C2349

Code

Generic C — Chassis

Steering Angle Sensor Circuit Intermittent

Brand: Generic

Type: C — Chassis

Views: UK: 13 EN: 16 RU: 14

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Page language: EN

Causes

Wiring damage, chafing or broken conductor in steering column harness
Poor connector contact or corrosion at sensor, clockspring, or control module
Intermittent power or ground to the sensor (loose terminal, degraded ground)
Faulty steering angle sensor (internal intermittent)
Damaged or worn clockspring/spiral cable assembly
Intermittent CAN bus or module communication error

Symptoms

Intermittent ABS, ESC, traction control or EPS warning lights illuminated
Loss or intermittent loss of stability control and traction control functionality
Faults only occur when steering wheel is turned or after movement (intermittent)
Failed or incomplete SAS calibration / warning to recalibrate
Possible steering assist changes or temporary steering feel variations
Stored intermittent DTCs and freeze frame data showing variable readings

What to check

Connect a capable scan tool: read all related DTCs and freeze frame, view live SAS data and redundancy channels
Visually inspect steering column harness, connectors, and clockspring for damage, corrosion, or water
Wiggle test harness and connector while watching live data or DTCs to reproduce the intermittent fault
Verify reference voltage (typically 5 V) and good ground at the sensor connector with ignition ON
Probe sensor signal lines while rotating the steering wheel to confirm smooth, continuous output and matching redundant channel behavior
Check CAN bus voltage and continuity to related modules if SAS communicates over CAN

Signal parameters

Reference voltage: typically 5 V (manufacturer dependent) present at sensor Vref pin with ignition ON
Ground: solid low-resistance chassis/ECU ground (near 0 ohms expected to chassis)
Signal outputs: redundant Hall/angle outputs typically vary within ~0.2–4.8 V across full wheel sweep; both channels should track each other
Output update rate: tens of Hz (sensor updates 10–100 Hz depending on system)
CAN/serial: some vehicles transmit steering angle as a CAN message — expected periodic message rate often 10–100 Hz and valid angle values in degrees (0 ± range); loss or intermittent messages indicates comms issue
Resistance/continuity: wiring harness continuity should be full and free of intermittent opens when steering wheel is turned

Diagnostic algorithm

Safety first: follow manufacturer procedure for disabling SRS/airbag system (disconnect battery and wait the specified time) before working near clockspring or airbag components.
Scan and record all active/pending/ historic codes from all modules (ABS, ESC, BCM, EPS). Note freeze frame and live SAS values.
Clear codes, then attempt to reproduce the fault by driving or moving the steering while monitoring live SAS data and DTCs.
Perform visual inspection of the steering column harness, sensor connector, and clockspring for damage, corrosion, or water entry.
With ignition ON (and appropriate safety for airbag circuits), measure reference voltage and ground at the SAS connector. Confirm steady reference and good ground.
Backprobe signal wires and observe sensor outputs while slowly turning the steering wheel through full range. Look for dropouts, voltage spikes, channel disagreement, or intermittent behavior.
Wiggle test wiring and connector while monitoring live data to locate intermittent open/short caused by movement. Inspect for broken strands inside insulation.
If the vehicle uses CAN messages for angle, monitor CAN traffic for lost or intermittent messages and check module power/grounds and bus termination.
If wiring and connectors check good but signals are intermittent or out of spec, remove/inspect the clockspring and SAS mounting. Replace clockspring if internal damage or intermittent contact is found.
Replace the steering angle sensor only after verifying wiring and connectors are sound. After replacement or repairs, perform required SAS calibration/adaptation using a scan tool.
Clear codes and test-drive to confirm no recurrence. If fault persists, escalate to module-level diagnostics (ABS/ESC module or BCM) and check for intermittent module faults or update software if applicable.

Likely causes

Corroded connector at SAS or clockspring causing intermittent contact
Frayed wiring inside the steering column rubbing and breaking intermittently when wheel is turned
Failing clockspring that intermittently opens circuit or shorts signals
Loose sensor mounting causing intermittent signal changes
Intermittent ground or 5 V reference feed from ABS/ESC module