The Steering Wheel Position Sensor is a 0-5 volt device which is used to sense steering wheel position and turning speed. The valid output or signal voltage range from the sensor is 0.35-4.75 volts. The signal voltage will increase or decrease within the valid voltage range as the steering wheel is turned. The sensor has 2 output signals, signal 1 and signal 2. Both signals are used by the Suspension Control Module on vehicles equipped with Real Time Damping (RTD), to calculate lateral acceleration. When the control module detects lateral acceleration is occurring less current is commanded to the Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) solenoid. This increases steering assist during abrupt driving maneuvers.
NOTE: The BCM/ESC stores the DTCs scan tool data and special functions. However, the scan tool menu to access variable effort steering is located in chassis.
• | The ignition is ON. |
• | No battery voltage malfunctions are present. |
A short to ground, short to voltage, or an open in the signal 1, or signal 2 circuits.
• | The EVO outputs will be disabled for the remainder of the ignition cycle. |
• | DTC C0470 will be set if a malfunction is present on signal 1 circuit. |
• | DTC C0506 will be set if a malfunction is present on signal 2 circuit. |
• | The IPC message center displays the SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM message. |
• | A current DTC will clear after next consecutive ignition cycle with no malfunction present. |
• | A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive malfunction free ignition cycles. |
• | Using the scan tool |
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
Tests if the sensor is within the valid voltage range.
Tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the high voltage range.
Tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the low voltage range. If the fuse in the jumper opens when you perform this test, the signal circuit is shorted to voltage.
Tests for a short to ground and an open in the 5 volt reference circuit.
Test for a short to voltage, a high resistance, or an open circuit.
The control module must be calibrated when replaced.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Steering Assist Schematics | ||||
1 | If DTC C0870 is present perform the diagnosis for that DTC before proceeding. Did you perform the Variable effort Steering Diagnostic System Check? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |
Does the scan tool indicate that the steering wheel position signal 1/signal 2 data parameter is within the specified range? | 0.35-4.7 V | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections | Go to Step 3 | |
Does the scan tool indicate that the steering wheel position signal 1/signal 2 data parameter is greater than the specified value? | 4.7 V | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 8 | |
Does the scan tool indicate that the steering wheel position signal 1/signal 2 data parameter is less than the specified value? | 0.35 V | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 9 | |
Does the scan tool indicate that the steering wheel position signal 1/signal 2 data parameter is greater than the specified value? | 4.7 V | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 6 | |
6 | Test the 5 volt reference circuit of the steering wheel position sensor for a short to ground or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 12 |
Test the 5 volt reference circuit of the steering wheel position sensor for a short to voltage, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 11 | |
8 | Test the signal 1/signal 2 circuit of the steering wheel position sensor for a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 12 |
9 | Test the signal 1/signal 2 circuit of the steering wheel position sensor for a short to voltage, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 10 |
10 | Test the low reference circuit of the steering wheel position sensor for a high resistance, a short to voltage or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 12 |
11 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the steering wheel position sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 13 |
12 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the Suspension Control Module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 14 |
13 | Replace the steering wheel position sensor. Refer to Steering Wheel Position Sensor or Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Replacement Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 15 | -- |
Important: After replacement, use the scan tool to perform the setup procedure located under Special Functions (F8: Recalibration) for the suspension control module. Replace the suspension control module. Refer to Electronic Suspension Control Module Replacement in Real Time Damping. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 15 | -- | |
15 |
Does the DTC reset? | -- | Go to Step 2 | System OK |