GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Angle Sensor Centering Procedure

The steering angle sensor does not require centering often. Centering of the steering angle sensor might be required after certain service procedures are performed. Some of these procedures are as follows:

    • Steering gear replacement
    • Steering column replacement
    • Steering angle sensor replacement
    • Intermediate shaft replacement
    • ABS controller replacement
    • Collision or other physical damage
    • Engine cradle replacement

The steering angle sensor centering procedure can be preformed with a scan tool in the automated center procedure by the following:

  1. Using the steering wheel, align the front wheels forward.
  2. Set the transmission in the park position.
  3. Install the scan tool to the DLC.
  4. Turn the ignition switch ON, with the engine OFF.
  5. Select ABS/TCS/VSES, special function out put test, and automated centering procedure.
  6. Follow the scan tool directions to complete the automated centering procedure.
  7. Clear any DTCs that may be set, perform the Diagnostic System Check to verify no current DTCs. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - ABS .
  8. Centering of the steering angle sensor is complete.

The steering angle sensor centering procedure can be manually accomplished by the following steps:

  1. Using the steering wheel, align the front wheels forward.
  2. Set the transmission in the Park position.
  3. Verify that the brake pedal switch and the TRACTION CONTROL switch are operating properly.
  4. Set the Park brake ON to inhibit the DRL.
  5. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF. After 10 seconds, the instrument cluster lamps that are ON are as follows:
  6. • SERVICE ENGINE SOON
    • SECURITY
    • Seat Belts
    • BRAKE

    Important: The steering angle sensor will be uncentered before it is centered. Steps 6 through 9 will uncenter the steering angle sensor. The technician must become familiar with these steps because they have to be performed within a set amount of time. If they are not performed within the time period called out by the individual step the uncentering of the steering angle sensor will not be performed.

  7. Press the TRACTION CONTROL switch 3 times within 5 seconds. The TRAC OFF lamp is ON.
  8. With the scan tool installed and the ABS Data List selected, press the brake pedal firmly and hold to achieve 725 psi.
  9. • The LOW TRAC lamp turns ON.
    • The TRAC OFF lamp remains ON.
  10. Press the TRACTION CONTROL switch 3 times within 5 seconds.
  11. • The LOW TRAC lamp flashes.
    • The TRAC OFF lamp goes OFF.
  12. Release the brake pedal within 5 seconds.
  13. • The TRAC OFF lamp is ON.
    • The LOW TRAC lamp is OFF.
    • The PCS lamp is flashing.
  14. Uncentering of the steering angle sensor is complete.
  15. Important: The steering angle sensor will now be centered. Steps 11 and 12 will center the steering angle sensor. The technician must become familiar with these steps because they have to be performed within a set amount of time. If they are not performed within the time period called out by the individual step the centering of the steering angle sensor will not be performed.

  16. Press the TRACTION CONTROL switch 3 times within 5 seconds.
  17. • The LOW TRAC lamp is ON.
    • The TRAC OFF lamp is ON.
  18. Press the TRACTION CONTROL switch 3 times within 5 seconds.
  19. • The LOW TRAC lamp is OFF.
    • The TRAC OFF lamp is OFF.
    •  The PCS lamp is OFF.
    • The SERVICE VEHICLE SOON lamp will come ON and then go OFF.
  20. Centering of the steering angle sensor is complete.