Bad steering sensor......
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,859
Likes: 4,658
Bad steering sensor......
I have a question about a possible bad steering sensor. I was told by a dealer Corvette tech that I needed a new SWPS, when cars was there several years back for unrelated issue. Since late 2006, I've gotten an Active Handling warming up, service vehicle soon, service traction control. However, I've never gotten a service SWPS code, I think they're a C1283(?), and C1287(?). It never shows an ABS code, and the ABS works fine, as I've tried locking the brakes on wet pavement. Engine has been in and out several times, but back in 2006, the engine had been in place for almost a year with no problems, when one afternoon I went for a drive, and after about 1,000 feet, I get the AH warming up message, then after driving a bit farther, I get the service messages. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks guys.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,681
Likes: 3,432
From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
I intentionally run with my steering sensor unplugged because it moved some brake bias to the rear on '01+ cars. I prefer this for track performance.
I do get the steering sensor codes, and Service Active Handling and Service Vehicle soon messages every time I start the car, but I dont get the warming up message. ABS is not effected as this will only disable AH. I reset the DIC warnings and they never come back on until the next time I start the car. Can you dismiss the massages or will they keep coming on while driving?
I do get the steering sensor codes, and Service Active Handling and Service Vehicle soon messages every time I start the car, but I dont get the warming up message. ABS is not effected as this will only disable AH. I reset the DIC warnings and they never come back on until the next time I start the car. Can you dismiss the massages or will they keep coming on while driving?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,859
Likes: 4,658
I intentionally run with my steering sensor unplugged because it moved some brake bias to the rear on '01+ cars. I prefer this for track performance.
I do get the steering sensor codes, and Service Active Handling and Service Vehicle soon messages every time I start the car, but I dont get the warming up message. ABS is not effected as this will only disable AH. I reset the DIC warnings and they never come back on until the next time I start the car. Can you dismiss the massages or will they keep coming on while driving?
I do get the steering sensor codes, and Service Active Handling and Service Vehicle soon messages every time I start the car, but I dont get the warming up message. ABS is not effected as this will only disable AH. I reset the DIC warnings and they never come back on until the next time I start the car. Can you dismiss the massages or will they keep coming on while driving?
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,429
Likes: 3,979
From: Cape Coral, Florida
Mike, I would clear all the codes and then go for a spin and see what codes may be stored BEFORE you shut the car off if those messages pop up...they will show up as current.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 12,409
Likes: 1,750
From: DFW TX
I had similar or same codes last year iirc - Found the plug to the sensor on the column, unplugged, sprayed it with contact cleaner, worked the plug on & off a few times - no moar codes
.
YMMV, good luck!!
.YMMV, good luck!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,681
Likes: 3,432
From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Yes, can dismiss. After about 10 more miles, they come on telling me to Service AH and Service Vehicle soon. When I clear them, they stay off until I shut the car off and restart it, and only the yellow skidding corvette light stays on. Can't know for sure about your braking bias working for me, because I have a 2000 model, and IIRC, the '01-up AH/TC system is changed. On mine, to engage Competitive mode you must come to a complete stop. The '01-up can be done on the fly, again IIRC.......
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,859
Likes: 4,658
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 356
From: Northville, MI
The C1287 code usually means the SWPS is shot and needs to be replaced. Unfortunately there are no available ones for the 97-00 models so you would have to get a used one, it is a real pain to get to the bolt holding the steering column together. Mine went several years ago and I just drive without it and turn off the lights when I start the car. Even tho the AH is off, the PCM will still slow everything down like it was working if you go autocrossing/HPDE, in that event you have to remember to push the AH button on the console.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski