Code
C0605
Generic
C — Chassis
Steering Wheel Angle Sensor Circuit/Open
Views:
UK: 16
EN: 26
RU: 22
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Broken, corroded or disconnected wiring/connectors between SWA sensor and control module
- Failed steering wheel angle sensor
- Damaged or worn clock spring (spiral cable) in the steering column
- Poor ground or lost 5V reference supply to the sensor
- Connector pushed out, bent pins or water intrusion
- Aftermarket steering wheel or airbag removal reassembly issue
Symptoms
- Traction control, ESC or ABS warning lamp illuminated
- Loss or disable of stability control and/or cruise control functions
- Steering angle reading missing, erratic or stuck at center in scan tool live data
- Possible intermittent fault depending on wheel position or vibration
- Auto-leveling or driver assistance systems using SWA may be degraded or disabled
What to check
- Read and record freeze frame and related DTCs from ABS/ESC/airbag modules
- Inspect steering column area for damaged wiring, pinched harness or disconnected connectors
- Visually inspect clock spring and airbag/steering wheel connectors for damage
- Backprobe sensor connector: check for 5V reference, ground and signal presence
- Measure continuity between sensor pins and control module pins with steering straight and with wheel turned (careful to avoid over-rotating clock spring)
- Check for water ingress, corrosion, bent pins at connectors
Signal parameters
- Typical reference voltage: ~5.0 V (check manufacturer spec)
- Typical signal type: analog or digital angle output; many SWA sensors provide two channels (sine/cosine) ~0.5–4.5 V with ~2.5 V offset
- Open-circuit condition: no signal/voltage changes or sensor output reads OL/— on scan tool
- CAN/lin variants: module may transmit angle as a message; loss appears as invalid or frozen value
- Rotation response: signal should change smoothly with wheel rotation; A/B channels 90° out of phase for incremental encoders
Diagnostic algorithm
- Verify stored codes and see if related modules (ABS, ESC, EPS, airbag) have additional DTCs.
- With ignition ON, use a scan tool to view SWA sensor live data. Note reported angle value and whether it changes when wheel is rotated slowly.
- Inspect connectors and wiring from steering wheel/column to the control module. Look for pin damage, corrosion, or broken wires at the clock spring harness.
- Backprobe the sensor connector: confirm 5 V reference (or specified supply), ground continuity, and measure signal while slowly rotating the wheel. No supply or no signal change indicates open circuit or failed sensor.
- Perform continuity/resistance checks between sensor connector and module connector with column straight; operate steering slowly and check for intermittent opens (wiggle test).
- If wiring and supplies are good but signal is missing or out of spec, remove and bench-test or replace SWA sensor per vehicle procedure.
- If clock spring is suspected (intermittent/open only when wheel turned), remove steering wheel and inspect/replace clock spring following SRS safety procedures.
- After repair or replacement, clear codes and perform required steering angle sensor calibration/initialization with a scan tool per manufacturer procedure.
- Road test and recheck for DTC reappearance and proper operation of stability/cruise systems.
Likely causes
- Open wire or broken conductor in harness through the steering column/clock spring
- Clock spring internal break after steering wheel removal or repeated turn cycles
- Corroded/contaminated connector at the sensor or module
- Sensor element failure (internal open)
- Missing or poor ground at sensor or module
Fault status
Status
Steering Wheel Angle Sensor Circuit/Open — open or broken circuit detected in the steering wheel angle sensor wiring or sensor. Stability control and related functions may be disabled until repaired.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours
Similar codes
Workshop Manuals
Available brands with manuals
2
AUDI 11
6-speed manual gearbox 0B1, front-wheel drive — Workshop Manual (Edition 05.2014)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A3 (1997) – 1.6L 4-cylinder (2‑valve) Engine Mechanical Components Service Manual (AEH, AKL, APF) – Edition 07.2002
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
AUDI A3 (2004) Workshop Manual — 2.0L FSI Turbo (4‑cyl, 4‑valve) Engine, Mechanics — Edition 03.2017
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A3 2004 — Electrical System (Workshop Manual, Edition 02.2018)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet – 4.2 l V8 (5‑valve, timing chains) – Workshop Manual (Mechanics) – Edition 04.2007
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet — Auxiliary Heater Workshop Manual (Edition 08.2004)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet (1.8T 4‑cyl turbo) — Motronic Injection & Ignition System Service Manual (Edition 01.2015)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A8 (2003) — Electrical System Workshop Manual (Edition 08.2014)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi Q4 e-tron (Type F4) - Self-study Programme SSP 685
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi Q8 (2018) — Electrical System Workshop Manual (Edition 05.2019)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi Servicing Manual — 7‑Speed Dual Clutch Transmission 0CJ / 0CL / 0CK / 0DN / 0DP / 0HL (Edition 05.2018)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
LAND ROVER 3
Land Rover Defender 300Tdi — Workshop Manual (1996 model year)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Land Rover Defender Workshop Manual Supplement & Body Repair Manual (1999 & 2002 MY)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Land Rover Range Rover — Electrical Library (LRL 0453ENG, 2002)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Was this AI description helpful?
Your feedback helps improve AI descriptions.
👍 Like
0
👎 Dislike
0
Send to email
