C0186 Sideways (lateral) acceleration sensor signal faulty or not believable

Lateral acceleration sensor circuit

C0186 in short

C0186 means the stability computer sees a bad or unbelievable signal from the sensor that measures sideways acceleration. Causes include the sensor, its wiring or connector, or the brake module. GM lists it with Service StabiliTrak and ABS lights. Stability control may be unavailable, so get it checked soon.

The sensor that measures sideways forces tells the stability computer how hard the car is cornering. GM-based Saab service information says C0186 sets when that sensor reads outside its limits or disagrees with yaw rate, steering angle and speed.

The sensor is usually a multi-axis unit that talks to the brake module over the network, so loose mounting, a poor ground, a lost 12 V reference or a damaged connector can all upset it.

GM bulletins show two repeat causes: a wire harness to the brake module chafing on the transmission mount or a bracket on Equinox, Torrent and Vue, and a damaged or corroded X411 connector on Equinox and Terrain.

Most likely causes

  1. Sensor mounting, ground or reference supply fault

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM-based Saab service information lists loose or wrong sensor installation, an open or high-resistance ground, a shorted or open 12 V reference, and then the sensor, as the causes.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor is loose or its ground or reference voltage fails a meter check. Falls if mounting, ground and reference are good.

  2. Chafed harness or corroded connector near the brake module

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM PIT-4756 names a harness to the EBCM chafing on a mount or bracket, and PIT5427B says to inspect the X411 connector for damage or corrosion. Both bulletins are unverified.
    What would change this
    Rises if the wiring shows rub marks or the connector shows corrosion. Falls if both are clean.

  3. Sensor offset or calibration out of range

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Saab service information says the code sets when the sensor offset is out of limits, and lists sensor programming and calibration as a step before replacement.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code appeared after battery, sensor or suspension work. Falls if calibration is current and the code returns.

  4. Brake control module fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Saab service information lists the module last, after the sensor and circuits check out.
    What would change this
    Rises only after sensor, wiring and calibration are cleared. Falls if any earlier fix clears the code.
    How to test the brake system control module (abs module)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all codes with a scan tool and note C0196, C0287, C0710 or network codes stored with C0186.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool

    Warning:Brake, stability and wiring checks need scan tools and a lifted vehicle. Let a shop do this.

    • IfSeveral chassis and network codes are stored

      It meansLook first for a shared wiring or connector problem.

      Go to step 2

    • IfC0186 is alone

      It meansCheck the sensor mounting and circuits.

      Go to step 3

  2. Have a shop inspect the harness to the brake module for rub marks and the X411 connector for damage or corrosion.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:Brake, stability and wiring checks need scan tools and a lifted vehicle. Let a shop do this.

  3. Have a shop check the sensor mounting, ground resistance and 12 V reference, then run the sensor calibration.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:Brake, stability and wiring checks need scan tools and a lifted vehicle. Let a shop do this.

Symptoms

  • Service StabiliTrak or stability warning
  • ABS or traction control light on
  • Stability control not working in a slide Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

  • Brake system control module (ABS module):Replace the module only after the sensor, wiring and connector are cleared. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Buick

  • 3741AStatus unverified

    Service stability light on, C0186 C0196 C0283 C0287 C0290 C0292 C0455 C0550

    2006rainier · NHTSA 10018639

    Lists C0186 and other chassis codes behind a service stability light on the 2006 TrailBlazer family.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 4698 (buick)Status unverified

    Service StabiliTrak, C0186 C0196

    2006–2008lucerne · NHTSA 10023726

    Lists C0186 and C0196 with a Service StabiliTrak message.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PI1525AStatus unverified

    Airbag Readiness light on with B101D and C0186, C0196 and/or C0287

    2014–2015regal · NHTSA 10113819

    Diagnostic tips for an airbag readiness light that comes with B101D and these chassis codes. The summary does not state the cause.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chevrolet

  • 2006 · Trailblazer

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin lists C0186 with a service stability light on this SUV family.

  • 2007–2017 · Equinox

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin: harness to the brake module chafing on the transmission mount or a bracket can set C0186 with other codes.

  • 2015 · Malibu

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM information bulletin pairs C0186 with B101D and the airbag readiness light on these 2014-2015 cars.

  • 3741A (chevrolet)Status unverified

    Service stability light on, C0186 C0196 C0283 C0287 C0290 C0292 C0455 C0550

    2006trailblazer · NHTSA 10018639

    Lists C0186 and other chassis codes behind a service stability light on the 2006 TrailBlazer family.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIT-4756 (chevrolet)Status unverified

    ABS and StabiliTrak lights on with C0186, C0196, C0550 and others

    2007–2009equinox · NHTSA 10028186

    The cause can be the wire harness to the EBCM chafing on the transmission mount or a metal bracket.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PI1525A (chevrolet)Status unverified

    Airbag Readiness light on with B101D and C0186, C0196 and/or C0287

    2015malibu · NHTSA 10113819

    Diagnostic tips for an airbag readiness light that comes with B101D and these chassis codes. The summary does not state the cause.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIT5427BStatus unverified

    Service lights with C0186, C0196, C0287, C0710 and other codes

    2010–2017equinox · NHTSA 10151859

    Inspect the X411 connector for damage or corrosion and replace damaged terminals.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

GMC

  • 2006 · Envoy

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin lists C0186 with a service stability light on this SUV family.

  • 2010–2017 · Terrain

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM information bulletin: inspect the X411 connector for damage or corrosion when C0186 and related codes are stored.

  • 3741A (gmc)Status unverified

    Service stability light on, C0186 C0196 C0283 C0287 C0290 C0292 C0455 C0550

    2006envoy · NHTSA 10018639

    Lists C0186 and other chassis codes behind a service stability light on the 2006 TrailBlazer family.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIT5427B (gmc)Status unverified

    Service lights with C0186, C0196, C0287, C0710 and other codes

    2010–2017terrain · NHTSA 10151859

    Inspect the X411 connector for damage or corrosion and replace damaged terminals.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Saab

  • 3741A (saab)Status unverified

    Service stability light on, C0186 C0196 C0283 C0287 C0290 C0292 C0455 C0550

    20069-7x · NHTSA 10018639

    Lists C0186 and other chassis codes behind a service stability light on the 2006 TrailBlazer family.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Cadillac

  • 4698Status unverified

    Service StabiliTrak, C0186 C0196

    2006–2008dts · NHTSA 10023726

    Lists C0186 and C0196 with a Service StabiliTrak message.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Pontiac

  • 2007–2009 · Torrent

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin: harness to the brake module chafing on the transmission mount or a bracket can set C0186 with other codes.

  • PIT-4756Status unverified

    ABS and StabiliTrak lights on with C0186, C0196, C0550 and others

    2007–2009torrent · NHTSA 10028186

    The cause can be the wire harness to the EBCM chafing on the transmission mount or a metal bracket.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Saturn

  • 2008–2009 · Vue

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin: harness to the brake module chafing on the transmission mount or a bracket can set C0186 with other codes.

  • PIT-4756 (saturn)Status unverified

    ABS and StabiliTrak lights on with C0186, C0196, C0550 and others

    2008–2009vue · NHTSA 10028186

    The cause can be the wire harness to the EBCM chafing on the transmission mount or a metal bracket.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • C0196Stability system sees a sensor or motion fault (GM)

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletins list C0196 with C0186 behind the same stability lights, and the same wiring or connector faults can set both.

  • C0287Stability computer flags a fault in a motion-sensing signal circuit

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletins list C0287 with C0186, and Saab service information covers both under one diagnostic page.

  • C0710Steering wheel position sensor signal fault (GM)

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM lists C0710 with C0186 in the same bulletins about stability warnings.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

Sources and review

  1. GM 4698: Service StabiliTrak, C0186 C0196 (2006-2008 DTS and Lucerne) — General Motors via NHTSA
  2. GM PIT-4756: ABS and StabiliTrak lights on, U0121, C0550, C0186, C0196, C0710, C0252 (2007-2009 Equinox, Torrent, Vue) — General Motors via NHTSA
  3. DTC C0186, C0196, C019B or C0287 (Saab 9-4X 2011 service information) — Saab / General Motors (saabwisonline.com mirror)
  4. GM PIT5427B: service lights with C0196, C0186, C0287, C0710 and other codes; inspect X411 connector (2010-2017 Equinox and Terrain) — General Motors via NHTSA
  5. GM 3741A: service stability light on, C0186 C0196 C0283 C0287 C0290 C0292 C0455 C0550 (2006 TrailBlazer family) — General Motors via NHTSA
  6. GM PI1525A: Airbag Readiness light on with B101D and C0186, C0196 and/or C0287 (2014-2015 Regal and Malibu) — General Motors via NHTSA
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

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