My message center started to throw a "service vehicle soon" massage at me?? I ran the codes and was getting a "steering bias sensor malfunction" (C1268). Anyone had this before or know what it could be.

Recently had the crank seal replaced and an underdrive pulley installed,
so I'm thinkin something to do with the steering rack being moved.
Is there any type of sensor that could just be unplugged???

Any help appriciated.

 

Howdy, don't you mean C1286 ? 1268 is:RR Outlet Valve Solenoid Malfunction. C1286 is the Steering Sensor Bias Malfunction. I've not had any work on my '98 coupe in the rack area at all and I'm also getting this and only this error message, other than the service vehicle soon message. I've gone through reading, only reading, the testing procedures in the service manual for this code and it appears to me that the overall problem might be the Steering Wheel Position Sensor, or SWPS, and it's alot cheaper to repair/replace at the stealership than the EBCM. So, please let me know what you find with yours and I might try the same thing. Thanks folks.

 

I did mean C1286... Sorry. Doesn't seem to be effecting anything. the car drives nicely and no noticable problem...just worries me that every time I start the car I get the "service vehicle soon" message.

 

Just had the same problem after harmonic balance replacement. My steering wheel was turned an I didnt know it had been turned.I had to take steering apart at rack turn it 360 and got my wheel back to it home position.You may have the same problem.Swps for a 98 is about 240 dollars plus install.

 

I'm having the same problem but have not had a reader to see what code is coming up. I would really like to know what this problem is and how to fix it. I'm also throwing an service tire pressure sen. worrning which I know is because I don't have them installed in the tires, but would like to clear that code off so the error message will go away. Anybody have any ideas to help or a simple way to clear codes and not have to use a computer or scanner?

 

You have one already built into the car! How can you be a Senior Member and not have seen a post on this?

 

My money is on the Steering Wheel Position Sensor has gone bad.


FYI...
Sensor = $80
Dealer labor = $250

 

ok call me dumb or whatever but i dont know what your talking about? is it the drivers display that you are talking about? If not please inform me and help me be a better SENIOR Memeber

 

Howdy...Yeah, you can see what codes are the offending part by doing the diagnostic code lookup, I'm guessing what to call it. "Turn the key to the ON position but don't start the engine. Clear any present messages by pressing the reset button. Hold the OPTIONS button down and press the FUEL button 4 times within 10 seconds. This will get you into the CODES section of the DIC. The computer will automatically display all the codes your car has created. It will cycle through each code every 3 seconds. Any code that ends in H is a history code (something that has ocured in the past but is fine now) C means a current code and isn't fine now. Once the computer has finished going through all of it's codes, press reset to enter Manual Configuration mode. It should start with a module and show "NO CODES" or # of codes. To optionally reset the codes once in manual mode, press the reset button unitil it displays "NO CODES". Press options button to go to the next module. Repeat the steps until you have reset all the codes in all computer modules. Please write the code down eg:C1286 so you can look them up on a "CODE LIST". You can download the code list at : www.stengel.net/dicodes, which is where I copied the above information. I keep it in a book, just in case I start throwing codes, I can tell what they are and can then go to the GM Service Manual for my vette and see what they may be caused by. Actually a very simple operation. Let us know how you do and if you need help, ask again. Thanks guys.

 

hey dancin1 thanks for the info!! this is really going to help! Its always better to help someone out if they dont understand something rather then just tell them their wrong. I never claimed to know everything just because im a SENIOR Member but some people might think this i guess. well thanks again and I will keep everyone updated on what codes im being thrown

 

So if it is the steering wheel position sensor that is bad or out of adjustment, will this cause any problem? What does the car do with the steering wheel position information?

 

SWPS data is vital in the active handling and traction control circuits. When mine went out it would do things like randomly kick off cruise control, disable traction control. The sensor is a plastic magnetic donut that wears out easily.

You can measure at the sensor connector to see if you have the required +5V bias voltage.

 

Ok so the codes I'm getting constantly are

28-TCS. C1281 H
28-TCS. C1286 H C
BO-RAF. C2120 H C

 

And when I first checked their were 14 codes that came up but only 3 were current.