C0545: Electric power steering torque sensor fault (GM)

Steering wheel torque sensor circuit fault

Severity: Inspect soon

GM service information says that when this code sets, the power steering module stops providing assist and shows a power steering message. You can still steer, but it is much heavier, especially at low speed. A GM recall found that sudden loss of assist raises crash risk.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: Steering assist cuts out while driving and the vehicle is hard to steer. Pull over somewhere safe and have it towed or repaired before driving further.

Safety-critical system: explanation only, no DIY steps. Source: how we rate severity

C0545 in short

On GM vehicles, C0545 means the electric power steering module found a fault with the steering wheel torque sensor, or its calibration was never learned. Power steering assist shuts off, so steering becomes heavy. Older Malibu, G6 and Aura models had a recall for this, so check your VIN and have it repaired soon.

Electric power steering uses a torque sensor in the steering column to measure how hard you are turning the wheel. The control module adds motor assist based on that signal. GM's sensor sends two opposite signals, and if either goes outside its normal range the module stores C0545 and turns the assist off.

The symptom number after the code matters. C0545 00 is a sensor signal fault. C0545 4B means the sensor calibration has not been learned; GM's service information calls for calibrating the torque and position sensors after replacing the column or the control module.

GM recall 14V-153 covered sudden loss of assist on 2004–2006 and 2008–2009 Malibu, 2005–2009 Pontiac G6, 2008–2009 Saturn Aura and some Ion, HHR and Cobalt models. Bulletins for earlier Malibu columns describe an intermittent internal wiring condition, and a 2015 Colorado and Canyon bulletin calls for a new steering gear for this code.

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Intermittent internal wiring fault in the electric steering column
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
GM bulletins for the 2004–2005 and 2009 Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura describe columns with an intermittent internal wiring condition that sets C0545, with column replacement as the repair. These bulletins are not verified as current.
What would change this
Rises on those models if the assist comes and goes, or the column is noisy. Falls if the recall or column replacement has already been done.
Cause 2: Failed steering torque sensor
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
The code is set by the torque sensor signal, and recall 14V-153's remedy includes replacing the torque sensor.
What would change this
Rises if a sensor signal is out of range with the code current. Falls if both signals read normally.
Cause 3: Torque sensor calibration not learned after a repair
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
GM service information sets C0545 4B when the torque sensor calibration has not been learned, and calls for calibration after replacing the column or control module.
What would change this
Rises if the code shows symptom 4B, especially after recent steering work. Falls with symptom 00.
Cause 4: Fault in the power steering gear (2015 Colorado and Canyon)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
GM's bulletin for the 2015 Colorado and Canyon says C0545 calls for replacing the power steering gear. It is not verified as current.
What would change this
Rises on a 2015 Colorado or Canyon with C0545 stored. Does not apply to other models.

What to test first

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

Step 1: Have the power steering codes read with a scan tool that shows the symptom number after C0545.
Low riskTool: scan tool with power steering module access
- IfC0545 4B
  It meansThe torque sensor calibration was not learned.
  Go to step 3 Points to: Torque sensor calibration not learned after a repair
- IfC0545 00 or no symptom number
  It meansA sensor signal fault; check for recalls and bulletins next.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: Give your VIN to a GM dealer, or check it on NHTSA's recall lookup, and ask about recall 14V-153 and steering bulletins.
Low risk
- IfThe recall is open on your VIN
  It meansThe dealer repairs it under the recall.
  Points to: Failed steering torque sensor
- IfA bulletin covers your model
  It meansThe dealer follows it.
  Go to step 3 Points to: Intermittent internal wiring fault in the electric steering column
- IfNothing applies
  It meansThe service manual diagnosis is next.
  Go to step 3
Step 3: Have a technician check both torque sensor signals and follow GM's C0545 diagnosis, then calibrate the torque and position sensors after any repair.
Best left to a shopTool: GM diagnostic tool and service information
Warning:Steering column and gear work affects control of the vehicle and the column holds the airbag. Leave it to a qualified technician.
- IfA signal is out of range or drops out
  It meansThe sensor or column wiring is at fault.
  Points to: Failed steering torque sensor
- IfThe fault follows the steering gear on a 2015 Colorado or Canyon
  It meansGM's bulletin calls for a new gear.
  Points to: Fault in the power steering gear (2015 Colorado and Canyon)
- IfCalibration has not been done
  It meansCalibrating the sensors may clear it.
  Points to: Torque sensor calibration not learned after a repair

Symptoms

Power steering message on the dash
Steering suddenly heavy, especially at low speed
Steering assist comes and goes
Steering assist cuts out while driving 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

Electric steering column, torque sensor or steering gear:Check for open recalls first; recall 14V-153 work is done free by GM dealers. After any column or module repair, the sensors must be calibrated. Labour 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

2004–2009 · Malibu
Supported by vehicle data
Covered by recall 14V-153 for sudden loss of assist (except 2007), plus bulletins for column wiring faults. The Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura share these columns. Check your VIN for an open recall.
2015 · Colorado
Supported by vehicle data
GM's bulletin calls for a new power steering gear for C0545. Whether it is still current is not verified.

SB-09-02-36-001Status unverified
Inconsistent power steering assist, C0545 in history
2009malibu · issued May 1, 2009 · NHTSA 10030649
Some electric steering columns have an intermittent internal wiring condition that sets C0545. Also covers the Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
040235009Status unverified
Noisy column, lack of assist, C0460 and C0545
2004–2005malibu · issued November 1, 2007 · NHTSA 10008506
The steering wheel may move slightly by itself; the repair replaces the steering column. Also covers the 2005 Pontiac G6.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
3795Status unverified
Electric steering inoperative with C0545
2005–2006malibu · NHTSA 10019283
Covers electric power steering that stops working with C0545 stored.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
PIT5437BStatus unverified
Service Power Steering message with C056D or C0545
2015colorado · issued November 9, 2015 · NHTSA 10115109
C056D gets a power steering module update; C0545 calls for a new power steering gear. Also covers the GMC Canyon.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
PIT-5508Status unverified
Intermittent Service Power Steering, Drive With Care message with C0545
2014–2016silverado-1500, tahoe, suburban · issued May 18, 2016 · NHTSA 10078887
Diagnosis help for this message and code. Also covers the GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon and Cadillac Escalade.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

GMC

2015 · Canyon
Supported by vehicle data
Same bulletin as the 2015 Colorado: a new power steering gear for C0545. Whether it is still current is not verified.

All Power steering and steering sensors codes

C0545 questions

Can I drive with C0545?

You can still steer, but without assist it takes much more effort, especially when parking or turning at low speed. Drive only if you can steer safely, and get it repaired soon.

What does C0545 4B mean?

GM uses 4B to mean the torque sensor calibration has not been learned. A technician can calibrate it with a scan tool, often after a column or module replacement.

Sources and review

2008 Chevrolet Malibu service information: DTC C0545 — General Motors (third-party mirror)
NHTSA recall 14V-153 (GM N140115): sudden loss of electric power steering assist — General Motors / NHTSA , March 31, 2014
GM SB-09-02-36-001: inconsistent power steering assist, C0545 in history — General Motors / NHTSA , May 1, 2009
GM 040235009: noisy steering column, lack of assist, C0460 and C0545 — General Motors / NHTSA , November 1, 2007
GM 3795: electric steering inoperative with C0545 — General Motors / NHTSA
GM PIT5437B: Service Power Steering message, C056D or C0545 — General Motors / NHTSA , November 9, 2015
TSB-14-0016: B2278 stored in the power steering control module; torque sensor service kit (Escape, Mariner) — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA , February 7, 2014
GM PIT-5508: intermittent Service Power Steering, Drive With Care message with C0545 — General Motors / NHTSA , May 18, 2016

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

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

Severity: Inspect soon

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Intermittent internal wiring fault in the electric steering column

Cause 2: Failed steering torque sensor

Cause 3: Torque sensor calibration not learned after a repair

Cause 4: Fault in the power steering gear (2015 Colorado and Canyon)

What to test first

Step 1: Have the power steering codes read with a scan tool that shows the symptom number after C0545.

Step 2: Give your VIN to a GM dealer, or check it on NHTSA's recall lookup, and ask about recall 14V-153 and steering bulletins.

Step 3: Have a technician check both torque sensor signals and follow GM's C0545 diagnosis, then calibrate the torque and position sensors after any repair.