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For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The digital steering wheel position sensor inputs to the electronic suspension control (ESC) module consists of 3 digital input circuits, phase A, phase B and index marker pulse. The steering wheel position sensor is supplied battery positive voltage and ground. The information that the ESC module receives from the steering wheel position sensor is used to calculate steering angle, steering velocity and lateral acceleration. These values are used in the control of the suspension dampers.

The digital steering wheel position sensor phase A and phase B circuits are digital pulse signals whose output represents one degree of steering wheel rotation. When observing the phase A data and the phase B data parameters on the scan tool, the parameters will not have the same value at the same time. When the steering wheel is rotated, the phase A data and the phase B data parameters will be shown as high or low on the scan tool.

The index marker pulse is a digital pulse that is displayed as high on the scan tool for 20 degrees only when the steering wheel angle is between -10 and +10 degrees.

Conditions for running the DTC

Turn ON the ignition, with engine ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The index marker pulse data parameter is high for less than 20 degrees of the steering wheel angle.
    • The index marker pulse data parameter is high for greater than 20 degrees of the steering wheel angle.
    • The index marker pulse data parameter is high when the steering wheel angle parameter is greater than +90 degrees .
    • The index marker pulse data parameter is high when the steering wheel angle parameter is less than -90 degrees.
    • The steering wheel position sensor phase A circuit is shorted to ground, open or shorted to voltage.
    • The steering wheel position sensor phase B circuit is shorted to ground, open or shorted to voltage.
    • The index marker pulse is shorted to ground, open or shorted to voltage.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The code is displayed on the scan tool as DTC C0455.
    • The suspension control defaults to firm.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • Conditions for DTC are not currently present.
    • The module receives a clear code command from the scan tool.
    • The DTC clears after 100 malfunction free ignition cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

The following conditions are possible causes:

    • A malfunctioning steering wheel position sensor is present.
    • A steering wheel position sensor circuit is open.
    • A steering wheel position sensor circuit was shorted.

Perform an inspection of the wiring and of the connectors. Failure to carefully inspect the wiring and the connectors may result in misdiagnosis. Misdiagnosis causes part replacement with reappearance of the malfunction.

Steering Wheel Position Sensor -- Digital Signal

    • 3 outputs used -- Phase A, Phase B, Index Marker Pulse
    • Phase A & Phase B
        Offset PWM wave forms created when turning the wheel
    • Index marker pulse
        Signal is present only when steering wheel is within 10 degrees either side of center

Output is used to determine Direction of Rotation and Rate of Rotation

Steering Wheel Position Sensor--Digital Signal


Object Number: 830485  Size: SF

Steering Wheel Position Sensor--A and B Phase


Object Number: 830476  Size: SF

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Test for the proper operation of the phase A circuit.

  2. Test for the proper operation of the phase B circuit.

  3. Test for the proper operation of the index marker pulse circuit.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Suspension Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Suspension Controls Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Electronic Suspension Control (ESC) Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Electronic Suspension Control

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, with the engine ON.
  3. With a scan tool observe the phase A, the phase B and index marker pulse parameters while slowly turning the steering wheel to the left and to the right.

Do all of the parameters change?

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

With a scan tool, observe the phase A parameter, while turning the steering wheel.

Does the phase A data parameter change state?

high/low

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Does the scan tool indicate that the phase A data parameter is high?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

5

With a scan tool, observe the phase B parameter, while turning the steering wheel.

Does the phase B data parameter change state?

high/low

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

Does the scan tool indicate that the phase B data parameter is high?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

7

With a scan tool, observe the index marker pulse data parameter while turning the steering wheel.

Does the index marker pulse data parameter change state?

high/low

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 8

8

Does the scan tool indicate that the index marker pulse data parameter is high?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

Test the steering wheel position sensor phase A, phase B or index marker pulse circuit for a short to ground. 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

10

Test the steering wheel position sensor phase A, phase B or index marker pulse circuit for an open or short to voltage. 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

11

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the digital steering wheel position sensor connector. 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 ESC 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 digital steering wheel position sensor. Refer to Steering Wheel Position Sensor or Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 15

14

Replace the electronic ESC module. Refer to Electronic Suspension Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 15

15

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK