C1277: Steering wheel angle sensor circuit failure (Ford, Lincoln)

Pick your make

C1277 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

• C1277 on Ford
• C1277 on Lincoln

Most likely causes

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

1. 1

   Step 1: Have codes read from the ABS/stability control module and the power steering module, and write down every code.

   Low riskTool: scan tool with ABS and steering module access

   • IfC200D, U3000 or C1963 is stored too, or steering assist has been lost

     It meansThe electric power steering gear or its module is the likely source.

     Go to step 2 Points to: Electric power steering gear or module fault (2010–2012 Fusion)

   • IfOnly C1277 (and maybe C1278) is stored

     It meansThe steering angle sensor circuit is the likely source.

     Go to step 3 Points to: Steering angle sensor or its wiring (Expedition, Navigator)

2. 2

   Step 2: Enter the VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup or ask a Ford dealer whether recall 15V340000 applies and has been done. The recall summary does not name this code, so it may or may not be related.

   Low riskTool: VIN recall lookup

   • IfThe recall is open on the vehicle

     It meansHave the dealer carry it out; it covers loss of steering assist.

     Go to step 3

   • IfNo open recall

     It meansProceed with diagnosis.

     Go to step 3

3. 3

   Step 3: Have a technician check the steering angle sensor signals, wiring and the power steering module with a Ford-capable scan tool and service information, then clear and recheck.

   Best left to a shopTool: factory-level scan tool and service information

   Warning:Steering and stability control are safety systems. Do not take apart the steering column or rack yourself, and do not drive if steering assist is lost.

   • IfThe angle sensor or its wiring is at fault

     It meansRepairing or replacing the sensor circuit is the fix.

     Points to: Steering angle sensor or its wiring (Expedition, Navigator)

   • IfThe power steering module reports internal faults

     It meansThe steering gear and module assembly is suspect.

     Points to: Electric power steering gear or module fault (2010–2012 Fusion)

Symptoms

• AdvanceTrac or traction control light on
• Service AdvanceTrac message
• Heavy steering, Power Steering Assist Fault or Service Power Steering Now message Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

On your vehicle

Related codes

• C1963Stability control inhibit warning, stored in the ABS module (Ford)

  Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

  C1963 is the stability control inhibit warning. On 2010–2012 Fusions it is usually stored with C1277 when steering assist fails.

• C200DPower steering motor rotation angle sensor fault, steering gear internal failure (Ford)

  Same system Supported by vehicle data

  C200D is a power steering motor angle sensor fault. One Fusion dealer note shows both codes before the steering gear was replaced.

• U3000Manufacturer code: on Ford, Honda, Acura and Mazda, the module that stored it found a fault inside itself

  Same system Supported by vehicle data

  Fusion owners sometimes report U3000 with C1277 when steering assist fails.

All Power steering and steering sensors codes