jonpauls

Ever since buying the car from the previous owner, the 'active handling warming up' message is displayed every drive, and remains on with the exception of occasionally saying 'warm up complete' after a long period of time (>20 min). Then the other day the car finally threw C1287. From what I've read both phases of the SWPS should read ~2.5V when the wheel is centered. Checking the voltages on the SWPS, one wire reads ~2.5V when centered and the other reads ~5V, though they do correctly gradually change when the wheel is turned.

Is this indication of a bad SWPS or is there an easier fix such as unbolting at the steering box and turning the steering wheel some amount?

jonpauls

Yeah the clock spring was my concern with that as well. It's a 2001 and I do have access to another SWPS, but would rather not have to pull the column out if not necessary. I guess I just don't understand how the voltages can be increasing/decreasing appropriately but not be lined up with one another, unless that's just something that could happen when the SWPS fails. But to answer your question the steering wheel is straight and it drives straight as an arrow.

RedC5CO

For what it's worth, I am going through the same issue. In my case, I am pretty sure the steering wheel was turned while disconnected when it was in for service. I bought a used replacement SWPS and tried to figure out how to center it before installation. This can be done to the SWPS in the car already (make sure battery is disconnected, wheels are pointing straight ahead).

Measure the resistance between pins 1&6 and 2&6. They should be the same. This is very similar to measuring the voltage across those pins. With the linkage disconnected, see if you can turn the steering wheel to a position where the measurements are equal. Then re-attach the linkage with the steering wheel in the proper position. I have ordered a pig tail connector to plug into the swps to make it easier for me to make the measurements. Right or wrong, that's what I'm trying.

I wouldn't go more than a quarter of a turn without some confidence I'm moving in the right direction, due to the airbag sensor clock spring. 1/4 turn changed my values from: 1-6=3.65k Ohms, 2-6=7.50k ohms to 1-6=5.56k ohms, 2-6=5.56k ohms (That was a 1/4 turn counter clockwise).

Hope this helps!

Tom

lionelhutz

There is only 1 analog voltage output on the early SWPS. It should center at 2.5V and then go lower or higher as the wheel is turned.

Gordy M

In the 2000 and earlier Corvettes there was a blue wire in the SWPS that you measured the voltage for 2.5V, for the 2001 and up I know there are two blue wires but am unsure which one (light or medium blue) you measure the voltage. If you get the 2.5V while centered then its like 8VETTE7 said the sensor is failing.

lionelhutz

There is no analog signal in the 2001+ cars, so there is no place to measure for the analog voltage.

jonpauls

On 2001+ there are four wires as shown in the pic. I purchased a used sensor and installed as I was looking to resolve the issue quickly, but my issue still remains. I'll give it time and see if any more codes are thrown in the future. Regardless, the light green wire reads ~2.5V when centered with the light blue wire reading ~5V.

If you're replacing the sensor, centering the new (used) one is very simple, it's not even necessary to read voltages or resistances. The pin hole (as shown in the 2 o'clock position) will only allow a pin to be fully inserted when in the centered position. The centered position is as shown with the cutout on the innermost part at 9 o'clock position (near the silver sticker in the picture).

jonpauls

Just wanted to post an update for others after resolving this. The intermittent C1287 and very long "Active Handling Warming Up" messages turned out to be a bad connection in my intake air temperature sensor wiring, a result of deleting the MAF to switch to a speed density tune. This was the same resolution as at least one other individual on the forum.