C0196 Stability system sees a sensor or motion fault (GM)

Service Stabilitrak with C0196 (GM)

C0196 in short

On GM vehicles C0196 is a code stored by the brake control module with a Service Stabilitrak message. Common triggers are the car being flat towed or carried on a truck, or a corroded connector. Stability control may be off and a red brake lamp can show, so have it checked soon.

The brake control module checks wheel speed, steering and motion sensors against each other. GM bulletins show C0196 setting after a car was flat towed or came off a car carrier: the car senses motion while the wheels are not turning.

On other GM models, C0196 is one of a long list of codes set together when a connector is corroded. A 2010-2017 Equinox and Terrain bulletin traces them to corrosion in the X411 connector behind the fuel tank.

Because brakes and stability control are safety systems, this page explains the cause only and gives no do-it-yourself steps.

Most likely causes

  1. Car moved on a carrier or tow without wheels turning

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM's Volt bulletin and a Karma bulletin attribute C0196 to the car sensing movement with no wheel speed after transport.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code appeared right after towing or shipping. Falls if the code appeared during normal driving.
    How to test the brake system control module (abs module)

  2. Corroded connector (for example X411 on Equinox and Terrain)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    A bulletin for 2010-2017 Equinox and Terrain lists C0196 among many codes caused by corrosion at connector X411.
    What would change this
    Rises if several unrelated warnings and network codes appear together. Falls if only C0196 is stored.

  3. Brake module or harness fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Other GM bulletins list C0196 with chassis codes without naming one cause, so module and wiring faults stay possible after the first two are ruled out.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code returns after the bulletin fixes. Falls if a relearn clears it for good.
    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. Have all modules scanned and note every code stored with C0196, plus whether the car was recently towed or shipped.

    Low riskTool: scan tool

  2. Ask a shop to check for GM bulletins for your VIN and to test the brake module, its connectors and wiring.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:Brake and stability repairs are safety-critical; leave them to a qualified shop.

Symptoms

  • Service Stabilitrak message
  • Stability or traction control off
  • Red brake lamp on with the message 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):Brake module software, connector and replacement work should be quoted by a shop after diagnosis. 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

Chevrolet

  • 2012–2013 · Volt

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin PIC5436B links C0196 with a Service Stabilitrak message and red brake lamp after flat towing or carrier transport. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2010–2017 · Equinox

    Supported by vehicle data

    A bulletin summary for Equinox and GMC Terrain traces C0196 and related codes to corrosion at connector X411. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2015 · Malibu

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin PI1525 lists C0196 with B101D, C0186 and C0287 behind an airbag readiness lamp. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • PIC5436BStatus unverified

    Service Stabilitrak and red brake lamp, C0196

    2012–2013volt · NHTSA 10111903

    Sensor learn and code clear after flat towing or car carrier transport.

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

  • PI1525Status unverified

    Airbag lamp on with B101D and C0186, C0196 and/or C0287

    2015malibu · NHTSA 10113801

    Diagnostic tips; repair not stated.

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

Buick

  • 2007 · Lucerne

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin 4520 lists C0196 with C0292 and C0710 behind a Service Stabilitrak message. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 3741AStatus unverified

    Service stability light on with C0196 and related codes

    2006rainier · NHTSA 10018639

    Lists C0196 with C0186, C0283, C0287, C0290, C0292, C0455 and C0550; repair not stated.

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

  • 4520Status unverified

    Service Stabilitrak, C0196, C0292, C0710

    2007lucerne · NHTSA 10021690

    Lists C0196 with C0292 and C0710; repair not stated.

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

Pontiac

  • 2009 · Torrent

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin PIT-4756 says a wire harness to the brake module chafing on the transmission mount or a bracket can set C0196 with other chassis and network codes. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • PIT-4756Status unverified

    ABS and Stabilitrak lights, U0121, C0550, C0186, C0196, C0710, C0252

    2009torrent · NHTSA 10028186

    Says the harness to the brake module can chafe on the transmission mount or a bracket.

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

  • C0710Steering wheel position sensor signal fault (GM)

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletins list C0196 and C0710 together among codes caused by connector corrosion.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

C0196 questions

Is it safe to drive with C0196?

Normal braking usually still works, but stability control may be off. If the red brake lamp stays on or the pedal feels wrong, do not drive and have it towed.

Can towing cause C0196?

Yes. GM bulletins say it can set after a car is flat towed or carried on a truck. A shop can clear it with a sensor learn.

Sources and review

  1. GM PIC5436B: Service Stabilitrak message and red brake lamp, DTC C0196 — General Motors via NHTSA
  2. Chevy/GMC Codes (2010-2017 Equinox and Terrain bulletin summary) — VehicleServicePros
  3. GM 3741A: Service stability light on, C0186 C0196 C0283 C0287 C0290 C0292 C0455 C0550 — General Motors via NHTSA
  4. GM 4520: Service Stabilitrak message, DTC C0196, C0292, C0710 — General Motors via NHTSA
  5. GM PIT-4756: ABS and Stabilitrak lights on, DTCs U0121 C0550 C0186 C0196 C0710 C0252 — General Motors via NHTSA
  6. GM PI1525: Airbag lamp on with B101D and C0186, C0196 and/or C0287 — General Motors via NHTSA
  7. GM 15-05-25-001: Service Stabilitrak message, DTC C0196-5A — General Motors via NHTSA
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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