The steering angle sensor replacement cost would depend on the make and model of the vehicle. Some manufacturers prefer you take a faulty sensor to an authorized dealership or mechanic for reset. Others, especially the newer sensors, have a self-calibrating feature that allows you to do the replacement.
Discover the cost of resetting the sensor and how to do it yourself to save money.
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What is the Steering Angle Sensor Reset Cost?
The steering angle sensor reset cost is between $60 and $130, depending on who does the resetting for you. If the reset is done at a dealership, the cost could be around $130. However, doing it at an Autoshop should cost you around $60.
Note that if you don’t have the requisite tools, the cost of resetting could shoot up because you need to purchase them. When you find yourself in this situation, we recommend that you allow dealerships or recognized mechanics to reset the sensor for you.
How To Reset the Steering Angle Sensor Yourself?
Resetting the steering angle (SAS) sensor involves locating, removing and recalibrating it. This process might require an OBDII scanner but can be safely done without it as well. Other sensors can self-calibrate; thus, all you need to do is follow specific instructions, and your sensor might start working again.
Using an OBDII Scanner to Reset Steering Angle Sensor
First, consult your car manual because the resetting process might differ from one vehicle to the other.
Next, park the vehicle on a level ground and secure it to ensure it doesn’t move during the entire resetting process. Ensure that your wheels are pointing forward and your steering wheel is centered. Then, connect the OBDII Scanner to the diagnostic port, which is usually found under the dashboard near the steering column.
Once the scanner is connected, turn on the car without starting the engine. Note that some vehicles may turn on the engine; thus, consult your car manual to determine this step.
Now, access the Menu on the scanner and navigate to any setting related to the “steering angle sensor.” You can find this setting under “Steering” or “ABS” diagnostics since it works in tandem with both systems.
Once you locate the scan tool, look for the “recalibrate” or “reset” option to complete the process. You’ll see a host of on-screen instructions telling you the next few steps, including turning the steering wheel to a specific angle.
You may even be instructed to perform certain steering wheel maneuvers, but this differs based on the car’s model and trim level. Ensure you follow the entire process carefully until you’re through and take the car for a test drive to clear all doubts.
Resetting the Steering Angle Sensor Without an OBDII Scanner
As mentioned earlier, you can reset the steering angle sensor without an OBDII scanner but with the help of a few simple tools. However, this method can be challenging, requires lots of patience and may not work for all vehicles.
Also, remember to take safety precautions by parking your vehicle on a level ground and securing it. Ensure your steering wheel is centered and your tires are pointing straight before attempting any sensor recalibration.
Now, turn off your ignition, remove the key, locate the car battery and disconnect the negative terminal. The idea is to temporarily cut off the power supply to the car’s electrical system that powers the steering angle sensor.
Wait for about 15 minutes after disconnecting the battery’s negative terminal to get rid of all power residues. Now, reconnect the battery’s negative terminal and turn on the car to restore power to the car’s electrical system.
Next, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and then all the way to the right about 3 times. Then turn off the ignition again, remove the key and wait for about 2 minutes to allow the steering angle sensor to reset. Now, turn the engine on and look out for warning lights or error messages on the car’s dashboard.
If you don’t see any, then the recalibration process is complete, and you’re good to go. However, to be double sure, take the car for a test drive and observe how the steering wheel responds.
Another Method to Reset the Steering Angle Sensor Without a Scanner
If you use the method above and the sensor doesn’t work, you can try this next method. Remember to park your vehicle on level ground before turning off the car engine. Now, disconnect the battery’s negative terminal cable by removing the nut that secures the cable to the terminal.
Disconnecting the negative terminal cable from the battery stops the supply of electrical power to the sensor.
Next, find the steering angle sensor located near the steering column and remove it by loosening the nut that holds it in place. Remove the sensor, disconnect the electrical connector and wait for about 3 minutes.
Reconnect the electrical connector to the sensor and fix it back on the steering column with the help of the wrench and nut. Now, reconnect the cable to the negative battery terminal to restore the supply of power to the sensor.
Ensure you tighten the nut that connects the cable to the terminal to ensure the proper flow of electrical power to the sensor. Start the engine and take the car for a test drive to ensure the sensor is working properly. If the problem is solved, then you won’t need to replace it.
However, if the problem persists, then it could be a sign of a faulty steering angle sensor and might need replacement.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Bad Steering Angle Sensor?
The signs of a faulty steering angle sensor include illumination of the check engine light and traction light, loss of stability control and erratic steering wheel behavior. You may also observe inaccurate wheel position and experience difficulty in turning the steering wheel while driving.
Illumination of Warning Lights
One light that points to a faulty steering angle sensor is a malfunction indicator light (MIL). Originally, all the electrical systems in the car were connected to this light. Thus, its illumination indicated a host of faults, including a faulty steering angle sensor.
However, to know the exact cause of the light’s illumination, you’ll have to test the various systems, which is a daunting task.
However, one warning light that is remotely connected to the angle sensor is the traction control light. The traction control system relies on data from the steering angle sensor and other sensors to determine if the wheel is slipping.
Based on that information, the traction control system withdraws power from one wheel to the other to make the car more stable. Thus, if the wheel angle sensor develops a fault, the traction warning system is likely to detect it and throw up its warning light.
Loss of Stability Control
As we’ve already discovered, a SAS communicates with the traction control system to determine whether a tire is slipping. Thus, a faulty SAS would send the wrong signals to the traction control, causing it to activate at the wrong time.
The system can apply brakes at the wrong time or delay the application of the brakes, which can endanger the lives of the occupants. This is why you should reset the SAS once you detect that it is faulty.
Erratic Steering Wheel Behavior
When the sensor is bad, it sends wrong signals to the ECU on the position and angle of the power steering wheel. The ECU, in turn, will make wrong calculations based on the inputs from the steering angle sensor.
These wrong parameters would disrupt the smooth function of the wheel, causing bad wheel alignment. When this happens, the vehicle becomes difficult to control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Drive With a Bad Steering Angle Sensor?
No, you can’t drive with a faulty steering angle sensor because the wheel will misalign with the steering, leading to an awkward experience. The power steering wheel might also be slow in responding to driver inputs, making it extremely difficult to control the vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Steering Angle Sensor?
It might cost you between $120 and $170 to replace the SAS, depending on where you do the replacement and the type of sensor your car uses. The steering angle sensors differ slightly, and thus, their prices or the replacement process wouldn’t be the same.
What Is the Steering Angle Sensor Reset Cost Chevy Silverado?
The Chevy steering angle sensor reset cost is between $75 and $150, depending on the trim of the vehicle and the year in which it was produced. However, you can try resetting it to cut down costs but consult your car manual for explicit instructions.
Conclusion
This blog post has discussed how to bypass steering angle sensor problems by resetting it and the cost involved. Here’s a recap of all the important points raised in this article:
- The steering angle sensor reset cost is between $60 and $130, depending on who does the resetting for you.
- A reset at a dealership could be as high as $130, while a professional mechanic might charge around $60.
- However, if your vehicle has a self-calibrating steering angle sensor, then you’re in luck, as following a few simple instructions could get the sensor working again.
- You can reset the sensor with or without an OBDII Scanner, even if the SAS isn’t self-calibrated, but you’ll need a few tools to help you out.
- Using an OBDII Scanner is simpler as you just connect the scanner to the port and follow the instructions displayed on it to reset the sensor.
However, resetting without the scanner can be quite difficult, as it involves removing the sensor and disconnecting and reconnecting the electrical connector to get it to work again. Don’t ever drive without a steering angle sensor because you might endanger yourself and other occupants.
References:
- Janello T. (2011). Steering Angle Sensor Resets.OpenSIUC.Paper21. (1-57). https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1021&context=auto_pres
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