C1277 on Ford
Steering wheel angle sensor circuit failure (Ford, Lincoln)
Severity: Inspect soon
Ford bulletins show this code turning on the AdvanceTrac or traction control light, so stability control may not work. On the 2010–2012 Fusion, owners report it with loss of power steering assist. Get it diagnosed soon.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Steering suddenly becomes heavy or a Power Steering Assist Fault or Service Power Steering Now message appears. Loss of steering assist raises crash risk, especially at low speed. Pull over safely and have the car inspected before driving on.
This page covers only what differs on Ford. For what C1277 means, the ranked causes and the test order, see the C1277 guide.
What's different on Ford
FordYour car
2010–2012 · Fusion
Supported by vehicle dataOwners report C1277 with C1963 and loss of power steering assist; dealers replaced the steering gear. Recall 15V340000 covers loss of assist on related models but does not name the code.
2003–2008 · Expedition
Supported by vehicle dataFord bulletins 17001 (2003) and 08-20-8 (2007–2008) cover the AdvanceTrac or traction control light with C1277. Whether they are still current is not verified.
17001Status unverified
AdvanceTrac light on with C1277 or C1278 in the IVD module
2003expedition · issued · NHTSA 10003857
Steering wheel angle sensor circuit codes on the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator; only the NHTSA summary was read.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
TSB-08-20-8Status unverified
Steering wheel angle circuit or signal failure, C1277 or C1278
2007–2008expedition · issued · NHTSA 10027987
Traction control light with these codes on Expedition and Lincoln Navigator built up to April 2008; only the NHTSA summary was read.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Sources and review
- NHTSA complaint 10721046: 2011 Ford Fusion, dealer notes C1963, C1277-20 and C200D
- Owner complaints: 2010-2012 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan loss of steering assist with C1277 and C1963
- Ford 17001: AdvanceTrac light on with C1277 or C1278 in the IVD module
- Ford TSB 08-20-8: steering wheel angle circuit and/or signal failure, C1277 or C1278
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error