C1281 Code. How do I fix it??
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,876
Likes: 8
From: Las Vegas NV
St. Jude Donor '06 & '12
C1281 Code. How do I fix it??
ever since I got my car back from getting its new motor &S/C installed I keep getting "Active Handling Warming Up' and Service traction control. I went for a ride and got the car to throw the code (C1281 Steering Sensor Uncorrelated Malfunction) and (C1283) How the he!! do I fix this??
THX Guys
Jeff
THX Guys
Jeff
Last edited by Jeff @ TPE; Jun 30, 2005 at 10:45 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,034
Likes: 125
From: NY-South Florida
Sounds like they never indexed the steering column when the took the shaft apart. There is a sensor on the steering column which tells the AH/ETCM what the steering angle is at. This combined with wheel speed sensor readings, lateral forces, etc.... is how the system works.
When you remove the steering shaft from the rack the steering column can rotate several revolutions if you don't lock the column. I usually pull the car in dead straight and lock the steering column. When I reassemble, all I need to do is get the front wheels straight and reattach the shaft.
I believe that code is because the AH module is seeing all four tires spinning at the same RPM but it sees a steering angle that is a turn.
This is a very common mistake! You made need a TECH2 scanner to read the current steering angle when the wheels are straight....it should be zero!
When you remove the steering shaft from the rack the steering column can rotate several revolutions if you don't lock the column. I usually pull the car in dead straight and lock the steering column. When I reassemble, all I need to do is get the front wheels straight and reattach the shaft.
I believe that code is because the AH module is seeing all four tires spinning at the same RPM but it sees a steering angle that is a turn.
This is a very common mistake! You made need a TECH2 scanner to read the current steering angle when the wheels are straight....it should be zero!
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,876
Likes: 8
From: Las Vegas NV
St. Jude Donor '06 & '12
Originally Posted by 9D9LS1
This is a very common mistake! You made need a TECH2 scanner to read the current steering angle when the wheels are straight....it should be zero!
So what your saying is, if my wheels are dead straight and the steering wheel position is reading like its turned then thats my problem. How do I fix that???
Jeff
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,034
Likes: 125
From: NY-South Florida
Pull the car in straight. The scanner will give you a degree reading. Should be zero but could be -22 or +22 (or whatever it might be off). Disconnect the 11mm bolt from the shaft to the rack and rotate it until you get zero. Loctite it and clear the codes.
I haven't confirmed that code but pretty sure that's what it is. Makes sense since it was taken apart.
I haven't confirmed that code but pretty sure that's what it is. Makes sense since it was taken apart.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,370
Likes: 8
From: Slave to the evil empire
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04
Originally Posted by 9D9LS1
Pull the car in straight. The scanner will give you a degree reading. Should be zero but could be -22 or +22 (or whatever it might be off). Disconnect the 11mm bolt from the shaft to the rack and rotate it until you get zero. Loctite it and clear the codes.
I haven't confirmed that code but pretty sure that's what it is. Makes sense since it was taken apart.
I haven't confirmed that code but pretty sure that's what it is. Makes sense since it was taken apart.
Racer
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 484
Likes: 1
From: Pasadena MD
I have been getting the C1281 for a few months and finally decided to take it in and let the dealer look at. He called me back this morning and said he thinks the sensor is bad and wanted $650 + to replace it. The steering wheel is about 5 degrees off when moving straight down the road, I suggested to the service manager that may be the problem and please do a 4 wheel alignment before replacing the sensor. 4 wheel alaighment is $125 vs $650. It should be back this afternoon, we'll see what happens.
