C1630 — Steering Angle Sensor Circuit Malfunction

Causes

• Corroded/damaged connector at steering angle sensor
• Broken/damaged wiring in steering column (pinch/abrasion)
• Poor ground or supply voltage to the sensor
• Failed steering angle sensor (internal electronics)
• Loose or damaged steering column module or bracket
• Loss of CAN/serial communication between sensor/module and ABS/ESC ECU

Symptoms

• ABS, ESC or traction control warning lamp illuminated
• Steering wheel angle reading not matching wheel direction on scan tool
• Loss of stability/traction control interventions
• Vehicle may store other chassis communication DTCs (U-codes)
• Adaptive steering or lane assistance may be disabled or unavailable
• Failure to clear lamp after battery disconnect until SAS is recalibrated

What to check

• Read and record all stored DTCs and freeze-frame data with a capable scan tool
• Check for related communication U-codes (CAN/serial) that could indicate bus issues
• Visually inspect the sensor connector and steering column wiring for damage, pin corrosion, or water ingress
• Check fuses/power supply circuits feeding the SAS and related modules
• Backprobe the sensor connector to verify reference voltage (typically 5 V or 3.3 V) and ground with ignition on
• Use scan tool to monitor live steering angle values while turning the steering wheel — confirm value changes smoothly and matches physical wheel position

Signal parameters

• Supply/reference voltage typically 5.0 V or 3.3 V (check vehicle spec)
• Signal output: analogue voltage or digital/CAN message representing angle (expected 0–5 V or signed degrees)
• Angle range: full left to full right (example ±720° for some sensors) reported in degrees or counts
• Update rate: usually tens to hundreds of Hz (continuous while ignition on)
• Signal should vary smoothly with steering wheel rotation and return to a stable zero when wheels are straight
• If digital/CAN: message ID and checksum must be present and valid

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