C0710 on 2013-2016 GMC Savana: StabiliTrak and Steering Angle Sensor Faults

What's Unique About the 2013-2016 Gmc SAVANA

The GMC Savana and its platform mate, the Chevrolet Express, are exceptionally prone to this specific code due to a design issue with the steering angle sensor's electrical connector. The plastic connector body has excessive clearance, allowing it to move and vibrate, which causes the metal terminals inside to rub against each other. This rubbing, known as fretting corrosion, creates a layer of oxidized metal dust that looks like dark smudges and increases electrical resistance, eventually interrupting the sensor's signal. This problem is so widespread that General Motors issued Technical Service Bulletin #PI0639C, which explicitly advises technicians *not* to replace the sensor initially, but to instead secure the connector with adhesive shim stock and apply dielectric lubricant. This makes checking the connector the most important first step, saving owners from the unnecessary expense of a new sensor.

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 displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC)
• StabiliTrak/Traction Control warning light is illuminated on the dashboard
• ABS light may be illuminated
• StabiliTrak and traction control systems are disabled

Most Likely Causes

1. Poor Connection at Steering Angle Sensor Connector 🔴 High Probability → Shop Steering Angle Sensor As documented in GM TSB #PI0639C, the connector has excessive clearance, allowing movement that causes fretting corrosion (dark smudges) on the terminals, leading to high resistance and signal loss. This is the most common failure by a wide margin.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the sensor connector at the base of the steering column for looseness. Disconnect it and look for dark smudges or black dust on the pins, which may require a magnifying glass to see clearly. Wiggling the connector with a scan tool connected may show the signal dropping out. A lab scope can definitively show the voltage dropouts while turning the wheel. 🎬 Watch: Diagnostic walkthrough for C0710 on a Chevy Express
   Typical fix: Follow the procedure in TSB #PI0639C: Clean the connector terminals with a dedicated contact cleaner. Apply a small amount of dielectric lubricant (GM P/N 12377900) to both sides of the connector with a nylon brush. Add a piece of 5/8" x 1/8" adhesive shim stock (like Kent Automotive P40100) to the flat surface of the male connector body to create a tighter, wiggle-free fit.
   Est. part cost: $5-$25
2. Faulty Steering Angle Sensor ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Steering Angle Sensor While the sensor can fail internally, it is far less common than the connector issue. TSB #PI0639C explicitly states "DO NOT replace the steering position sensor for this condition" unless the connector fix has been attempted and failed.
   How to confirm: After confirming the connector and wiring are good, use a bidirectional scan tool to monitor the steering angle sensor data while turning the wheel. The degree reading should change smoothly and without dropouts. If it's erratic, stuck, or shows no reading, the sensor is likely bad. An oscilloscope will show clear voltage dropouts on the signal wire if the sensor is failing internally.
   Typical fix: Replace the steering angle sensor, which is located on the steering column. 🎬 See these helpful tips for replacing the steering sensor The new sensor must be calibrated using a compatible scan tool. 🎬 Watch: How to perform the steering angle sensor calibration
   Est. part cost: $60-$150
3. Damaged Wiring Harness ⚪ Low Probability Other GM TSBs for similar platforms (like #PIT5288A) note that the instrument panel harness can sometimes chafe against brackets, potentially damaging the wires for the steering angle sensor circuit. This is less common than the connector fretting.
   How to confirm: Perform a continuity and resistance check on the wires between the steering angle sensor connector and the EBCM connector. Visually inspect the harness for any signs of chafing, pinching, or breaks, especially around the steering column and behind the dash.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness using appropriate splicing techniques and protect it with loom or tape to prevent future damage. In some cases, the TSB suggests replacing the harness-side connector with a service pigtail if the terminals are too damaged.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Aftermarket OBD-II Device Interference:

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the EBCM for diagnostic trouble codes. Confirm C0710 is present, and note any other codes like C0455 or U-codes. Check for specific symptom bytes like '5A' using a professional scanner.
2. Gain access to the steering angle sensor at the base of the steering column by removing the lower instrument panel/knee bolster.
3. Visually inspect the sensor's electrical connector. Check for any obvious looseness or damage.
4. Disconnect the connector. Inspect the male and female terminals for fretting corrosion, which looks like small dark smudges or black dust.
5. Following TSB #PI0639C, apply a small amount of dielectric lubricant (GM P/N 12377900) to the connector terminals.
6. Apply a piece of 5/8" x 1/8" adhesive shim stock (Kent Automotive P/N P40100) to the flat surface of the male connector to create a tighter fit.
7. Reconnect the connector, ensuring it is fully seated and has no play.
8. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool and test drive the vehicle, turning the steering wheel lock-to-lock to see if the code returns.
9. If the code returns, use a scan tool or lab scope to monitor the live data from the steering angle sensor. The analog signal voltage should be approximately 2.5V when straight and sweep smoothly between ~0.4V and ~4.6V when turning. If the signal is erratic, stuck, or shows dropouts, the sensor itself has likely failed.
10. If the sensor is replaced, perform the steering angle sensor calibration procedure using a compatible scan tool.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Dielectric Lubricant (OEM #12377900) — Required to protect the connector terminals from moisture and future corrosion as part of the TSB #PI0639C repair.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Permatex
  OEM price range: $15-$25
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$10
• Adhesive Back Shim Stock (OEM #P40100) — Used to eliminate excessive clearance in the steering angle sensor connector, which is the root cause of the fretting corrosion, as specified in TSB #PI0639C.
  Trusted brands: Kent Automotive
  OEM price range: $10-$20
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$15
• Steering Angle Sensor (OEM #13590209) — This part is only replaced if the connector repair (TSB fix) does not resolve the issue. It is the sensor that reads the steering wheel's position.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (GM Genuine), Dorman, NTK
  OEM price range: $80-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $60-$110

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C0455 — This code for 'Steering Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction' is often set alongside C0710. TSB PI0639C lists them together as being caused by the same connector fretting issue.
• U0126 / U0077 — These codes indicate 'Lost Communication with Steering Angle Sensor Module' or 'Chassis Control Module Communication Bus B Off'. Their presence alongside C0710 could point to a broader network issue, potentially caused by a chafed wiring harness or a faulty aftermarket device plugged into the OBD-II port.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PI0639C: Details the common issue of a loose steering angle sensor connector causing fretting corrosion and DTCs C0710 and C0455. It provides the specific shim and grease repair procedure.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known design flaw in the steering angle sensor connector causes it to be loose, leading to fretting corrosion and signal interruption. This is officially documented by GM in TSB #PI0639C.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Steering Angle Sensor Analog Signal Voltage (Scan Tool) — expected: ~2.5V with wheels straight, sweeping smoothly between approx. 0.4V and 4.6V lock-to-lock.. Failure: Voltage is stuck, jumps erratically, or shows sudden dropouts when turning the wheel.
• Sensor 5V Reference Circuit Voltage (at EBCM connector) — expected: 4.8-5.2 V.. Failure: Voltage outside this range indicates a problem with the EBCM or a short/open in the harness.
• Sensor Low Reference Circuit Resistance — expected: Less than 2 Ω.. Failure: Resistance of 2 Ω or greater indicates an open or high resistance in the ground circuit.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• C0710 5A: Steering Position Signal Plausibility Failure. This is the most common symptom byte and indicates the EBCM is receiving a signal, but its value is illogical compared to other vehicle data (like yaw rate or wheel speed). (see via Requires a GM Tech 2, GDS2, or a high-end aftermarket scan tool capable of reading manufacturer-specific symptom bytes.)
• C0710 42: Steering Position Signal Calibration Not Programmed. This code specifically points to the need to perform the steering angle sensor learn/calibration procedure. (see via Visible in the EBCM fault data on professional scan tools with GM-specific software.)
• C0710 0F: Steering Position Signal Erratic. This indicates the sensor signal is changing at a rate deemed physically impossible, such as jumping values instantly. (see via Visible in the EBCM fault data on professional scan tools.)
• C0710 71: Steering Position Signal Invalid Data. This suggests the data packet from the sensor is corrupt or not being received correctly by the EBCM. (see via Visible in the EBCM fault data on professional scan tools.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM GDS2 / Professional Scan Tool: Steering Wheel Angle Sensor Learn / Calibration — This procedure is mandatory after replacing the steering angle sensor, replacing the EBCM, or performing a wheel alignment. It resets the sensor's zero-degree (straight-ahead) position. On some tools for a Savana, the path is: Workshop Tools > Steering Angle Sensor Calibration > Chassis > EBCM > Steering Wheel Angle Sensor Learn.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Steering Angle Sensor Connector Wires — At the sensor connector on the steering column.. Knowing the wire functions is critical for testing. On a 2011 Express/Savana, the Gray wire is the 5V reference, the Orange/Black wire is the sensor ground, and the Light Green wire is the analog signal wire that should be tested for dropouts.
• G218 — On the metal dashboard frame, potentially near the passenger side A-pillar, behind the trim.. TSB #PIT5405C for other GM trucks identifies this as a critical ground for the Body Control Module (BCM). A poor ground here can cause a wide range of electrical issues, including communication problems that could potentially manifest as a C0710.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• New Level Auto, YouTube (2011 Chevrolet Express 3500 (Savana platform mate)) — Traction control light comes on, DTC C0710 5A (Plausibility Failure) is stored.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis focused on confirming the code and symptoms.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The technician connected a lab scope to the sensor's signal wire (Light Green) and graphed its voltage while turning the steering wheel. The scope showed clear voltage dropouts, proving the sensor itself was internally faulty. The fix was to replace the steering angle sensor.
• Car Help Forums user (2012 Chevrolet Malibu (demonstrates a common GM diagnostic issue)) — Service ESC / Service Traction lights with codes C0710 and U2143 after replacing the sensor and EBCM.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the Steering Angle Sensor., Replacing and programming the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM)., Calibrating the new sensor.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The issue was unresolved but the root cause of the diagnostic dead-end was identified: The wiring diagrams from both ALLDATA and Mitchell were incorrect for the vehicle's late production date. The wire terminals specified for testing at the EBCM connector did not exist on the actual vehicle, preventing further circuit diagnosis. This serves as a critical warning for technicians working on vehicles near the end of a model year.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 13590209 (GM) → No direct supersession found. — N/A
  Heads up: A technician in a video mentioned part number 19418403 for a similar GM truck, indicating multiple part numbers may be in circulation. An aftermarket cross-reference is NTK/NGK part number SJ0042. Always verify the correct part number by VIN.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• Late production models within the 2013-2016 range.: The wiring harness pinout at the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) may differ from what is published in common third-party service manuals. This can make circuit testing between the sensor and the EBCM impossible without obtaining the exact, VIN-specific factory wiring diagram.