A steering angle sensor is a transmitter that keeps track of crucial steering information, including the speed and angle of the steering components. It is in charge of signaling other systems, including the electric power steering, and syncing the steering wheel’s movements with the vehicle’s wheels.
Nobody likes to have car problems, but sometimes they just do. Continue reading to learn about the typical causes, and how to repair steering angle sensor if you believe your automobile may be experiencing issues with the steering angle sensor.
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Symptoms Of A Bad Steering Angle Sensor
There are numerous causes outside the control of the majority of car owners that might cause the steering angle sensor to wear out or entirely fail. There are a few universal warning indications or symptoms that it will display when it does break or is gradually starting to fail. Some of the typical signs of a harmed, defective, or malfunctioning steering angle sensor are listed below.
1. Engine Check Light
A sensor that had access to the ECU was present in older automobiles. The check engine light denotes all ECU issues, therefore this light on your dashboard could indicate any variety of powertrain-related issues.
The steering angle sensor sends a signal to the engine control unit and the traction control, both of which depend on it; if this signal is flawed, the warning light will turn on.
As a result, if this dashboard light starts to illuminate, your steering angle sensor may malfunctioning.
2. The Traction Control Light Illuminates
The majority of the time, when there is a problem with the electronic stability program, the vehicle’s ECM triggers and stores an error code. Additionally, this will cause the instrument panel or dashboard’s traction control light to turn on. This light normally operates in the default position, which the driver must actively override, so it does not illuminate when the traction control is enabled. An instrument cluster malfunction indicator warns the driver that the electronic stability system has been disabled and needs repair when the steering wheel angle sensor malfunctions. On most domestic and import automobiles, trucks, and SUVs, this warning light is typically the traction control light.
It’s crucial that you get in touch with a nearby ASE-certified repair if the Traction Control Light comes on while the system is in operation so they can download the OBD-II error codes and figure out what’s wrong with your car that could affect its safety and ability to drive.
3. Conflict Or Lack Of Electric Steering
Since the steering angle control is intended to help with power steering adjustments, it is possible for it to malfunction and for the power steering to function improperly. It might get the wrong signals or no signals at all, which would cause it to adjust incorrectly or not at all.
4. Heavily Turning The Steering Wheel
Most contemporary automobiles have electric power steering. The steering angle must be measured in order for the power steering to function effectively and to know when to activate the power steering pump. This function is carried out via the steering angle sensor.
The onboard computer of the car may have received erroneous data from the sensor, which would have caused unwanted automated modifications. The sensor may have completely ceased operating, preventing data from reaching the ECU (which will activate the traction control light) and stopping the power steering from working.
5. Car Drives Differently After A Front-End Alignment
The steering system’s various points have steering angle sensors attached to them today. The steering angle sensor may experience issues since a front-end adjustment is intended to align the front wheels with the steering wheel. After completing their work, many mechanic shops frequently neglect to reset or correct the steering angle sensor. This may result in the above symptoms, such as turning on the Traction Control or Check Engine lights or impairing the vehicle’s ability to drive.
How To Repair Steering Angle Sensor?
Nobody wants to deal with a broken steering angle sensor, but the good news is that, provided you have the correct tool, it’s very easy to replace. You can reset the sensor on your own in a few minutes if the wiring or sensor is not damaged.
1. Self-Calibration
Some automobiles allow the SAS to be automatically calibrated by moving the steering wheel from lock to lock to center. Some vehicles will additionally require a specific set of commands before the calibration can start. The following time the car is driven straight for a predetermined amount of time, typically just a few seconds, newer automobiles with more sophisticated wheel speed sensors may automatically reset their own SAS.
2. Tools And Resources Required
To reset the steering angle sensor, you will want an OBD scanner. One of the most reasonably priced scanners, the Foxwell NT650 contains all the features you could possibly need.
3. Reset The Scan Tool
Some vehicles require a scan tool reset in order to calibrate the SAS. Certain types of alignment equipment even come equipped with the SAS reset function of a scan tool built right in, removing the requirement for the operator to utilize a scan tool after an alignment has been completed.
4. Look For Errors
To make sure the reset was successful and there are no new errors, adhere to the device’s instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about repairing the steering angle sensor:
1. Can A Steering Angle Sensor Be Reset?
Yes, you may quickly reset the steering angle sensor at home using an OBD device that is SAS-capable. A reset can be all that’s required if the sensor or wiring is unharmed.
2. How Much Would It Cost To Replace It?
Costs for steering angle sensors typically range from $120 to $250. The total cost to replace a steering angle sensor is typically between $150 and $500 when labor is added.
Conclusion
Your car can travel left, right, or straight ahead thanks to the steering angle sensor. A task is successfully completed with the help of various sensors. However, when something is wrong, inconsistent information is transmitted, which might cause the vehicle to make hazardous maneuvers in the wrong direction.
Fortunately, these sensors don’t easily develop problems, and in the event that they do, the entire process of resetting them is simple to carry out. They can also self-calibrate. If you are unsure of how to proceed, please get in touch with a licensed mechanic right away. You must use caution when using this particular piece of equipment, both for your own sake and the sake of others. I hope, all your queries related to repair steering angle sensor are now solved.