C0287 Stability computer flags a fault in a motion-sensing signal circuit

Longitudinal acceleration sensor circuit

C0287 in short

C0287 means the ABS and stability computer sees a bad signal in a motion-sensing circuit. GM-based service information says it is the forward and backward acceleration sensor, and bulletins list it with ABS, traction off and service stability lights. Causes include the sensor, its wiring or connector, or the brake module. Get it checked soon.

GM-based Saab service information defines C0287 as the longitudinal acceleration sensor circuit being not plausible or not calibrated. The sensor is usually the same multi-axis unit as the sideways sensor, so it shares wiring and often sets with C0186.

GM bulletins for older full-size SUVs (2000-2002) list C0287 with an intermittent traction off lamp, and the summaries do not say what the code measures on those trucks. Confirm the meaning for your model with a scan tool or service manual.

For Equinox and Terrain, GM says to inspect the X411 connector for damage or corrosion when C0287 and related codes are stored.

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 a loose sensor, a poor ground, a lost 12 V reference and then the sensor itself for C0287, the same list as C0186.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor is loose or a ground or reference check fails. Falls if all three are good.

  2. Damaged or corroded connector

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM PIT5427B tells technicians to inspect the X411 connector on Equinox and Terrain when C0287 and related codes are stored. The bulletin is unverified.
    What would change this
    Rises if a connector shows corrosion or a bent terminal. Falls if the connector is clean.

  3. Brake control module fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Saab service information lists the module after the sensor and circuits.
    What would change this
    Rises only after the sensor, wiring and calibration are cleared. Falls if an 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 and note C0186, C0196 or C0710 stored with C0287.

    Low riskTool: scan tool

    • IfC0186 or C0196 are stored too

      It meansLook for a shared sensor or connector fault.

      Go to step 2

    • IfC0287 is alone

      It meansCheck the circuits and the connector.

      Go to step 2

  2. Have a shop check the sensor mounting, ground, 12 V reference and the connector, then calibrate the sensor.

    Best left to a shop

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

Symptoms

  • ABS, traction off or service stability light on
  • Stability and traction control not working 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

Cadillac

  • 030525002Status unverified

    Intermittent traction off lamp with C0287

    2002escalade · NHTSA 10001265

    Lists C0287 with an intermittent traction off lamp on 2000-2002 full-size SUVs; the summary gives no cause.

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

GMC

  • 2000–2002 · Yukon

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin: intermittent traction off lamp with C0287 on these 2000-2002 SUVs.

  • 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.

  • 030525002 (gmc)Status unverified

    Intermittent traction off lamp with C0287

    2000–2002yukon · NHTSA 10001265

    Lists C0287 with an intermittent traction off lamp on 2000-2002 full-size SUVs; the summary gives no cause.

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

  • 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.

Chevrolet

  • 2000–2002 · Suburban

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin: intermittent traction off lamp with C0287 on these 2000-2002 SUVs.

  • 2000–2002 · Tahoe

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin: intermittent traction off lamp with C0287 on these 2000-2002 SUVs.

  • 2006 · Trailblazer

    Supported by vehicle data

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

  • 2009–2015 · Malibu

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin for C0287 with an intermittent ABS light on the 2009 hybrid Malibu and Aura.

  • 2010–2017 · Equinox

    Supported by vehicle data

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

  • 030525002 (chevrolet)Status unverified

    Intermittent traction off lamp with C0287

    2000–2002suburban, tahoe · NHTSA 10001265

    Lists C0287 with an intermittent traction off lamp on 2000-2002 full-size SUVs; the summary gives no cause.

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

  • 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.

  • PIC-4936Status unverified

    ABS light on with C0287 on hybrid models

    2009malibu · NHTSA 10026103

    ABS light comes on intermittently on the hybrids. The summary does not say what fixes it.

    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.

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.

  • 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.

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.

Saturn

  • PIC-4936 (saturn)Status unverified

    ABS light on with C0287 on hybrid models

    2009aura · NHTSA 10026103

    ABS light comes on intermittently on the hybrids. The summary does not say what fixes it.

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

  • C0186Sideways (lateral) acceleration sensor signal faulty or not believable

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Saab service information diagnoses C0186 and C0287 together, and GM bulletins list them side by side.

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

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletins list C0196 with C0287 in the same connector and airbag-light bulletins.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

Sources and review

  1. GM PIC-4936: ABS light on with code C0287 on hybrid models (2009 Malibu and Aura) — General Motors via NHTSA
  2. GM 030525002: intermittent traction off lamp with DTC C0287 (2000-2002 full-size SUVs) — General Motors via NHTSA
  3. GM PIT5427B: service lights with C0196, C0186, C0287, C0710 and other codes; inspect X411 connector (2010-2017 Equinox and Terrain) — General Motors via NHTSA
  4. DTC C0186, C0196, C019B or C0287 (Saab 9-4X 2011 service information) — Saab / General Motors (saabwisonline.com mirror)
  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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