Code
C1580
Generic
C — Chassis
Power Steering Torque Sensor Circuit Malfunction
Views:
UK: 6
EN: 12
RU: 7
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Damaged, corroded or disconnected wiring or connectors in torque sensor circuit
- Short to power or ground on the sensor signal or reference wire
- Failed or degraded torque sensor (column or rack-mounted)
- Faulty power steering control module (EPS/PSM)
- Poor sensor or module ground or low reference supply (battery/charging issues)
- Mechanical binding in steering or sensor misalignment
Symptoms
- EPS warning lamp or generic EPS/traction warning on dash
- Partial or complete loss of power steering assist; heavier steering
- Intermittent assist that returns after restart
- Stored C1580 (and possibly related) codes in EPS or ABS module
- Steering feel abnormal or torque feedback incorrect
- Vehicle may enter reduced-assist/limp mode
What to check
- Retrieve freeze frame and full code list with a capable scan tool; note history vs. current
- Perform a visual inspection of steering-column and rack harnesses, connectors and shielding
- Check battery voltage and charging system before electrical tests
- Backprobe sensor connector and measure reference voltage, ground, and signal with ignition ON (per vehicle spec)
- Wiggle test wiring while watching live torque sensor data for dropouts
- Check continuity and resistance of wiring between sensor and steering/EPS module
Signal parameters
- Typical sensor wiring: 5 V reference, ground, 1 or 2 signal lines (varies by design)
- At rest (no steering torque) signal ~2.5 V (mid-supply) for ratiometric/Hall sensors — may vary ±0.1–0.5 V
- Under applied torque signal changes above or below mid-scale; expect smooth proportional change without spikes
- Reference voltage should be stable ~5 V (or vehicle specified reference) with ignition ON
- Signal circuit resistance open/infinite if sensor unplugged; short to ground ~0 Ω; short to +V near battery voltage
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect scan tool, record live torque sensor data and related sensors (steering angle, vehicle speed, battery voltage).
- Check that battery and charging system are healthy (low voltage can create false faults).
- Visually inspect connectors and harness from sensor to EPS module. Repair obvious damage.
- Backprobe connector: verify reference voltage, ground integrity and signal voltage at rest and while turning steering wheel slowly. Compare to expected mid-rail voltage and smooth change.
- Wiggle harness and connectors while watching live data for intermittent faults. Check for diagnostic trouble code freeze frames.
- Measure continuity between sensor pins and EPS module pins; check for shorts to ground or battery (+12 V).
- If wiring and connectors check good, compare sensor resistance/outputs to manufacturer specification. Replace sensor if out-of-spec.
- If sensor replacement does not clear the issue, test EPS/control module power, grounds and input circuits. Consider module bench tests or replacement per service manual.
- After repairs, clear codes, perform road test and verify live data is stable and no reoccurrence of C1580.
Likely causes
- Open or intermittent connection at sensor connector or inline splice
- Corroded pins causing high resistance or intermittent contact
- Sensor signal shorted to supply voltage (5V) or to ground
- Sensor internal electronics failed (drifted output or no output)
- Control module input circuit failure
- Low vehicle battery voltage or weak charging system affecting sensor reference
Fault status
Status
Power Steering Module detected abnormal torque sensor circuit (open/short/out-of-range/noisy). Assist may be reduced and a steering-related warning lamp may be set.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.5 hours
Similar codes
Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Was this AI description helpful?
Your feedback helps improve AI descriptions.
👍 Like
0
👎 Dislike
0
Send to email