Steering wheel position sensor

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Jan 24, 2012 | 10:55 PM

jazzvette

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 124

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Steering wheel position sensor

Can you use a used position sensor? I install a use one and was just wondering if I could take one off another car.

Jan 24, 2012 | 11:20 PM

ls6fan1

Intermediate

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 34

Likes: 2

From: new jersey

just get a new one from gmpartswarehouse.com or partstaxi.com. it's like $70. i wouldn't take any chances with a used one.

Jan 24, 2012 | 11:26 PM

Bluefire

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 7,869

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From: Hillsboro OR

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzvette

Can you use a used position sensor? I install a use one and was just wondering if I could take one off another car.

The specific reason you can't is when they fail, it is a physical mechanical failure (worn out contacts).

Jan 24, 2012 | 11:37 PM

Jnape

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 983

Likes: 36

From: Middle Of Kali CA

The sensor has a keeper to clock the sensor during install. If you have no idea where the sensor is positioned, you can't get it installed properly.

Jan 25, 2012 | 09:13 AM

dgrant3830

Tech Contributor

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 10,962

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From: Van Buren Arkansas

Wounded Warrior Escort '11

I agree with everyone. Also, its mounted at the base of the steering column, so you get to mess with the airbags. Rather than chance it when mine went bad some years ago, I paid the dealer to do the job.

Mar 24, 2012 | 04:22 AM

Ironman433

Instructor

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 180

Likes: 1

From: Montrose CO

What do you do about a bad sensor now that GM has discontinued the 1999-2000 Steering Wheel Positon Sensor and nobody seems to have one?!

Mar 24, 2012 | 04:07 PM

BigGun

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,596

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From: Bahama North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jnape

The sensor has a keeper to clock the sensor during install. If you have no idea where the sensor is positioned, you can't get it installed properly.

Has anybody figured out a way around this problem? Looks like used may be the only choice out there soon.

Mar 25, 2012 | 03:41 AM

DeeGee

Tech Contributor

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 19,384

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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England

2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified

There's a pin fitted to the sensor which must stay in place before you fit it to the steering column. The black pin stops it from moving from the centered position until its properly installed. If the pin is removed before the sensor is on the shaft it won't sit correctly and will give the wrong voltage on center.

I'd say it would be impossible to use an old sensor again.

Heres a great How To which has pictures of the sensor, showing the pin on the new one. Take a look at post #15

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-sensor-2.html

I found a new SWPS as "obsolete stock" with a UK dealer. Like Dave, I'm nervous about airbags and I just need to have the courage to fit it.

Last edited by DeeGee; Mar 25, 2012 at 03:49 AM.