C1277

Code

Other C — Chassis

STEERING Wheel Angle 1and 2 Circuit Failure

Brand: Other

Type: C — Chassis

Views: UK: 31 EN: 48 RU: 41

AI status

Completed

ready

Completed 100%

Page language: EN

Causes

Faulty steering angle sensor(s)
Open, shorted or damaged wiring harness between sensor(s) and control module
Corroded/loose connector(s) at sensor or control module
Loss of power or ground to the sensor(s)
Faulty ABS/ESP/steering control module
CAN or LIN bus communication errors

Symptoms

Instrument cluster illumination: ABS, ESC, traction control or steering warning lamp
Stability or traction control disabled or reduced functionality
Loss of advanced steering features (e.g., adaptive steering, lane assist) or degraded performance
Steering angle data not updating or erratic steering angle values in scan tool
Possible limp mode for chassis control systems

What to check

Read and record all stored DTCs from ABS/ESP and related modules (confirm C1277 and any other codes)
Check battery voltage and charging system (low voltage can cause errors)
Visually inspect connectors and wiring at steering column and sensor(s) for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
Scan-tool: monitor steering angle 1 and 2 live data (values, update rate, agreement between channels)
Check for CAN/LIN network faults and module communication errors
Perform wiggle test on harness while monitoring live data or DTCs to find intermittent faults

Signal parameters

Typical sensor supply: 5 V reference (verify with service data for vehicle)
Signal idle/center voltage often near mid-supply (approximately 2.5 V) with excursion as wheel is turned (verify vehicle-specific values)
Signal range typically spans 0.5–4.5 V depending on steering angle; some sensors use CAN messages instead of analog voltage
Message/update rate: sensor/data typically updates multiple times per second; loss of updates or frozen value indicates fault
Redundant channels (two outputs or dual sensors) should agree closely; large difference suggests failure or miscalibration

Diagnostic algorithm

Connect a capable scan tool and record all DTCs and live steering angle values from both channels. Note whether values update and whether channels agree.
Clear codes and perform a road test while watching live data. If code returns, note conditions (key on, start, steering movement, after wash, etc.).
Inspect steering column area, sensor mounting, and connectors for damage, corrosion, or foreign material. Repair or replace damaged connectors.
With ignition ON, verify sensor supply voltage and ground at the sensor connector using a multimeter. Compare to vehicle service data.
Backprobe signal pins while slowly turning the steering wheel to confirm signal voltage or CAN messages change smoothly without dropouts.
Perform wiggle and continuity tests on harness between sensor and control module; repair any shorts/opens. Check for pin corrosion and bent pins.
Check other modules for network errors (CAN/LIN) and repair any communication faults that could affect steering angle data.
If wiring and power/ground are good but sensor signals are implausible or both channels fail, perform sensor calibration/learning per manufacturer procedure. Retry code reset and test drive.
If calibration fails or code persists after wiring and calibration checks, replace the steering angle sensor(s) or faulty control module as directed by service data.
After repair, clear codes and complete any required steering angle learning procedure; confirm normal operation during a road test.

Likely causes

Damaged connector at steering column (common when airbags/controls removed)
Intermittent wiring short to ground or battery in steering angle sensor circuit
Water intrusion/corrosion at sensor or connector
Failed internal electronics of the steering angle sensor (both channels reporting error)
Module failure or corrupted sensor calibration data

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Steering Wheel Angle Sensor 1 and 2 circuit failure detected. Check sensors, wiring, power/ground, communications and perform sensor calibration/learn.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.5-3.0 hours