C0137 – ABS/TCS Control Circuit High

C0137 is a chassis-related diagnostic trouble code that usually points to a problem in your vehicle’s brake or stability control system, often involving a yaw rate sensor, brake pressure sensor, or reference voltage circuit. When this code sets, your ABS, traction control, or stability control warning lights may come on, and the system can partially or completely shut down. You might still be able to drive, but your vehicle will not have its normal electronic safety aids, especially on wet, icy, or loose surfaces.

What Does C0137 Mean?

C0137 is a chassis (C) code used by many GM and some other manufacturers to indicate a fault in the brake or stability control sensor circuit. On many vehicles it is defined as “Yaw Rate Sensor Circuit,” “Brake Pressure Sensor Circuit,” or “Reference Voltage Circuit Low.” In simple terms, the control module is seeing a signal that is out of range or missing from a key sensor used to control ABS and stability functions.

The ABS/ESC module constantly monitors sensor voltage and compares it to expected values. If the signal is too low, erratic, or doesn’t match other sensors, it stores C0137 and usually turns on the ABS and traction control lights. That’s your cue that something in the brake control electronics needs attention.

Quick Reference

• Code: C0137
• Type: Chassis – ABS / Stability control circuit fault
• Typical meaning: Yaw rate or brake pressure sensor circuit / low reference voltage
• Main systems affected: ABS, traction control, stability control (ESC)
• Risk: Reduced stability and ABS performance, especially in emergencies

Real-World Example / Field Notes

In the shop, I see C0137 most often on GM SUVs and trucks after a customer complains that the ABS and “traction off” lights came on during a rainy day or after hitting a pothole. A common pattern is this: the driver feels the ABS kick in strangely at low speed, then the lights come on and the system disables itself. Scanning the ABS module shows C0137 stored with a history of intermittent faults. Many times the root cause ends up being a corroded connector at the yaw sensor under the center console or a chafed wiring harness near the driver’s seat area.

Symptoms of C0137

• ABS warning light illuminated on the dash, sometimes along with a brake warning light.
• Traction control or ESC light on, often with a “Service Stabilitrak” or similar message.
• Loss of ABS function, causing normal braking only with possible wheel lockup in hard stops.
• Disabled traction control, making it easier to spin the tires on wet or loose roads.
• Disabled stability control, so the vehicle may feel less stable in sharp turns or evasive maneuvers.
• Intermittent warning lights that come and go with bumps, temperature changes, or moisture.
• Possible soft or inconsistent pedal feel if the brake pressure sensor is involved.

Common Causes of C0137

Most Common Causes

• Faulty yaw rate or brake pressure sensor – Internal failure, drift, or loss of calibration causing out-of-range signals.
• Wiring harness damage – Chafed, pinched, or broken wires between the ABS/ESC module and the sensor.
• Corroded or loose connectors – Moisture intrusion under the vehicle, under seats, or in the center console area.
• Low or unstable reference voltage – Poor power or ground to the sensor, often from corroded grounds or a failing splice.
• Previous collision or underbody damage – Impact that disturbs sensor mounting or wiring routing.

Less Common Causes

• Faulty ABS/ESC control module – Internal circuit failure or bad sensor input circuit inside the module.
• Water intrusion into cabin – Leaks soaking the sensor or connector under carpet or console.
• Incorrect sensor installation – After previous repairs, a yaw sensor installed off-center or not torqued properly.
• ECU software issues – Rare, but some vehicles need a software update or reflash to correct false C0137 sets.
• Aftermarket electronics interference – Poorly installed alarms, remote starts, or audio systems tapping into sensor power or ground circuits.

Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide

You’ll want a decent scan tool that can access the ABS/ESC module, a digital multimeter, and ideally a wiring diagram for your specific vehicle. A backprobe kit and a test light are also helpful. If you’re comfortable reading live data and Mode $06 information, you can pinpoint the fault more quickly.

1. Confirm the code and record data
   Connect your scan tool, access the ABS or ESC module, and confirm C0137 is present. Note whether it is current or history only and record freeze-frame data such as speed, steering angle, and yaw rate at the time of the fault.
2. Check for related codes
   Look for other ABS or chassis codes (like C0131, C0196, C0197). Multiple sensor or voltage codes together often point to a power/ground or module issue rather than a single bad sensor.
3. Inspect sensor location
   Identify whether your vehicle uses a yaw rate sensor, brake pressure sensor, or both for this code. Locate it (often under the center console, driver’s seat, or on the master cylinder) and inspect for physical damage, water, or loose mounting.
4. Check connectors and wiring
   Unplug the sensor connector and look for corrosion, bent pins, or moisture. Follow the harness as far as practical, checking for rub-through spots, sharp bends, or previous repairs such as crimp connectors or tape splices.
5. Verify power and ground
   With the key on, use a multimeter to check for proper reference voltage (usually 5V) and ground at the sensor connector. If voltage or ground is missing or low, trace back toward the ABS module and related grounds.
6. Check sensor signal
   Use live data on your scan tool to monitor the yaw rate or brake pressure sensor reading. Compare it to vehicle movement or brake pedal force. A sensor that reads wildly off, stuck at one value, or drops out intermittently is suspect.
7. Wiggle test the harness
   While monitoring live data or the sensor signal with a meter, gently move the harness and connector. If the reading spikes, drops, or the code sets again, you’ve likely found a wiring or connector issue.
8. Perform calibration or relearn
   Some vehicles require a yaw rate or brake pressure sensor calibration after replacement or even after a battery disconnect. Use your scan tool’s service functions to run this procedure if available.
9. Evaluate the ABS/ESC module
   If the sensor and wiring test good but C0137 remains, the control module may have an internal fault. At this point, professional testing or module replacement may be necessary.

Pro tip: Before condemning an expensive sensor, always verify power, ground, and reference voltage under load. A poor ground or corroded splice can mimic a bad sensor and cause intermittent C0137 codes that are hard to chase.

Possible Fixes & Repair Costs

Fixing C0137 usually means repairing the affected sensor circuit or replacing a failed sensor. Common repairs include cleaning and tightening connectors, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, replacing the yaw rate or brake pressure sensor, and in some cases replacing the ABS/ESC module and performing calibration. Typical repair costs range from about $100–$200 for simple wiring or connector repairs up to $400–$800 for sensor replacement and calibration, and $700–$1,500 or more if the ABS/ESC module itself must be replaced. Labor rates, parts brand, and dealer vs. independent shop all affect the final cost.

Can I Still Drive With C0137?

In most cases you can still drive with C0137 present, but you should do so with extra caution. Your basic hydraulic brakes will still work, but ABS, traction control, and stability control may be partially or fully disabled. That means longer stopping distances on slippery roads and less help from the vehicle if you start to skid or slide. Short, careful trips to get the vehicle inspected or repaired are usually fine, but you should avoid high-speed driving, towing heavy loads, or aggressive maneuvers until the issue is fixed.

What Happens If You Ignore C0137?

If you ignore C0137, you’re essentially driving without the electronic safety nets your vehicle was designed to provide. Over time, intermittent wiring or sensor problems can worsen, potentially leading to more frequent ABS activation issues or additional codes. In an emergency stop or sudden swerve, the lack of ABS and stability control can increase your risk of losing control, especially in bad weather.

Last updated: March 1, 2026

Vehicles Commonly Affected by C0137

C0137 is especially common on GM-built vehicles, including Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUVs (Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon), as well as Buick, Cadillac, and Pontiac models that use Stabilitrak or similar stability control systems. Some Saturn and older GM-based crossover vehicles also show this code frequently. While other manufacturers may use different numbering, you’ll see similar issues on many modern cars and SUVs that rely on yaw rate and brake pressure sensors for ABS and ESC functions.