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Old Apr 11, 2019 | 11:40 PM
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Default steering speed sensor

I keep getting a tcm 1287 code which says its the steering speed sensor located on the steering column...Seems like a hard job that takes hours to do, and I was wondering if I could get that message cleared if I unplug the old sensor and leave it where it is, then just plug in a new sensor and zip tie it up under the dash... Long shot but I thought I'd ask and maybe just try that...? My Vette is a 2003 C5

Last edited by EZD421; Apr 11, 2019 at 11:44 PM.
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Old Apr 11, 2019 | 11:54 PM
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Originally Posted by EZD421
I keep getting a tcm 1287 code which says its the steering speed sensor located on the steering column...Seems like a hard job that takes hours to do, and I was wondering if I could get that message cleared if I unplug the old sensor and leave it where it is, then just plug in a new sensor and zip tie it up under the dash... Long shot but I thought I'd ask and maybe just try that...? My Vette is a 2003 C5
i don’t think that will work. Some people have had luck with playing with the connector a little to see if it makes a better connection. But most likely the sensor needs to be replaced. Just had mine replaced. Was $500.
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Old Apr 12, 2019 | 12:00 AM
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Expensive, or a afternoon under the dash... I really don't want to spend the money, on the hand I don't want to screw something else up..
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Old Apr 12, 2019 | 12:17 AM
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I lived with the dash light for a while. But the sudden steering jerks while driving finally freaked me out enough that I spent the money to get it fixed
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Old Apr 12, 2019 | 12:22 AM
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I lived with the dash light for a while. But the sudden steering jerks while driving finally freaked me out enough that I spent the money to get it fixed.
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Old Apr 12, 2019 | 05:55 AM
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Yep! Either spend the money or do it yourself.
It is quite a job but there are quite a few DIY posts about swapping out the SWPS.
I had mine done because it was too hard on me being old. Costs around 500 bucks.
Good luck!
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Old Apr 12, 2019 | 11:30 AM
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I've read posts that said get a good shot of electrical contact cleaner inside the swps and turning the steering wheel lock to lock several times will bring the sensor back to life again.
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Old Apr 15, 2019 | 09:10 AM
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Hi Grandpa1,

My 2003 50th Anniversary Ragtop is doing the same thing and error code is also Code C1287 H.

Did you take your C5 to the dealer or some other garage? This is most definitely a big job. My concern is messing something else up.

Thanks much!
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Old Apr 15, 2019 | 09:12 AM
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Hi STRMLNE,

My 2003 50th Anniversary Ragtop is doing the same thing and error code is also Code C1287 H.

How much did it set you back?

Did you take your C5 to the dealer or some other garage? This is most definitely a big job. My concern is messing something else up.

Thanks much!
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Old Apr 15, 2019 | 12:10 PM
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My 1287 steering sensor was about $500-600. Not cheap. I did take it to the dealer. A lot of people on this forum stay far far away from dealers. Haha. But, mine is close to my house and while I do pay a little more, they’ve always done a good job for me and if you ask they almost always will give you 15% off. Some people on here have had luck fiddling with the sensor, tightening battery terminals, and or cleaning grounds. None of that worked for me and the jerking while steering is pretty scary. Haha. I bit the bullet and had someone fix it. That job is too big for me to do it myself. 1287 and ebcm 1214 are almost guaranteed to happen sooner or later. Just part of owning the car. Good luck!
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Old Apr 15, 2019 | 12:23 PM
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I did this and is been fine for two years
I've read posts that said get a good shot of electrical contact cleaner inside the swps and turning the steering wheel lock to lock several times will bring the sensor back to life again.
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Old Apr 15, 2019 | 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by GS2003
Hi Grandpa1,

My 2003 50th Anniversary Ragtop is doing the same thing and error code is also Code C1287 H.

Did you take your C5 to the dealer or some other garage? This is most definitely a big job. My concern is messing something else up.

Thanks much!
There is a local mechanic that does Corvette work. He has a great rep and I used him. Dealer wanted almost 700 for labor and wasn't really sure how to do it.
I bought the part online from GMPartshouse.
I have the service manuals and did a lot of research on doing it myself but I'm just not young and limber anymore.
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