28TCS.......C1281H
Steering Sensor Uncorrelated Malfunction

Here's my story......sad but true
I had the original steering sensor replaced after 60,000 miles.
Car now has 120,000
Last April or May I installed 2004, Z06 shocks in the car. I disconnected the "A" Frames from the body to make the job easier. The passenger side of the car had one flat washer between the "A" Frame and the body on each bolt. The driver side of the car had two washers each on the right side and none on the left. I thought someone made a mistake at the factory so I put one washer each just like the other side. It wasn't long before I received a code. I think it was the same code as above. I returned the washers to their original location. (I'm pretty sure) Everything was fine until last week.(over 6 months) Received this: Service Vehicle Soon.....28TCS.....C1281H
I clear it and it comes back. I don't want to go through the expense of replacing the steering sensor unless I'm pretty sure that is what has to be done. How would I know if the shims are in the right place? I could reverse the one's on the driver side to see what happens.

 

c1281 can't be that rare?? i know 'ayeroff' had this problem w/ his vert

 

I drove the car again this morning, about 20 miles on the Pkwy and then shut off and start for another hour.
No Codes
I don't think I made a mistake re-installing the washers to their original place

 

When i thought my steering sensor was going bad, i was given an extensive set of instructions how to test all of the sensors before replacing any of them. Perhaps somebody with an electronic set of manuals would be able to help.

Chris

 

Bob, i would disregard the washers, they are unrelated

 

what was the fix?? i know those FL cars have a TON of problems w/ the salty air from the ocean (typical warmth-envy hater response)

 

You disturbed the wheel alignment! Before you get too deep in electrical issues, I would spend the $50 or so and get an alignment. If your steeiing angle is off due to mis alignment, the steering wheel position sensor thinks your trying to turn while the car is giong straight. Hold your steering wheel perfectly straight and see if your car pulls lef or right while you going down the road.


BC

 

Bill
I had a wheel alignment done after the shocks were installed and replaced the washers to their original position.
The steering wheel was a little off center which they had a little bit of a hard time getting it right. I hope to see you this Sat. We'll talk then, thanks.

 

I will bring my Service Manuals with me. That will shed some light on the problem. I'm heading over EG's house right now to help him get his house ready for sale. Been over there almost every night this weekend! We got LOTs bone on the house but NOTHING done on the car.

See you Saturday.

BC

 

Check the ABS connections at the wheels and make sure they are fully making contact. If you have a malfuntion of the sensor from an alignment you would either have a C1283 or 1286 code. The fix for that is:

Quick check is to take a voltage reading from the center light blue wire coming from the steering sensor with the ignition on and the front wheels pointing straight ahead. (Theres actually 2 blue wires, one is lighter than the other and closer to the centre of the plug.) Should read approx 2.5 V., if not, disconnected the steering shaft and turned the steering wheel till voltage read 2.5 V. Reconnected the steering shaft.

 

Have you reseated the EBTCM connector? I was getting the 1281 code last summer and cleaning and reseating completely cleared this code... its easy and cheap.

 

I don't think this is my problem.....but I saved your information

 

This sounds like a good place to start.
As I am not electrically charged. Where do I look for this EBTCM connector that you speak of.
Thanks

 

early 98 it's in the back(in front of the mid comp., behind the diff); the later 98's have the ebcm in front of the p/s pump

 

I hate to jump on your question too, but I am also getting an intermitant issue with same code. Once in a week or so??



I would also like to know where to check this plug. I understand from local Chevy dealer that that handles many of the problems they see, loose or bad connections.

THanks

tt

 

Here's a thread (there are others) that talks about the EBTCM...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...um_id=1&arch=1

Your unit will be behind/above the rear diff (98?) same as mine. The connector plug is large and has a locking clamp that holds it tight and must be "opened" to remove the plug. If you work it back and forth, it will eventually open, then the plug can be removed and cleaned up with electrical contact spray.

Bill Curlee has some great pics, although they are no longer on the link. You could PM him and I'm sure he would send them to you.

 

Thank you
I know what to look for. I have an early 98, so mine is in the rear

 

I had the same problem and 'fixed' it the same way. Loosen and then clean and retighten ALL the electrical connectors. The EBTCM is a great start, but there are 6 or so grounds that I cleaned up and haven't had the code in over a year. Good Luck.

If after you have cleaned the connectors and the grounds you still receive the code, do the diagnostic mentioned above. Its pretty easy to do and you are looking for +/- 2.5Vdc.

 

Thanks! I just love you guys!

tt

 

Thanks everyone
I know where most of the grounds are located. Every time Bill Curlee answered someone's guestion I took note of where he stated they are. I didn't want to touch them because up until now I've been pretty lucky. If It's Not Broken.....Don't Fix It.