C0605 means the control module that reads the steering wheel angle sensor has detected an open circuit in that sensor's wiring or internal sensor element. An open circuit breaks the expected electrical path, so the module cannot determine steering wheel position reliably. This usually turns on stability/traction control warning lamps and can disable related chassis systems.
The sensor element itself can develop an internal open circuit, especially after years of steering wheel rotation and vibration. This is the most common root cause for an open-circuit code.
A break, pinch, or corrosion in the harness between the sensor and its control module interrupts the circuit. Connector terminals pulled out or fretted can produce the same result.
If the sensor or its wiring passes through the clockspring, an open inside the clockspring ribbon can trigger C0605. This is particularly likely if other steering-wheel-mounted circuits are also intermittent.
A loose ground or missing reference voltage to the sensor can make the module report an open circuit, even if the signal wire is intact.
The module reading the sensor, such as the ABS/ESC or steering-column module, rarely fails. It should be considered only after wiring, the sensor, and the clockspring have been ruled out.
The vehicle will usually still drive, but electronic stability and traction control may be disabled, so it is safer to diagnose and repair it promptly.
Often yes, but not always. The code indicates an open circuit, which can be inside the sensor, in the wiring, at a connector, or in the clockspring.
No. C0605 is a chassis code and is usually read by the ABS/ESC or steering-column module, not the powertrain control module. Replacing the PCM is rarely correct for this code.
Yes. After replacing the sensor, clockspring, or related module, the steering wheel angle usually must be zeroed or calibrated so stability control reads straight-ahead correctly.