C0010 code with ABS TCS light on — Here’s the fix

Fix a C0010 code with ABS TCS light on on your GM vehicle

GM has issued a preliminary service bulletin PIT5696B to address a C0010 code with ABS TCS light on situation on the vehicles listed below.

What the C0010 code means

The official definition of a C0010 code is: Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit. That would lead you to believe it’s caused by a bad wheel speed sensor. But that’s not true on the GM vehicles listed below. Instead of a bad wheel speed sensor, GM has determined that a C0010 code with ABS TCS light on can be set by the driver if the vehicle is moving forward while the driver is shifting to reverse.

This is most often caused when the driver is performing a 3-point turn maneuver. The ABS module is not expecting to see wheel movement when shifting gears so it suspects a wheel speed sensor issue. If the C0010 code is the only code stored, clear it and simply allow the vehicle to come to a complete stop before shifting into reverse and vice versa

Vehicles affected by the PIT5696B service bulletin

2018 – 2020 Buick Envision
2018 – 2020 Chevrolet Colorado 2018 – 2020
2018 – 2020 Chevrolet Equinox 2018 – 2020
2018 – 2020 GMC Canyon 2018 – 2020
2018 – 2020 GMC Terrain 2018 – 2020

If you’re not doing 3-point turns and still have the code, here are the possibiliites

• Faulty left front wheel speed sensor – The sensor may be damaged or have failed electrically, causing an irregular reading or intermittent signal. Replacing the failed sensor will commonly fix the C0010 code.
• Wiring issue – There could be a problem with the wiring that connects the wheel speed sensor to the ABS control module. • Possible causes include a short circuit, open circuit, loose connections, or corrosion. Inspecting wires and connectors can reveal the issue.
• Tone wheel damage – The tone wheel rings teeth may be damaged or missing, preventing proper signal generation from the WSS. Tone ring damage will require replacement.
• ABS control module – If the wheel speed sensor and wiring check out ok, a fault with the ABS module is likely. It will need to be replaced to clear the C0010 diagnostic trouble code.
• Low voltage – Insufficient or interrupted power supply to the ABS module can cause various sensor codes like checking the vehicle battery and charging system may be necessary.

©, 2020 Rick Muscoplat