GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC C0253 00: Centering Error

Circuit/System Description

Steering angle centering is the process which calibrates the steer sensor output so that it reads 0 when the steering wheel is centered, using data from the yaw rate sensor, lateral accelerometer and wheel speeds. Under normal circumstances steer angle centering occurs after approximately 10 seconds of driving in a straight line on a fairly level surface (i.e. a typical road) at > 10 KPH.

The usable output voltage range for the yaw rate sensor signal and lateral accelerometer sensor signal is 0.25-4.75 volts. The scan tool will report zero lateral acceleration or yaw rate as 2.5 volts with no sensor bias present. The sensor bias compensates for sensor mounting alignment errors, electronic signal errors, temperature changes, and manufacturing differences.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The vehicle speed is greater than 40 km/h (25 mph).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The vehicle has been driven for 10 minutes without completing steer angle centering.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The EBCM disables the VSES for the duration of the ignition cycle.
    • The vehicle dynamics caution (VDC) indicator illuminates.
    • The driver information center (DIC) displays the SERVICE STABILITRAK message.
    • The antilock brake system (ABS) and traction control system (TCS) remain functional.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition for the DTC is no longer present.
    • The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

The following conditions can cause this concern:

    • Improper steering alignment.
    • Internal yaw and lateral acceleration sensor failure.
    • EBCM internal failure.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

ABS Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for Scan Tool Information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Observe the SWPS Signal A and SWPS Signal B parameters with a scan tool while turning the steering wheel left and right. Verify that the SWPS Signal A and SWPS Signal B parameters increase and decrease smoothly when the steering wheel is turned.
  2. If the SWPS Signal A and SWPS Signal B parameters do not change smoothly, replace the steering wheel position sensor.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for setting the DTC. Verify DTC C0186, C0196, C0253, or C0710 are not set.
  4. If DTC C0186, C0196, or C0710 are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .
    If only DTC C0253 set, replace the yaw and lateral acceleration sensor. If DTC C0253 sets again, replace the EBCM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Steering Wheel Position Sensor or Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Replacement
    •  Vehicle Yaw Sensor with Vehicle Lateral Accelerometer Replacement  (w/o MX7)
    •  Vehicle Yaw Sensor with Vehicle Lateral and Longitudinal Accelerometer Replacement  (MX7)
    •  Control Module References for EBCM replacement, setup, and programming