C0071, C0073, C0074 codes

GBRN

MEMBER
2012 SUBARU OUTBACK
2.5L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
210,000 MILES

After replacing my very dead battery (my first time doing so), my car’s VDC, parking brake (flashing), and ABS lights came on. They were not on before replacing the battery. AutoZone read the codes and they were C0071, C0073, and C0074. Most likely solution: “Insert Clip In Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS) Connecter.” It has been having some problems lately (overheating on sustained mountain uphills), but this breaking/code issue is the most urgent one at the moment- just trying to make sure my car is safe to drive.

Does the steering wheel position sensor seem like a probable issue generating the thrown codes?

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

To have all of codes at once does not seem like one sensor will fix it.

C0071 - Steering Angle Sensor Failure:
C0073 - Yaw Rate Sensor Failure:
C0074 - Lateral Acceleration Sensor Failure:

Yaw rate & longitudinal G and lateral G sensor are integrated with the VDC control module & hydraulic control module (VDCCM&H/U).

Let's check the fuses (7) the run the VDC control unit. If all of these fuses are okay (I have listed these fuse in the wiring diagrams below) I would check the grounds and if good the VDC control module is bad and needs replacement. I have included the instructions on how to replace the unit below as well. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

Images (Click to make bigger)