OBD-II trouble code
C0460: Steering Position Sensor Circuit (Invalid Data)
A module received invalid or implausible data from the steering position (steering angle) sensor. Stability control and traction control usually turn off, and on some vehicles power steering behavior is affected.
Quick facts
- System
- Chassis
- Category
- Steering / Stability Control
- Severity
- Medium severity
- Drivable
- Usually safe to drive short-term
- Repair cost range
- $0 – $500
- DIY difficulty
- Intermediate DIY
What does C0460 mean?
C0460 sets when a control module — typically the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) or the power steering control module — receives invalid, implausible, or inconsistent data from the steering wheel position (steering angle) sensor. This sensor reports where the steering wheel is pointed and how fast it is turning. Stability control (often branded StabiliTrak, ESC, or VSC), traction control, and on many vehicles electric power steering all rely on that signal to know the driver's intended direction. When the reported angle does not make sense, the module disables the functions that depend on it and turns on the corresponding warning lights.
'Invalid data' is a specific idea: the sensor circuit may be intact and communicating, but the value it reports is out of range, stuck, or contradicts other inputs such as the yaw rate sensor and individual wheel speeds. That distinguishes C0460 from a plain open/short circuit fault. It can also be set when the steering angle sensor has lost its calibration — for example after an alignment, a steering component replacement, or a battery disconnect — and simply needs to be relearned rather than replaced.
Because the steering angle sensor is often integrated into the steering column near the clockspring, and because its data travels over the vehicle's serial data network, the fault can originate at the sensor, in the wiring/connector, in the calibration, or at the receiving module. A methodical approach — starting with a calibration/relearn and a check of related steering and stability codes — avoids replacing a good sensor.
C-code numbering and definitions vary by manufacturer, so confirm your specific make and model's definition for C0460. On several GM applications this code is associated with the StabiliTrak/Service Steering warnings and is worked alongside codes like C0455, C0545, and C0710.
Common causes
- Steering angle sensor out of calibration after an alignment, steering repair, or battery disconnect (may only need a relearn)
- Faulty steering wheel position/angle sensor reporting out-of-range or stuck values
- Damaged or corroded wiring/connector at the sensor or in the serial data circuit
- A clockspring problem affecting the sensor's signal on some vehicles
- Implausible data caused by a related sensor conflict (yaw rate or wheel speed) rather than the angle sensor itself
- A fault in the receiving control module
Symptoms
- Stability control (StabiliTrak/ESC) and traction control warning lights on
- Service Steering or Service StabiliTrak message
- Stability and traction control temporarily disabled
- On some vehicles, heavy or erratic power steering assist
- Check engine or steering warning light
Diagnostic steps
- 1.Scan for all codes. Steering angle faults are frequently set alongside other steering or stability codes (C0455, C0545, C0710) — read the whole picture before acting.
- 2.Perform the manufacturer's steering angle sensor calibration/relearn first, especially if the code followed an alignment, steering repair, or battery service. This alone resolves many C0460 cases.
- 3.Inspect the sensor connector and wiring at the base of the steering column for corrosion, chafing, and loose terminals.
- 4.Use a scan tool to view live steering angle data and confirm it tracks smoothly and plausibly as the wheel is turned.
- 5.Cross-check the yaw rate and wheel speed data — an implausible-data fault can be triggered by a conflicting sensor rather than the angle sensor.
- 6.Replace the steering angle sensor only after calibration, wiring, and sensor conflicts are ruled out, then relearn.
Repair cost
$0 – $500
A calibration/relearn alone can cost $0-$150 and often fixes the code with no parts. Wiring or connector repair runs $80-$300. If the steering angle/position sensor must be replaced, parts and labor typically run $200-$500, plus any required calibration.
Estimate your repair
Run the numbers for your vehicle
Open the Repair Cost Estimator with steering angle sensor calibration / 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.