What happens when a steering angle sensor goes bad?

The most common symptom of a bad steering angle sensor is warning lights showing up on the dashboard. It’s either a traction control light or a check engine light, depending on the car model. Other rare issues are heavy steering or strange steering after a wheel alignment. Any sensor can wear out due to constant use.

What is an angle sensor on a clock spring?

In some cases, you may need an OBD2 scanner to reset the steering angle sensor. In vehicles with stability control or traction control, the clockspring may have an integrated steering angle sensor. The steering angle sensor function is to determine the position of the steering wheel.

What is a steering clock spring?

In vehicle steering systems a clock spring or clockspring is a spiral-wound special rotary electrical connector which allows a vehicle’s steering wheel to turn while still making an electrical connection between the steering wheel airbag and/or the vehicle’s horn and other devices and the vehicle’s electrical systems.

Does a clock spring affect steering?

As you turn the steering wheel, the coil of wires within the clock spring winds and unwinds, maintaining an electrical connection for the airbag and steering wheel controls. Since the steering wheel is directly connected to the tires, the steering wheel is affected by this centering force.

What is the purpose of a steering angle sensor?

Steering Angle Sensor. The steering angle sensor measures the steering wheel position angle and rate of turn. It is placed in the steering column of the vehicle. More than one angle sensor can be used to provide redundancy and data validation.

What are the symptoms of a bad clock spring?

Bad Clock Spring Symptoms

• Airbag Warning Light.
• Steering wheel buttons don’t work.
• Horn or other functions intermittent function.
• Steering wheel or traction control warning light.
• Airbags Won’t Deploy.

What is another name for clock spring?

Alternative names for the clock springs are clock spring coil, coil assembly, cable reel assembly, coil spring unit and contact reel.

What causes a clock spring to go bad?

Clock springs may become faulty with age due to electrical ribbons and their connections wearing thin. They also are likely to fail if they are not replaced after a car crash in which the airbag was deployed. Common signs you have faulty clock spring include: Illumination of the SRS/Airbag light.

What does SAS reset mean?

Performing a Steering Angle Sensor Reset The procedure resets the steering angle to match the vehicle’s new thrust line after the alignment has been completed. A steering angle reset has become a necessary last step in a wheel alignment.