Sooo, I just performed the very rewarding task of replacing my harmonic balancer. Good times. Anyway, like an amature, I didn't keep my steering wheel lined up. Looking to diagnose what I screwed up, as in I have the Active Handleing message, so here are some questions:

My airbag light is not on and my radio controls still work. I can turn the wheel lock to lock, no problems. Would these be working if the clock spring was causing the AH message?

If the problem is the steering position sensor, would it be simply because it may be not "centered", and could I bring it back to center? Or would it only send the AH message if the sensor was indeed damaged?

I didn't wrench on the wheel when it was loose and as soon as I noticed something wasn't right when I was attaching the steering shaft I brought the wheel back to "center" by counting the turns from the point where the wheel began to give the slightest amount of pressure.

Thanks for any help. Just trying to narrow the problem down before I buy sensors.

 

So I tore into this a little more. After a little research I'm convinced that the clock spring doesn't have anything to do with the active handling system. I did replace this though, as my radio controls did quit working. Easy fix.

I also replaced the steering position sensor, hoping to fix the active handling problem. After searching all over for a DIY install and only seeing C5 write ups, I simply blindly went after it. It is much simpler to perform compared to a C5. The upper steering shaft coupling is inside the drivers compartment under the dash so you don't have to mess with the steering column or any other electrical connections whatsoever. Just unbolt the shaft, slide it down, unplug the sensor, move it past a couple clips, and put the new one in. Takes about ten minutes.

Unfortunately, my problem persists. When I turn the car on, there is no message. When I push the button to turn off traction controll or go into competitive driving mode, I get the active handleing message. I've reluctantly set up an appointment with the dealer to get it diagnosed, but does anyone have some sort of suggestion I could try before it goes in on wednesday?

 

If you can get to an Advance Auto store that has a scanner that can read ABS codes get the codes read. That will tell you what the issue is.

One thing before you do that. Did you center the sensor before you installed it? The SM has instructions on how to do that. Here is the text although you will need the pictures that go with it.
Steering Wheel Position Sensor Centering
Removal Procedure
Important: Identify the type of steering wheel position sensor from the illustrations shown BEFORE removing the sensor from the steering column. Once you have identified the steering wheel position sensor, follow the instructions listed in the removal procedure.
1. Verify the type of steering wheel position sensor.
2. From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor (1) connector will be on the right.
Important: If reusing the existing sensor, you do not have to align the sensor before removal. Centering is not required when it is time to reinstall.
3. Remove the connector from the sensor.
4. Remove the sensor (1) from the adapter and bearing assembly.
5. To install the sensor, proceed to step 1 in the installation section.
6. From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:
• A foam ring (2)
• A pin hole (1) for centering the pin--Note the location of the pin hole.
• A flush rotor flange cuff (4)

Important: If reusing the existing sensor, you must make an alignment mark on the rotor flange cuff (3) before removing the sensor. Failure to do so will cause misalignment when installing the sensor. A new sensor will be required if misaligned.
7. Make an alignment mark on the flush rotor flange cuff (3).
8. Remove the connector from the sensor.
9. Remove the sensor from the adapter and bearing assembly.
10. To install the sensor, proceed to step 5 in the installation procedure.
11. From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:
• A raised rotor flange cuff (3)
• An alignment mark (2) on the rotor flange cuff (3) for installation
• A pin hole (1) for the centering pin--Note the location of the pin hole.
12. Remove the connector from the sensor.
13. Remove the sensor from the adapter and bearing assembly.
14. To install the sensor, proceed to step 9 in the installation procedure.
15. From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:
• A raised rotor flange cuff (3)
• An alignment mark (2) on the rotor flange cuff (3) for installation
• A pin hole (1) for the centering pin--Note location of the pin hole.
• A sensor clip in FRONT of the sensor
16. Remove the connector from the sensor.
17. Remove the sensor clip from the sensor.
18. Remove the sensor from the adapter and bearing assembly.
19. To install the sensor, proceed to step 13 in the installation procedure.
20. From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:
• A flush rotor flange cuff (3)
• A pin hole (1) for the centering pin--Note the location of the pin hole.
• An alignment mark (2) on the flush rotor flange cuff (3) for installation
21. Remove the connector from the sensor.
22. Remove the sensor from the adapter and bearing assembly.
23. To install the sensor, proceed to step 17 in the installation procedure.
24. From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:
• A flush rotor flange cuff (4)
• A pin hole (2) for the centering pin--Note the location of the pin hole.
• An alignment mark (3) on the flush rotor flange cuff (4) for installation
• A foam ring (1)
25. Remove the connector from the sensor.
26. Remove the sensor from the adapter and bearing assembly.
27. To install the sensor, proceed to step 21 in the installation procedure.

Installation Procedure
Important: If reusing the existing sensor, no centering of the sensor is required.
1. If installing a new sensor, it will come with a pin installed in the sensor. Do not remove the pin until the sensor is seated.
2. From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor (1) connector will be on your right.
From the technicians point of view, the BACK of the sensor (2) connector will be on your left.
3. Looking at the FRONT of the sensor, align the sensor with the steering shaft and install into the adapter and bearing assembly.
4. Install the connector to the sensor.
5. From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:
• A foam ring (4)
• A pin hole (7) for the centering pin--Note the location of the pin hole.
• A flushed rotor flange cuff (6)
• An alignment mark (5) for installation
6. From the technicians point of view, the BACK of the sensor will have:
• Double D flats (1)
• A foam ring (3)
• An alignment tab (2) for installing into the adapter and bearing assembly
• A view of the inside of the connector
Important: If reusing the existing sensor, you must align the marks on the flush rotor flange cuff before installation. The alignment mark must stay aligned until the sensor is seated into the adapter and bearing assembly.
If installing a new sensor, it will come with a pin installed in the sensor. Do not remove the pin until the sensor is seated. If the new sensor did not come with a pin installed, you must reorder a new sensor.
7. Looking at the FRONT of the sensor, align the sensor with the steering shaft and install into the adapter and bearing assembly.
8. Install the connector to the sensor.
9. From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:
• A pin hole (3) for the centering pin--Note location of the pin hole.
• A raised rotor flange cuff (5)
• An alignment mark (4) for installation
10. From the technicians point of view, the BACK of the sensor will have:
• Double D flats (1)
• An alignment tab (2) for installing into the adapter and bearing assembly
Important: If reusing the existing sensor, you must align the marks on the raised rotor flange cuff before installation. The alignment mark must stay aligned until the sensor is seated into the adapter and bearing assembly.
If installing a new sensor, it will come with a pin installed in the sensor. Do not remove the pin until the sensor is seated. If the new sensor did not come with a pin installed, you must reorder a new sensor.
11. Looking at the FRONT of the sensor, align the sensor with the steering shaft and install into the adapter and bearing assembly.
12. Install the connector to the sensor.
13. From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:
• A pin hole (2) for the centering pin--Note the location of the pin hole.
• A raised rotor flange cuff (4)
• An alignment mark (3) for installation
14. From the technicians point of view, the BACK of the sensor will have an alignment tab (1) for installation. This sensor does not have double D flats.
Important: If reusing the existing sensor, you must align the marks on the raised rotor flange cuff before installation. The alignment mark must stay aligned until the sensor is seated into the adapter and bearing assembly.
If installing a new sensor, it will come with a pin installed in the sensor. Do not remove the pin until the sensor is seated. If the new sensor did not come with a pin installed, you must reorder a new sensor.
15. Looking at the FRONT of the sensor, align the sensor with the steering shaft and install into the adapter and bearing assembly.
16. Install the connector to the sensor.
17. From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:
• A pin hole (2) for the centering pin--Note the location of the pin hole.
• A flush rotor flange cuff (4)
• An alignment mark (3) for installation
18. From the technicians point of view, the BACK of the sensor will have an alignment tab (1) for installation. This sensor does not have double D flats.
Important: If reusing the existing sensor, you must align the marks on the flush rotor flange cuff before installation. The alignment mark must stay aligned until the sensor is seated into the adapter and bearing assembly.
If installing a new sensor, it will come with a pin installed in the sensor. Do not remove the pin until the sensor is seated. If the new sensor did not come with a pin installed, you must reorder a new sensor.
19. Looking at the FRONT of the sensor, align the sensor with the steering shaft and install into the adapter and bearing assembly.
20. Install the connector to the sensor.
21. From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:
• A pin hole (3) for the centering pin--Note location of the pin hole.
• A flush rotor flange cuff (5)
• An alignment mark (4) for installation
• A foam ring (6)
22. From the technicians point of view, the BACK of the sensor will have:
• Double D flats (1)
• An alignment tab (2) for installing into the adapter and bearing assembly

Important: If reusing the existing sensor, you must align the marks on the flush rotor flange cuff before installation. The alignment mark must stay aligned until the sensor is seated into the adapter and bearing assembly.
If installing a new sensor, it will come with a pin installed in the sensor. Do not remove the pin until the sensor is seated. If the new sensor did not come with a pin installed, you must reorder a new sensor.
23. Looking at the FRONT of the sensor, align the sensor with the steering shaft and install into the adapter and bearing assembly.
24. Install the connector to the sensor.


Bill

 

Thanks for the info, I'll check this out when I get a chance. Working the night shift so by the time I wake up the Auto Zone is already closed. I'll have to see if I come across a photo for this, as it is a little vague with the description of double D flats or the alignment tab. Either way worst case I lose some sleep and pay the steelership.

 

when having an underdrive balancer installed that message came up on the DIC. the installer cleared the codes and have had no other issues since....hope this helps

jerry

 

I too am having this problem. So it is not as hard to do on a c6??? I may need to replace my steering wheel position sensor.

 

Which problem do you have? You disconnected and turned the steering shaft? Yes, it is easy to do as it is on most cars. Sometimes that will take out the steering sensor, sometimes it will also take out the clock spring and sometimes nothing happens as long as you turn the wheel back to its original position. The sensor knows how many degrees the wheel hsas been turned so it has to be returned to 0 degrees for a straight line.

Bill

 

My problem is the service active handling light that is intermittent. All systems are fine though. I tried peeling out and it prevents me. I already have the clip tightly placed on the connector which leads me to believe that it is my steering position sensor. So I just need to know that what precautions need to be made before I unbolt my steering linkage to replace the sensor.

 

I'm a moderate DIYER. replaced hubs in my car. Swapped out the hud. Placed new foam under my seats. I can get around this car. Just need to know the precautions for the darn steering wheel position sensor. Paying 600 to stealership just isnt my forte.