C0710 on 2013-2016 Chevrolet Express: StabiliTrak Light and Steering Sensor Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2016 Chevrolet EXPRESS

The Chevrolet Express and its platform-mates (GMC Savana, Silverado, Tahoe) from this era are well-known for this specific issue. The problem is so frequently a loose or corroded connector at the steering angle sensor—rather than a failed sensor—that General Motors issued a specific Technical Service Bulletin (PI0639C). The TSB explicitly advises technicians *not* to replace the sensor as a first step, but to instead service the connector with a shim and lubricant to ensure a tight, lasting connection. The cause is identified as fretting corrosion, which appears as small dark smudges on the connector terminals from micro-vibrations and movement.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• "Service StabiliTrak" message on the Driver Information Center (DIC)
• StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light is on
• Traction Control System (TCS) is disabled
• ABS warning light may be on

Most Likely Causes

1. Poor Connection at Steering Angle Sensor Connector 🔴 High Probability → Shop Steering Angle Sensor The connector design can have excessive clearance, leading to movement and fretting corrosion on the terminals, which increases electrical resistance. This is a well-documented issue covered by GM TSB #PI0639C. Fretting corrosion looks like small dark smudges on the electrical terminals where contact is made.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the sensor connector at the base of the steering column for looseness. Wiggling the connector while monitoring live sensor data on a scan tool may cause the signal to drop out or become erratic. A lab scope is the best tool to see the small voltage dropouts that a multimeter would miss.
   Typical fix: Follow the procedure in TSB #PI0639C: disconnect the connector, clean the terminals with a dedicated nylon brush, apply a small amount of dielectric lubricant (GM P/N 12377900), and add an adhesive shim (Kent Automotive P/N P40100) 🎬 See how to apply the TSB shim and grease fix. to the flat surface of the male connector to create a tighter fit.
   Est. part cost: $5-$25
2. Failed Steering Angle Sensor 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Steering Angle Sensor While less common than the connector issue, the sensor itself can fail internally after years of use. However, TSB #PI0639C explicitly states "DO NOT replace the steering position sensor for this condition" until the connector issue is ruled out.
   How to confirm: If the connector fix does not resolve the code, use a scan tool to monitor the sensor's live data while turning the steering wheel. The reading should change smoothly without jumps, freezes, or glitches. If it is stuck, jumps erratically, or is blank, the sensor has likely failed.
   Typical fix: Replace the steering angle sensor. This requires removing lower dash panels and potentially lowering the steering column to access the sensor. A steering angle sensor calibration must be performed after replacement using a compatible scan tool (like an Autel, Xtool D8S, or GM MDI2).
   Est. part cost: $70-$150
3. Damaged Wiring Harness ⚪ Low Probability Other GM TSBs (like #PIT5288A for related trucks) note that the instrument panel harness can sometimes chafe against mounting brackets near the park brake pedal, causing shorts or opens in the sensor circuits.
   How to confirm: If both the connector and sensor are known to be good, perform a continuity and resistance test on the signal, power, and ground wires between the sensor connector and the EBCM. Check for chafing on the harness under the driver's side dash.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness and protect it from future chafing with loom or tape.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Poor EBCM Ground:
• Incorrect Wheel Alignment:

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the EBCM for diagnostic trouble codes. Confirm C0710 is present, noting if it's current or history. Check for C0455 as well.
2. Gain access to the steering angle sensor located at the base of the steering column by removing the lower instrument panel/knee bolster.
3. Inspect the sensor's electrical connector. Check for looseness, corrosion, or dark smudges (fretting corrosion) on the terminals.
4. Perform the TSB #PI0639C repair: Disconnect the battery. Disconnect the sensor, clean the terminals with a nylon brush, apply a small amount of dielectric lubricant (GM P/N 12377900), and add the specified adhesive shim (Kent Automotive P/N P40100) to the flat surface of the male connector half.
5. Reconnect the connector, ensuring a snug fit. Reconnect the battery, clear the codes, and perform a test drive with several turns to see if the code returns.
6. If the code returns, use a professional scan tool or oscilloscope to monitor the live data from the steering angle sensor. The angle should change smoothly as you turn the wheel. If it's erratic, stuck, or shows no reading, the sensor is the likely culprit.
7. If the sensor is confirmed to be faulty, replace it. The new sensor must be calibrated using a scan tool's relearn procedure.
8. If a new sensor and the connector fix do not solve the issue, inspect the wiring harness between the sensor and the EBCM for continuity and shorts to power or ground, paying close attention to areas where it might chafe against brackets.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Steering Angle Sensor Connector Repair Kit (Shim & Grease) (OEM #P40100 (Kent Shim), 12377900 (GM Grease)) — This is the official GM-recommended fix for the most common cause of C0710: a loose connector with fretting corrosion. The shim is a piece of 1/8" x 5/8" adhesive-backed EPDM rubber.
  Trusted brands: Kent Automotive, ACDelco
  OEM price range: $15-$25
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$15
• Steering Angle Sensor (OEM #13590209) — If the connector repair does not work, the sensor itself has likely failed internally. This is the next most common part to be replaced. This part may have previously been sold under ACDelco OE.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (GM Genuine), Dorman, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $70-$145
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$100

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C0455 — This code for 'Steering Position Sensor Circuit' is frequently set alongside C0710. TSB #PI0639C lists them together as they both relate to the same sensor and common connector fault.
• C0710-5A — This is a more specific version of the code indicating a 'Steering Position Signal Plausibility Failure'. It means the signal doesn't make sense when compared to other vehicle data, often caused by the erratic signal from a bad connection or failing sensor.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PI0639C: Addresses a 'Service StabiliTrak' message with DTC C0710 or C0455. Recommends applying adhesive shim stock and dielectric lubricant to the steering angle sensor connector to correct a poor connection. Explicitly states not to replace the sensor for this condition.
• PIT5288A/H: Notes that on related truck platforms, the instrument panel harness can chafe

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known issue documented in TSB #PI0639C points to excessive clearance in the steering angle sensor connector, causing fretting corrosion and signal loss. The official fix is to add a shim and dielectric grease, not to replace the sensor.
• A user on ChevroletForum.com with a 2012 Suburban experienced the C0710 code, attempted cleaning the connector which did not work, and ultimately had to replace the sensor to resolve the issue, confirming that while the connector is the primary suspect, sensor failure is still a possibility.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Steering Angle Sensor Analog Signal Voltage — expected: Approximately 2.5V with steering wheel centered. The voltage should sweep smoothly between its low and high limits as the wheel is turned lock-to-lock.. Failure: Voltage is stuck, jumps erratically, or is less than 0.4V or greater than 4.6V.
• Steering Angle Sensor Power & Ground — expected: A 5-volt reference on the gray wire and a good ground (near 0V) on the orange/black wire at the sensor connector.. Failure: Missing 5V reference or high resistance on the ground circuit points to a wiring or EBCM issue, not a sensor failure.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• C0710 5A: Steering Position Signal Plausibility Failure. This is the most common sub-code and means the sensor's reported angle is illogical compared to other vehicle data (like wheel speeds). (see via Advanced scan tools like the GM GDS2/Tech II or high-end aftermarket scanners that can read manufacturer-specific symptom codes.)
• C0710 42: Steering Wheel Angle Signal Calibration Not Programmed. This indicates the sensor has not been calibrated or the calibration data was lost, often after a battery disconnect or component replacement. (see via Advanced scan tools like the GM GDS2/Tech II.)
• C0710 71: Invalid Serial Data Received. This points directly to a data communication problem between the sensor and the EBCM, often caused by the fretting corrosion at the connector described in TSB #PI0639C. (see via Advanced scan tools like the GM GDS2/Tech II.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM GDS2 / Tech II or equivalent professional scan tool: Steering Wheel Angle Sensor Learn (or Calibration) — This function must be performed after replacing the steering angle sensor, after a wheel alignment, or if the calibration is suspected to be lost. The procedure is found in the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) special functions menu and requires the wheels to be set straight ahead before initiating the learn process.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G218 — Located in the driver's side footwell, near the A-pillar/kick panel area, typically a ground stud with a 10mm nut.. TSB #PIT5405C identifies this as a potential cause for C0710 on 2014+ models. The dash insulator mat can get trapped between the ground terminal and the body, creating high resistance and causing various electrical issues, including sensor faults.
• Steering Angle Sensor Connector — At the base of the steering column, accessible after removing the lower instrument panel/knee bolster.. This is the primary failure point. Key wires to test are the Gray (5V Reference), Orange/Black (Low Reference/Ground), and Light Green (Signal).

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Tahoe Yukon Forum user (Chevrolet Tahoe (similar platform)) — Service StabiliTrak and traction control lights with code C0710.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Multiple dealership visits could not find the cause.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The code appeared after a rack and pinion replacement and alignment. A different technician found the steering shaft was misaligned by one full turn. Disconnecting the steering shaft under the hood and mechanically re-centering it to 0 degrees resolved the code.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 13590209 → 13590209 (current) — No supersession found. This part number appears to be stable for the specified model years.
  Heads up: Some GM Genuine Parts may have formerly appeared as ACDelco GM Original Equipment (OE), but the part itself is the same. An aftermarket cross-reference is NTK/NGK part number SJ0042.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2014-2016: TSB #PIT5405C, which addresses a poor ground at G218 as a potential cause for C0710 and other electrical issues, specifically applies to 2014 and newer models in this range.