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I have a C6 Grand Sport 3LT that has the dreaded "SERVICE VEHICLE SOON" message. It's been on for a while now. I got the steering rack replaced, and was told that the message didn't come back on for about 5mi/10mi (back and from an alignment shop). This was a couple of days ago. Yesterday, the same message with the same code (C0450) came back on.
I'm pretty sure the replacement rack is working because it was active until the SERVICE VEHICLE SOON message came back on. I believe I was told the steering felt heavy again as well. I wonder if there's something wrong with the ECBM or ground wiring or if the problem lies deeper than this. All of the fuses are good, by the way.
Hopefully I can put this gremlin to rest soon. Thanks for viewing, hope to see a reply or two.
Would start by removing rack connector, clean it and the pins with spray electrical cleaner, then plug it back in to make sure it fully snaps in place.
If that does not solve the problem, then start checking the connector and wires, since may have a problem.broken wire at the connector (wire shield may still be in tack) or may be a problem with the wire connector back up at the Ebcm connector.
As for the love of Christ, shop that change out the old rack, should have checked the wires between the connector to ebcm connector to start with, to weed out a problems there, and not old rack still good itself (unless is was leaking to begin with). Hence should have pulled connector from old rack, to see if it had ohm continuity through its pins, and if it did, was not the problem unless changed due to a leaking problem isntead.
Your response is very helpful. I will admit I did some more digging and found more "steering rack/ECBM" posts from you. You seem very knowledgable with racks and modules. I am seeing the person who is working on my car tomorrow, have forwarded him some of the information. Thanks so much for all your help.
You have either a wiring issue or a bad EBCM…there is not to much to this circuit…all you basically need to diagnose this is a 12 volt test light…hope your mechanic know how to use one !!
Dreaded Steering Rack Problem
