Searching the archives revealed dozens of people getting a "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING" message on their DIC, but only found one person that also actually experienced a physical problem with brakes, or steering, etc.

Just wanted to pass on my experience....

While moderately accelerating in a straight line on a dry road going through 60 MPH, my '01 Coupe pulled to the left like the left side brakes were applied or the steering wheel turned on its own! Straightening the steering wheel and tapping the brake pedal revealed that the pedal was pulsing rapidly (vibrating). The yellow warning light in the dash came on and the DIC read "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING". I was not even near WOT, so I don't believe Traction Control was activated.

I pulled to the side of the road, hit "RESET" and turned the car off. It started again, normally, with no other warnings.

Looking at the DTC Codes later, three were present with an "H" suffix: C1281H (Steering Sensor), B0516H (Speedo) and C2110H (RR Tire Pressure Sensor).

This malfunction was not simply a warning, but was a real eye-opener since my car swerved into the opposite lane going 60 MPH. Glad no one was coming, to say the least!

I've only driven it once since then, and I guess it's time to take a 61-mile ride to my dealer again.

Anyone else experience an actual physical problem to go along with their DIC warning?

Regards.




[Modified by Cathouse, 6:20 PM 4/29/2003]

 

Glad ure ok

 

Mine did the same thing last week. I drive with active handling off from now on.

 

Sounds like the steering wheel positon sensor gave the EBCM a false reading and it thought you where in a severe oversteer at 60 mph so it tried to correct it by applying the brakes. The VSES system activates the brakes at a higher frequency than the ABS system and that would explain the pedal feel you had.

 

Now this is SCARY! :eek:

 

Roger that. It was about the most exciting "straight-line" driving I've had in my C5. I would hate to just punch off the Active Handling though. When working properly, it is a real godsend.

Being rather lazy, I'd probably wait for this anomaly to happen again and hope that I don't crash. Admittedly, that is pretty stupid. My SO, on the other hand, has already told me that she won't be going with me on our Reno trip in June unless I get it checked out. Wise woman, she is.

Thanks for your feedback, especially about the steering sensor.

Will follow up on this forum when I see what my dealer's Service Department comes up with.

Regards



[Modified by Cathouse, 9:43 PM 4/29/2003]

 

:iagree: That is scary :eek: Stories like this make me want to just run all the time without AH on.

 

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

 

You bet it is, and with all the new drive by wire stuff coming onboard it could get scarier
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

 

I feel your pain, this happend to me several times when my 02 coupe was new. It turned out to be a bad yaw rate sensor. I am just thankful that I was not injured. The owner of my local dealership was almost hit by a semi while out trying to duplicate this problem on my car. My advice is to have your local dealership contact the plant or have a Delphi engineer look at the car ASAP. :(

 

I don't understand why you won't deactivate it until you get it looked at? Active handling really shouldn't kick in unless you've made a driving mistake and given the problem with your activie handling, I can't belive you'd be driving anywhere near the edge where you'd need it. So why not just turn it off? :confused:

 

Thank you all for your responses. I really appreciate your feedback!

Snake Slayer, it sounds like you speak from experience. The error code C1281H relates to a steering wheel position sensor (uncorrolated malfunction), but I'll have the service people specifically take a look at the yaw sensor too. Thanks for mentioning this.

wwashing, maybe I misspoke about turning off the Active Handling. I meant that I would hate to have to keep it turned off permanently and never have it available.

I'm scheduled to take my C5 in Monday. While they're diagnosing the Active Handling issue they can also look at the cause for the B0516H code (speedo) and the C2110H code (tire pressure sensor).

It's funny, I just pulled out my calculator.... Of the 10,500 total miles on my 2001 C5, 10.5% are strictly from round trips to my dealer for required service and repairs! :banghead:

Fixed / replaced so far: rubber gaskets on top and right window, new alternator, drooping right-side tailpipes (twice), excessive oil usage, oil consumption study, LS1 engine replacement and now this. Bummer. :rant: