Hi , recently picked up a 99 FRC 6 speed and has body codes and SERVICE ACTIVE SUSPENSION and SERVICE VEHICLE SOON lights on.

here are the list of codes present:

All these TCS codes were followed by an H for history:

TCS
C1255 EBTCM Internal Malfunction
C1281 Steering Sensor Uncorrelated Malfunction
C1282
C1283
C1286 Steering Sensor Bias Malfunction
C1287
U1016 Loss of Communications with PCM

Radio - No comm. Probably due to having an aftermarket deck in it

BO RFA

U1255 Serial Data Line Malfunction
U1096 Loss of Communication with IPC
U1064 Loss of Communication with BCM
U1016 Loss of Communication with PCM

and a C2120 TPM System Malfunction is History and Current.

Car also looks to have a new battery installed along with aftermarket deck , stereo and speaker systems.

Do u think a new steering wheel position sensor would solve most of the TCS codes?

any help appreciated.

 

Just as a maintenance item, clean the ground posts in the engine bay. there should be one under the battery, and just ahead of driver side front tire. Rough them up, get them clean use contact cleaner. Gremlins can appear if a ground is acting funny, not sure if this is part of your equation, but its an easy first step.

 

Clear the codes out and run for a few miles and see if any come back. Post up any that reappear

 

Codes that Reappeared: drove for about 20-30 miles. Service vehicle soon and service active suspension along with these codes in HISTORY:

C1281 Steering Sensor Uncorrelated Malfunction
C1287 Steering Sensor Rate Malfunction


any info appreciated, would i be looking at replacing the steering sensor?

 

more than likely it will need a steering sensor--common problem

 

Does your car have active handling or does it just have ABS and Traction Control? Based on your comment that you received a Service Vehicle Soon message I am assuming you haven't got AH. Do you know if the steering shaft was disconnected from the steering rack in the past? If so and somebody turned the steering wheel one complete turn before reattaching the shaft to the rack then that could be the problem. If that isn't the problem then the problem could be in the wiring, grounds, sensor or EBTCM. Make sure the wiring and all connections in connectors/with ground are in good condition and making good contact.

It is very important that a thorough inspection of the wiring and connectors be performed. Failure to carefully and fully inspect wiring and connectors may result in misdiagnosis, causing part replacement with reappearance of the malfunction. Check connector C102 RH side rear of engine compart for water intrusion or missing plugs, and that the connector is oriented horizontal to prevent water intrusion.

Check those things and the wheel alignment and let us know what you find.

Bill

 

I haven't owned the car long at all. Its a 99 FRC with active suspension, 6 speed. and it also has aftermarket stereo / subs if that matters. I am not sure if the steering column has been out or not.


I also noticed that the Service active suspension only comes on when i take a Right hand turn. I drove about 7-8 miles only going straight and taking left turns and Nothing popped up until i made a right hand turn.

My wheel is off a tiny hair cockeyed counter clockwise, and I have my left front wheel looks like it was run low at one time because the outer edge is worn a bit. But the car still drives straight down the road.

Checked codes today a few new ones popped up:

I also noticed during one driving cycle that it said "reduced engine power across the display"


Is there any link to a sight with the wiring diagrams / sensors / ground locations to look at?

any more info appreciated.

TCS

C1281 Steering Sensor Uncorrelated Malfunction
C1282
C1286 Steering Sensor Bias Malfunction
C1287
U1016 Loss of Communications with PCM
U 1016 Loss of communications with IPC
Radio - No comm. Probably due to having an aftermarket deck in it

BO RFA

U1255 Serial Data Line Malfunction
U1096 Loss of Communication with IPC
U1064 Loss of Communication with BCM
U1016 Loss of Communication with PCM

and a C2120 TPM System Malfunction is History and Current.

Should I try to get a new tire and an alignment then go from there?

 

I had the C1287 code appear with more frequency over time (6 mos.) Finally had the Steering Wheel Position Sensor replaced by my local mechanic about three weeks ago. No more code.

 

Looks like I am going to end up going with the steering wheel sensor then go from there.

Cheapest i could find was GM parts direct -- 190 dollars. Dealer wanted $315...

 

Perzactly

I was getting the C1287 code. Dealer replaced my SWPS last year. All is good now.

SWPS = $80
Labor ~$250

 

NFW I bought mine at the dealership for $80. I hope dealer quote was parts and labor.

 

bluefire- I think the 01 and up steering wheel sensors are cheaper, and have a different number of wires. 2000 and earlier get the shaft on the pricing i guess. I will update once I remedy the prob.

 

Bummer. It does surprise me that something actually got cheaper on these cars over the years.

I hope you get it fixed soon.

 

Does anyone have the part no. for the 97-00 Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS)? Thanks, -blake