C2600

Code

Generic C — Chassis

Steering Angle Sensor Circuit Malfunction

Brand: Generic

Type: C — Chassis

Views: UK: 21 EN: 20 RU: 22

AI status

Completed

ready

Completed 100%

Page language: EN

Causes

Open or shorted wiring in the steering angle sensor circuit
Poor power or ground to the sensor (fuse, splice, battery connection)
Corroded, loose or damaged connector at the sensor or control module
Failed steering angle sensor (internal electronics)
Damaged clockspring or ribbon cable in steering column
Intermittent contact from steering column wear or recent service (airbag/steering removal)

Symptoms

ABS, ESC or traction control warning lamp illuminated
Stability/traction control disabled or inoperative
Steering wheel off-center after straight-line driving
Erratic or incorrect steering angle values reported by scan tool (out-of-range or jumping)
Unexpected brake/ABS interventions or degraded steering assist behavior
Cruise control or driver assist features inhibited

What to check

Read and record freeze-frame data and all related codes from ABS, EPS, BCM and instrument cluster modules
Perform a visual inspection of steering column, clockspring, connectors and harness for damage, pin corrosion or disconnection
Check battery voltage and main fuses (engine off and cranking)
Verify communication on vehicle network (CAN) to/from ABS/ESP module and SAS
Backprobe sensor connector and check for power, ground and signal at rest and with steering movement
Wiggle test wiring while monitoring signal to find intermittent faults

Signal parameters

Supply voltage typically 5 V or ignition-switched 12 V (verify manufacturer spec)
Signal type: analog voltage (0–5 V) centered near mid-supply at straight-ahead (~2.5 V) or digital/PWM/CAN depending on system
Expected steady change of signal voltage proportional to steering angle when steering wheel is turned
If CAN/serial sensor, expect valid steering angle message ID present on network and value near 0° when centered
No sudden voltage dropouts, jumps, or open-circuit readings (OL) on signal line

Diagnostic algorithm

Confirm DTC and related codes in ABS/ESP, EPS, BCM and instrument cluster. Record freeze frame. 2) Visually inspect steering column, clockspring, sensor harness and connectors for damage, corrosion or pin backouts. Repair as needed. 3) Verify battery/charging system and fuses supplying the sensor. Restore proper supply voltage if low. 4) Backprobe sensor connector: measure supply, ground and signal with key on; compare to expected values (manufacturer spec). Monitor while slowly turning steering wheel to observe smooth, continuous change. 5) Perform wiggle test on wiring and connectors while observing signal for intermittent faults. Repair or replace harness/connectors that cause signal interruption. 6) If sensor uses CAN or serial communications, verify module messages with a scope or diagnostic tool; check for lost communication DTCs (U-codes). Repair network faults first. 7) If wiring and supplies are good but signal is invalid, replace the steering angle sensor or clockspring assembly as appropriate. 8) After repair or replacement, perform required SAS zero-point/steering angle learn/calibration procedure using factory scan tool per service information. 9) Clear DTCs and complete a test drive to confirm the fault does not return and vehicle systems function normally.

Likely causes

Frayed wiring in steering column (clockspring area) causing intermittent signal
Corroded connector pin at the SAS or module ground
Sensor failure due to moisture ingress or electrical surge
Blown fuse or weak battery causing low supply voltage to sensor
Loss of CAN/serial communication between SAS and stability control module

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Control module detected invalid, missing, out-of-range, or intermittent steering angle sensor signal. Fault logged and related stability/traction functions may be disabled until fault is corrected and sensor calibration performed.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours