GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using the 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 C0460 39: Steering Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction

DTC C0460 5A: Steering Position Sensor

DTC C0460 71: Steering Position Sensor Data Error

DTC C0460 72: Steering Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The steering angle sensor shares a 12 V ignition supply voltage with the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and the yaw-rate sensor. The EBCM applies a ground to the steering angle sensor low reference circuit, which is shared with the yaw-rate sensor.

The steering angle sensor provides a serial data signal output to the EBCM that represents the steering wheel degree of rotation. The EBCM utilizes this signal to calculate the driver intended driving direction.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The EBCM detects the following steering angle sensor fault:

    • Steering angle sensor internal failure
    • Steering angle sensor output signal out of range
    • Steering angle sensor not calibrated

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The EBCM disables the ABS-TCS/ESP for the duration of the ignition cycle
    • One or all of the following warning indicators may activate:
       - ABS-TCS warning indicator
       - ABS-TCS warning display
       - ESP warning display
       - Brake failure indicator
       - Trac-off warning display

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The current DTC moves into history when there is no current logged during the self-test.
    • The DTC is cleared with a scan tool.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Verification

  1. With scan tool installed, calibrate the steering angle sensor.
  2. Turn the ignition OFF for 10 seconds.
  3. Drive the vehicle in a straight ahead direction for 15 minutes. If the DTC did not set as a current DTC see diagnostic aids.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the steering angle sensor connector.
  2. Test the steering angle sensor reference voltage circuit for a short to voltage, short to ground, an open or high resistance.
  3. If the reference voltage circuit did not test normal, repair the circuit.
  4. Test the steering angle sensor ground circuit for an open or high resistance.
  5. If the reference ground circuit did not test normal, repair the circuit.
  6. Test the steering angle sensor CAN HI and LO circuit for a short to voltage, short to ground, an open or high resistance.
  7. If the steering angle sensor CAN HI and LO circuits did not test normal repair the circuit.
    If the steering angle sensor CAN HI and LO circuits tested normal, replace the steering angle sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Steering Wheel Position Sensor Replacement
    •  Steering Wheel Position Sensor Centering