What Happens When a Steering Angle Sensor Goes Bad – The Consequences of a Faulty Sensor

When a steering angle sensor goes bad, it can cause multiple problems in the vehicle. The steering angle sensor is responsible for monitoring the steering wheel position and relaying information to the vehicle’s computer. If this sensor malfunctions, it can cause several issues that can range from minor to severe.

Some of the more common symptoms of a faulty steering angle sensor include reduced responsiveness when turning the wheel, jerky movements when turning, and difficulty in maintaining a straight line. Additionally, the vehicle may display an error code on the dashboard indicating a problem with the steering angle sensor.

In more serious cases, a faulty steering angle sensor can cause complete loss of power steering, as well as incorrect airbag deployment in case of an accident. As such, it is important to have it checked by a professional as soon as possible if any of these symptoms start to appear.

Automobile: What Happens When a Steering Angle Sensor Goes Bad?

Definition

A steering angle sensor is a device that is used to measure the angle of your steering wheel and the speed at which it is being turned. This device allows your car to control its stability, traction, and safety features. It is usually found in the steering column and connected to the power steering system. The steering angle sensor works in conjunction with the car’s other systems, such as the brakes and throttle, to help maintain overall vehicle control.

Function

The primary function of a steering angle sensor is to measure how far you turn your steering wheel in either direction and then communicate that information to your car’s computer system. The computer will then use this data to make adjustments to various systems like traction control and stability control. These systems work together to keep you safe by helping you maintain control of your vehicle even in hazardous conditions.

The sensor also helps your car’s computer system detect when a driver has made an unexpected or sudden turn, such as swerving or avoiding an obstacle in the road. It can then alert other systems like ABS (anti-lock braking) or ESP (electronic stability program) so they can react accordingly, helping you stay on course and maintain control of your vehicle.

Types of Steering Angle Sensors

There are three main types of steering angle sensors used in cars today: contact type sensors, non-contact type sensors, and absolute type sensors. Contact type sensors measure the position of the steering wheel by physically contacting it with two probes that are connected to a circuit board inside the sensor housing. Non-contact type sensors use optical or magnetic technology instead of physical contact with the wheel; they are generally more accurate than contact type sensors but require more maintenance due to their delicate nature. Absolute type sensors measure the exact position of the wheel using a potentiometer, which sends an analog signal back to the car’s computer system so it knows exactly where your wheel is positioned at any given time.

Symptoms of a Bad Steering Angle Sensor

When a steering angle sensor goes bad, one of the most common symptoms you may experience is an unresponsive or “loose” feeling when turning your car’s steering wheel. This can be dangerous as it affects how quickly you can react when trying to avoid obstacles on the road or when making quick turns on tight corners. In addition, if your car’s ABS or ESP systems are not working correctly due to a faulty sensor, you may find yourself experiencing abnormal tire wear as these systems help keep tires from slipping on slick roads or during hard cornering maneuvers.

What Happens When a Steering Angle Sensor Goes Bad?

The steering angle sensor, also known as a rotational angle sensor, is an important part of any modern vehicle. It helps the car’s computer to measure the direction and rate of rotation of the steering wheel. A faulty steering angle sensor can lead to a number of problems with your car, including reduced performance, an inaccurate digital speedometer, and even loss of control. In this article, we’ll discuss what happens when a steering angle sensor goes bad and how you can diagnose and replace it.

Dashboard Warning Lights

When a steering angle sensor goes bad, one of the first things you may notice is that one or more dashboard warning lights will come on. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, these warning lights could be anything from the ABS light to the check engine light.

If any dashboard warning lights come on in your car, it’s important that you take it to an auto repair shop as soon as possible so they can diagnose the issue. A faulty steering angle sensor could leave you with serious problems if left unchecked.

Causes of a Bad Steering Angle Sensor

There are several potential causes for a bad steering angle sensor. The most common are electrical issues such as short circuits, open circuits, corrosion and loose connections. Additionally, physical damage or wear & tear such as loose or broken parts and oil contamination can also cause a faulty steering angle sensor.

Diagnosing a Bad Steering Angle Sensor

In order to diagnose a bad steering angle sensor correctly it’s important that you take your car to an auto repair shop for professional assistance. They will be able to carry out visual inspections to check for mechanical parts or connections that may be causing an issue as well as scanning your vehicle’s computer system to test codes and data streams.

Replacing a Bad Steering Angle Sensor

Once it has been confirmed that your vehicle has a faulty steering angle sensor it’s likely that you will need to have it replaced in order to restore full functionality back into your car’s computer system. This is something best left up to trained professionals as there are many components involved in replacing this type of component accurately and safely.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is a Steering Angle Sensor?
A: A steering angle sensor is an electronic device that measures the angle of the steering wheel and the speed at which it is being turned. It then sends this information to the vehicle’s computer, so it can adjust the amount of power being sent to each wheel and ensure a smooth driving experience.

Q: What are the Symptoms of a Bad Steering Angle Sensor?
A: The most common symptoms of a bad steering angle sensor include unresponsive steering wheel, abnormal tire wear, and dashboard warning lights.

Q: What Causes a Bad Steering Angle Sensor?
A: The most common causes of a bad steering angle sensor are electrical issues such as short circuits, open circuits, corrosion and loose connections. Other causes may include physical damage or wear & tear such as loose or broken parts, bent parts and oil contamination.

Q: How Can I Diagnose a Bad Steering Angle Sensor?
A: Diagnosis of a bad steering angle sensor typically involves visually inspecting mechanical parts and connections, as well as scanning the vehicle computer system to test codes and data streams.

Q: How Can I Replace a Bad Steering Angle Sensor?
A: Replacing a bad steering angle sensor requires removing the old one from its mounting location on the steering column, disconnecting it from any wiring harnesses or other components connected to it, and then installing the new one in its place.

When a steering angle sensor goes bad, the driver may experience loss of control over the vehicle. The vehicle may drift or veer off the road, possibly resulting in an accident. Additionally, safety systems such as traction control and stability control will not be able to effectively intervene if the steering angle sensor is not functioning properly. It is important to have any malfunctioning steering angle sensors replaced as soon as possible in order to maintain safe operation of the vehicle.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch

With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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