I keep throwing code C1286 Steering Sensor Bias Malfunction, which is in 28-TCS. What does the code mean? How do I fix it? I've cleared it out, and after about 30 minutes of driving, I get "Service Vehicle Soon" on my D.I.C. That's the only code I've thrown. Thanks.

 

Have you installed headers, cam, pulley or disconnected the steering shaft for any reason?

 

Dude same thing happened to me...it started when I had my cam installed. I took it to several different places and they couldn't figure out what was wrong. Took it to a dealership over here and one of the techs took a swing at it. It turns out that when you rotate the steering column the steering sensor sends out two different voltages which is read by the PCM. One voltage gets higher and the other gets lower when the steering wheel is turned one way, then vice versa when turned the opposite way...lets say that they both show 150 when the steering wheel is straight forward. When you turn it lets say clockwise 1/4 turn it will now say 125 and the other would show 175, but on mine, only one of them is changing and the other one isn't, no matter which way you turn the wheel.

I've had several other shops check it out and they already checked to make sure everything on the steering rack was fine, the steering wheel was tapped down when everything was removed. If it was put together wrong then it would be 180degrees off and both sensors would at least be sending out the respective voltages. The only one that knew what was wrong was the dealership. He stated that more than likely the steering sensor went out. He said it's at the bottom of the steering column and that a cam install wouldn't have messed it up. He said it's not that hard to fix but they would have to tear everything up under the dash to get to the bottom of the steering column. I don't think the sensor costs that much but they'll get you on the labor...he said it would be about 3 hours of labor. I have an extended warranty so I'm hoping it will cover this. If not I'm gonna be pissed. Is your car a '98? I have heard that this is common on the '98s. Well that's whats going on with my 1286 Seering Sensor Bias Malfunction...hope this helps you...good luck.

 

This is an easy fix (if it's 180* out) if you have a simple volt meter, if so:

With the wheels pointing straight, probe the light blue wire on the INNERMOST position closest to the center of the car, and see what voltage it is showing. (this is under the dash where the steering column enters the engine bay) If it's not showing ~2.4 Volts with the wheels pointing straight ahead then disconnect the steering shaft in the engine bay and rotate the steering wheel one complete turn counter clockwise and take a reading, if it's not 2.4V then rotate the wheel TWO turns counter clockwise and it should read 2.4V if no avail just rotate the steering wheel until you get a reading of 2.4V, reconnect the steering shaft in the engine bay and you're done.