B13C5

Code

Generic B — Body

Steering Column Position Sensor — Internal Fault

Brand: Generic

Type: B — Body

Views: UK: 23 EN: 22 RU: 19

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Page language: EN

Causes

Internal sensor electronics failure (ENCODER/ASIC fault)
Water ingress or corrosion inside sensor assembly
Damaged or shorted wiring between sensor and control module
Poor power supply or ground to the sensor (fuse, connector, pin corrosion)
Connector bent pins, loose terminal, or poor contact
Intermittent or failed CAN/LIN communication (if sensor reports over bus)

Symptoms

Steering/ESP/traction control warning lamp(s) illuminated
Reduced or lost electric power steering assist (EPS) or limp steering mode
Stability control, ABS or cruise control faults due to invalid angle data
Steering angle reported as out-of-range or not changing in diagnostic tool
Steering angle calibration required or fails to complete

What to check

Read and record all related DTCs from all modules (ABS, EPS, BCM, SRS).
Visually inspect sensor connector and wiring on steering column for damage, corrosion, or water intrusion.
Check fuses/relays and power supply pin at the sensor connector for proper voltage (key on).
Check ground continuity from sensor ground pin to chassis ground.
Use scan tool to view live steering angle/position output while rotating steering wheel slowly.
Wiggle test wiring harness while observing live data for intermittent changes.

Signal parameters

Supply voltage: typically 5 V reference (nominal 5 V ±0.5 V) — verify at sensor power pin
Signal type: may be analog voltage (≈0.5–4.5 V proportional to angle), PWM (0–5 V duty cycle proportional to angle), or digital encoder counts (e.g., 0–1023/0–4095) depending on design
Ground continuity:
CAN/LIN: if bus-based, expect valid steering-angle message on vehicle bus; message rate and ID are vehicle-specific
Resistance: some sensors include redundant windings—consult vehicle-specific data (typical internal resistances vary)

Diagnostic algorithm

Confirm code presence: Clear codes and attempt to reproduce. If B13C5 returns, proceed.
Record related DTCs and live data from ABS, EPS and BCM to understand scope and dependencies.
With ignition ON, measure reference supply voltage and ground at the sensor connector. If supply/ground absent or out of spec, repair power/ground before proceeding.
Backprobe the signal pin and observe output while slowly turning the steering wheel. Note if signal is steady and moves proportionally or if it is missing, flatlines, noisy or jumps.
Wiggle test harness and connector while watching live data for intermittent faults. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage and repair as needed.
If signal/power/ground are good but output is out-of-range or erratic, suspect internal sensor failure — consult vehicle service manual for sensor bench tests (resistance, encoder diagnostics) or ECU-level tests.
If sensor communicates over CAN/LIN, verify bus integrity (resistance, voltage levels) and use a known-good module or scope to confirm message presence and quality.
If replacement is required, follow safe steering-column removal procedures. After replacement, perform required steering angle/zero-point calibration using a scan tool and clear codes. Verify functionality and that no other modules report faults.
If fault persists after replacement and calibration, examine wiring back to the control module, perform module reprogramming/updates if applicable, and consult manufacturer service bulletins.

Likely causes

Failed encoder or ASIC inside steering column position sensor
Corroded connector or pin causing intermittent internal fault
Open/shorted signal wire or reference power feed
Moisture intrusion into sensor housing
Module firmware/compatibility issue after replacement or update

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Steering Column Position Sensor — Internal fault detected (sensor electronics fault or out-of-range output). Check power, ground, signal and internal sensor integrity; replacement and recalibration may be required.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours