the sensor signal
Symptoms
- Stability control (StabiliTrak/ESC) and traction control warning lights on
- Service StabiliTrak / Service Traction Control message
- Stability and traction control disabled
- On AWD vehicles, a Service AWD message in some cases
- Check engine or chassis warning light
Diagnostic steps
- 1.Retrieve the code along with its two-digit symptom byte — 'invalid data,' 'not plausible,' and 'calibration not learned' each point in a different direction.
- 2.On GM vehicles, inspect the underbody sensor connector (such as X411 near the fuel tank) for corrosion and water intrusion before anything else — this is the leading cause and is often a cheap fix.
- 3.Inspect the sensor wiring and grounds for damage, chafing, and corrosion.
- 4.Scan for related motion-sensor codes (C0186 lateral, C0196 yaw) — a combined multi-axis sensor may throw several codes at once.
- 5.Verify system voltage and grounds are good.
- 6.If the sensor is confirmed faulty, replace it (or the multi-axis cluster/module it is part of) per the manufacturer procedure and perform any required calibration/learn.
Repair cost
$0 – $500
Cleaning and protecting a corroded connector can cost little to nothing and resolves a large share of cases. Wiring repair runs $80-$300. If a standalone longitudinal or combined multi-axis acceleration sensor must be replaced, parts and labor typically run $150-$450 plus any required calibration; when the sensor is integrated into the airbag/stability module the cost can be higher.
Estimate your repair
Run the numbers for your vehicle
Open the Repair Cost Estimator with yaw rate / stability control sensor replacement preselected. Adjust labor rate and vehicle category to fit your situation.
DIY vs shop
This is an intermediate DIY job. It usually involves diagnostic steps, specialty parts, and some careful work in tight spaces. If you have the tools and a service manual or trustworthy video for your specific vehicle, it is achievable in a weekend. Otherwise, a competent independent shop will be faster.