I've been getting just this code recently, off and on, almost exclusively first thing in the morning when I'm headed off for work. I know this is an input to the AH system, so that's why the Active Handling yellow light is lit on the dash, but here's my question: could I be getting this just because the steering wheel isn't aligned correctly? What I mean is that when I'm driving in a straight line, the steering wheel is not centered -- it's offset counterclockwise by about 25 degrees. If I put my hands at the exact positions on the steering wheel equating to the 9:00 and 3:00 position, my hands actually look like they're at the 8:00 and 2:00 position when driving straight, hence, the steering wheel is "off" center by about 25 degrees.

As background, I had to take off the steering rack to pin the crank, but I was careful and locked the steering wheel before removing the rack. I *did* move the rack gears while trying to move the rack out of the way, but I did not rotate the steering wheel. Since the rack bolts into a set spot using two bolts through the rack, and since the rack ends had to be bolted back onto the steering knuckle and the front wheels were pointed straight ahead when I did this, I think the reinstall of the rack was O.K.

Input?

 

Must've rotated the piece coming out of the power steering rack. I have the same code, but I know this is the cause from the engine pull. Be careful when rotating it as you don't want to rotate it the wrong way further.

 

If they're not matched up, wouldn't the code be in all the time? It's been almost two months since I pulled the rack and the code only started showing up in the last week or so.

 

I'd get it over to someone who can read the voltage. Find out what is the proper voltage (I think it's 5v?) then find out what it's reading. That will tell you which way it's turned if it's turned. You might just need a new steering wheel position sensor if it's lined up correctly.

Are you throwing any other codes?

 

From time to time I'll get codes about cat convertor efficiency (I have high flow cats) and the drivers side Air check valve, but nothing related to the ABS/TCS/AH stuff, only the C1288.

 

When the steering wheel is straight, the voltage should read about 2.4 V, at the base of the steering column is the connector. Put a vom on the light blue wire and read voltage. More than likely you have .29 or 4.9V. Open the hood and look at the connection of the steering box. Take out that bolt, rotate steering wheel until 2.4V is read and reconnect.

In your case, I would first try this. Place a piece of tape on steering wheel at staight ahead position, place another piece of tape on the center of the steering wheel. Then disconnect the bolt as mentioned above, rotate steering wheel to center and reconnect bolt.

Start engine and take for a short drive and check for the AH light.. If it does not go on, your OK, if not try the VOM testing. Ask me how I know?