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 Descriptors

DTC C0545 00: Steering Wheel Torque Input Sensor

DTC C0545 4B: Steering Wheel Torque Input Sensor Calibration Not Learned

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

EPS B+

U2143 00, U211 00,*

U2143 00, U211 00,*

--

--

EPS Ignition

U2143 00, U211 00,*

U2143 00, U211 00,*

--

--

5-V Reference

C0545 00

C0545 00

--

--

Steering Position Sensor Signal

C0460 00

C0460 00

C0460 00

C0460 00

Steering Position Sensor Signal

C0460 00

C0460 00

C0460 00

C0460 00

Torque Sensor Signal

C0545 00

C0545 00

C0545 00

C0545 00

Torque Sensor Signal

C0545 00

C0545 00

C0545 00

C0545 00

Low Reference

C0545 00

C0545 00

--

--

PSCM Ground

--

U2143 00, U211 00,*

--

--

* No communication with PSCM

Circuit/System Description

The steering column shaft torque sensor is a 5-volt dual analog inverse signal device which is used to sense steering direction and the amount of torque being applied to the steering column shaft when the steering wheel is turned. The valid signal voltage range of the sensor is 0.25-4.75 volts. When applying torque to the steering column shaft during a right turn, the sensors signal 1 voltage increases, while the signal 2 voltage decreases within the valid signal voltage range. When applying torque to the steering column shaft during a left turn, the sensors signal 1 voltage decreases, while the signal 2 voltage increases within the valid signal voltage range.

After replacing the steering column or power steering control module (PSCM), the steering wheel torque and position sensors must be calibrated.

Conditions for Running the DTC

C0545 00

    • Engine running
    • Steering column shaft torque input is present.

C0545 4B

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

C0545 00

The torque sensors signal 1 and signal 2 voltages are less than 0.25 volts, or greater than 4.75 volts.

C0545 4B

The PSCM has not undergone the torque sensor calibration procedure.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC is stored in memory.
    • The DIC displays the POWER STEERING warning message.
    • No steering assist is provided.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

C0545 00, C0545 4B

    • A current DTC will clear on the next malfunction-free ignition cycle.
    • A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive malfunction-free ignition cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

If the PSCM continues to set a history DTC C0545 replace the steering column before replacing the PSCM. Some steering columns may have an intermittent internal wiring condition causing the history DTC C0545.

If the Steering torque or position sensor calibrations are incorrect the customer may complain of steering effort that is easier in one direction than the other. Performing the steering torque and position sensor calibrations procedure will correct this issue.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Power Steering Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Power Steering System 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

Special Tools

EL-47564 Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) Test Harness

Circuit/System Verification

C0545 00

Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Torque Sensor Signal 1 and 2 parameters. With the steering wheel at rest both readings should be at 2.5 V. While turning the steering wheel from side to side the readings should stay between 0.25-4.75 V and change in opposite directions of each other.

C0545 4B

Verify that DTC C0545 4B is not set.

If the DTC is set, perform the Torque Sensor Calibration procedure. If the DTC resets, replace the PSCM.

Steering torque and position sensor calibrations

  1. Center the steering wheel.
  2. Important: After centering the steering wheel, remove hands and other objects from the steering wheel and ensure the suspension is relaxed and no bias, or uneven force is being applied to the steering system.

  3. Using the scan tool Perform the Steering Position Sensor Calibration procedure.
  4. Using the scan tool Perform the Torque Sensor Calibration procedure.
  5. Turn the steering wheel until it stops in each direction.

Circuit/System Testing

C0545 00

  1. Disconnect the X3 harness connector at the power steering module assembly.
  2. Connect the EL-47564 Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) Test Harness.
  3. Ignition OFF, test for less than 2 Ω between the low reference circuit terminal E and ground.
  4. If greater than the specified range, replace the power steering control module.
  5. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 V between the 5 V reference circuit terminal B and ground.
  6. If less than the specified range, replace the power steering control module.
  7. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal F and the 5V reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool Torque Sensor Signal 1 is greater than 4.8V.
  8. If less than the specified value, replace the power steering control module.
  9. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal C and the 5V reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool Torque Sensor Signal 2 is greater than 4.8V.
  10. If less than the specified value, replace the power steering control module.
  11. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the steering column.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Steering Column Replacement
    •  Control Module References for PSCM replacement, setup, and programming