I'm getting code TCS1288 :Steering Position Sensor Circuit. I had a new Harmonic Balancer put on and the steering rack was removed. On the way home this code came on. I think that has to do with it. How do i fix it?? thanks, marcus

 

the steering wheel linkage was not put back onto the steering rack in proper orientation. The steering wheel position is not 'electrically' centered with 'wheels straight' position of rack. How to fix it:
1. Start car then turn wheels until straight forward. Turn engine off.
2.Disconnect the steering linkage from the input shaft of the rack on driver side of engine bay (13mm bolt)
3. Access the SWPS sensor located at bottom of steering column located from driver foot well. you'll need to remove the foot well upper kick panel to access the 6 pin connector on the sensor.
4. Leaving the connector plugged into the sensor, place a DVM meter between pin 1 and pin 6, set meter to DC voltage. You might want to slide unfolded paperclips into the back of each pin 1 and 6 from the backside of the connector as it is plugged into the SWPS, then attach your meter leads to those.
5. turn key to On position
6. slowly rotate steering wheel in either direction until you find +2.5vdc. Be careful not to rotate the wheel more than 3 turns in either direction to aviod breaking the ABS clocking spring assembly.
7. Once 2.5vdc is found, the steer wheel should be straight upright, or just a few degrees rotation in either direction. it is ok for the SWPS to be +/- a couple tenths of DC voltage from wheel straight. A proper front wheel alignment on a good laser rack will correct these slight differences.
8. reattach the steering linkage onto rack input shaft. lock down the bolt.
9. go test drive.

Robert / Gen 3 MS

 

Thanks a whole bunch!! has anyone had to do this before?

 

I've had to do this on occasion to fix SWPS codes such as 1282, 1288, etc. If the above procedure doesnt work, you'll need to take your car to the dealer for them to verify the integrity of the SWPS itself.

Robert

 

To many rotations out of synch will also damage the air bag coil clock spring (ribbon) in the column.

 

I had this cose also. I went thru the above procedure as explained in my shop manual. My shaft was so far off when the meter read 2.5 volts, that I knew something wasn't right. That shaft is D shaped, and it can only be conneceted in one way. For me, there was no way I could connect the shaft when the wheel was in a position that made the meter read 2.5 volts. I then decided to replace the sesnor (local vette shop did this) No problems since. Gues my sensor was bad. Good luck & let us know how it works out. SCOTT

 

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[530hp_zo6]I'm getting code TCS1288 :Steering Position Sensor Circuit. I had a new Harmonic Balancer put on and the steering rack was removed. On the way home this code came on. I think that has to do with it. How do i fix it?? thanks, marcus.
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Why not take it back to the place that did the work? I'm sure they would be more than happy to make a customer satisfied.

 

They may not know how to diagnose/repair for this code properly. If the steering wheel is spun too many times in either direction of center the ABS clocking spring will break. It is important to have the meter reading the SWPS on 1 and 6 before turning the steer wheel while disconnected from rack. If the tech is unsure then should relagate the procedure to the dealer. At least, if the dealer breaks the ABS spring, they will have to fix it!! PS- if this spring gets broke the ABS indicator light will be on on the speedo assembly. It will NOT discharge the airbag!!

RJ

 

had one in the shop same code custumer put new timming chain in and did not plug the abs pump conector all the way in witch it does go thrue that systeam check all wire conecations