I put new shocks on the car. While working on it I moved the steering by grabbing the rotors and turning them to gain access for the bolts. Now when I drive it sometimes it acts like I lose power steering. Also the wheel is not straight while driving straight which it has always been that way. I did get a code about the steering sensor. What are my options and did I mess it up turning the wheels while it was off? Could a front end alignment to get the wheel straight help?

Car is a 98 coupe.

Thank you Kirt

 

Bueller Ferris Bueller

 

What you did has nothing to do with the Steering Sensor.

You can start by pulling and posting the codes stored in the computer so we have some information about what is happening and don't have to guess:


Here is how to pull and post codes:





OR



http://www.c5forum.com/ayc/dtcdic.php

 

Here are all the codes.


P0748
C1281
C1288
U1064
Y1096
U1016

 

Hmmm Sounds to me like your Steering Position Sensor is talking it's final breath. Sorry to say but you are going to have a hell of a time finding a replacement. They are not made anymore !


C1288:
Circuit Description
The Steering Wheel Position Sensor provides the EBCM with an analog voltage reading from 0.2 - 4.8 V depending on the steering wheel angle. The EBCM uses the analog voltage for the centering routine. The EBCM runs a centering routine when the vehicle speed goes above 10 km/h (6 mph) . When the vehicle reaches 10 km/h (6 mph) , the EBCM monitors the Steering Wheel Position Sensor inputs (Phase A, Phase B and Analog voltage) to see if the steering wheel is moving. If the steering wheel is not moving for a set period of time then the EBCM assumes the vehicle is going in a straight line. At this point, the EBCM looks at the analog voltage signal and reads the voltage. This voltage, normally around 2.5 V, is then considered the center position and the digital degrees also become zero at the same time. This centering routine is necessary to compensate for wear in the steering and suspension. Wear in the steering and suspension can result in a change in the relationship between the steering wheel and the front wheels. By running the centering routine, the EBCM can compensate for these changes by changing the digital and analog center position.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
The Steering Wheel Position Sensor analog output voltages falls outside 0.2 - 4.8 V range.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
ABS and TCS remain enabled, Active Handling(TM) is disabled.


Indicators that turn on: Car Icon (TCS indicator)
Messages displayed on the DTC: Service Active HNDLG
Service Vehicle Soon

Diagnostic Aids
The following are possible causes:


A Steering Wheel Position Sensor circuit open.
A Steering Wheel Position Sensor shorted. Perform an inspection of the wiring and of the connectors. Failure to carefully inspect the wiring and the connectors may result in misdiagnosis. Misdiagnosis causes part replacement with reappearance of the malfunction.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to step numbers on the diagnostic table.


Checks for a short to voltage.
Checks for a short to ground.
Checks for an open.

 

The car is a 98 with out active handling. Rock auto show they have a replacement and I have found some others for that year. I think the 99-2000 are the ones you cant buy. Could the steering wheel not centered while driving cause any problems? Need to get it aligned just put new tires on it.

 

OK Cool on the sensor but I don't think steering being off center would cause any problem. After you have the alignment done, clear all of the codes and see what happens ?

 

I don't understand how changing the shocks could cause the wheel to not be centered.

What all did you disconnect/remove when you replaced the shocks and/or turned the rotors?

 

It was that way before I changed the shocks.

 

Isn't centering the steering wheel before any toe adjustments made one of the steps to having an alignment ? That's why I didn't mention that. It's suppose to come with the territory. The OP never mentioned HOW far out the center of steering was. If it was slightly off I really don't think it would cause his problems.....Oh well, we'll see what he has to say once the alignment is done.