Circuit Description
The steering wheel position sensor is a 0-5 volt device which is used to sense steering wheel position and turning speed. The valid signal voltage range of 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 Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the steering wheel position sensor signal voltage and uses this data to calculate lateral acceleration. When the BCM detects lateral acceleration is occurring less current is commanded to the Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) Solenoid which 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.
Conditions for Running the DTC
Anytime the key is in the on position.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
A short to ground, short to voltage, or an open in the steering wheel position sensor signal circuit.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | DTC C0472, or C0473 is stored in memory. |
| • | The EVO outputs will be disabled for the remainder of the ignition cycle. |
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
| • | A current DTC will clear when the malfunction is no longer present. |
| • | A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive malfunction free ignition cycles. |
| • | Using the scan tool |
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
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Tests if the sensor is within the valid voltage range.
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Tests if the sensor is internally shorted to ground.
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Tests if the signal circuit is shorted to ground
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Tests if the 5 volt reference circuit is short to voltage or open.
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Program the BCM after replacement.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Steering Assist Schematics | ||||
1 | Did you perform the Variable Effort Steering Diagnostic System Check? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |
Does the scan tool display the steering wheel position sensor data parameter is within the specified range? | 0.35-4.7 V | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems | Go to Step 3 | |
Does the scan tool indicate that the steering wheel position sensor data parameter is greater than specified value? | 0.0 V | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 8 | |
Does the scan tool indicate that the steering wheel position sensor data parameter is less than specified value? | 0.35 V | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 9 | |
Does the scan tool indicate that the steering wheel position sensor 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. 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 |
7 | Test the 5 volt reference circuit of the steering wheel position sensor for 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 11 |
8 | Test the signal 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 circuit of the steering wheel position sensor for 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 10 |
10 | Test the low reference circuit of the steering wheel position sensor for 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 steering wheel position sensor harness 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 BCM harness 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 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 | -- |
Replace the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control Systems. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 15 | -- | |
15 |
Does the DTC reset? | -- | Go to Step 2 | System OK |
