C1B00: Steering angle sensor signal invalid or not calibrated (Ford, Lincoln)

Steering angle sensor signal fault

Severity: Inspect soon

Ford's bulletins show C1B00 turning on stability control, hill start and driver-assist warnings, and older Ford steering gears that set it lost power steering assist. Get it diagnosed soon.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: Steering becomes heavy or a Steering Assist Fault message appears. Loss of steering assist raises crash risk, especially at low speed. Pull over safely and have the car inspected before driving on.

Safety-critical system: explanation only, no DIY steps. Source: how we rate severity

C1B00 in short

On Fords and Lincolns, C1B00 means the steering module sees a steering angle signal that is invalid or not calibrated. Stability control and driver-assist features may switch off. On newer models it can follow a battery disconnect; on older ones it can mean a failing steering gear. If steering turns heavy, pull over safely.

Stability control, lane keeping and the power steering itself use the steering angle signal. C1B00 means the module that stores it does not trust that signal, either because it is out of range or because it was never set to straight-ahead.

On the 2020 Escape and 2020–2021 Corsair, Ford's special service message 49373 says C1B00:62 in the power steering module can follow a flat or disconnected battery, a module reprogram, or lost communication with the ABS module, and that the steering column does not need replacing. Ford's bulletin 21-2252 for the same models links C1B00:62 with misalignment between the steering column shaft and the steering wheel. We have only read the summaries.

On older Ford electric steering gears, NHTSA's investigation PE14030 lists C1B00-62 among the codes that lead to steering gear replacement. F-150, Explorer and Ranger owners report C1B00 with loss of assist or steering that does not return to centre, and dealers replacing the steering gear.

Pick your make

C1B00 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.

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Steering angle not calibrated after a battery disconnect or module reprogram (2020–2021 Escape, Corsair)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Ford SSM 49373 lists a discharged or disconnected battery and module reprogramming as triggers for C1B00:62, and says the steering column does not need replacing.
What would change this
Rises if the code appeared right after battery work, a jump start or a software update. Falls if it returns after Ford's calibration drive.
Cause 2: Steering wheel misaligned with the column shaft (2020–2021 Escape, Corsair)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Ford bulletin 21-2252 ties C1B00:62 with C0051:67 in the ABS module to this misalignment and gives a realignment procedure.
What would change this
Rises if the steering wheel is off-centre when driving straight or C0051 is stored too.
Cause 3: Electric power steering gear fault (older F-150, Explorer, Fusion-family)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
NHTSA's investigation lists C1B00-62 among codes that lead to steering gear replacement, and F-150 and Ranger owners report dealers replacing the steering gear for C1B00.
What would change this
Rises if steering assist has been lost, or C200D, U3000 or U0415 is stored. Falls on 2020–2021 Escape and Corsair after calibration.
How to test the power steering control module
Cause 4: Lost communication between the ABS and power steering modules
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
Ford SSM 49373 lists loss of ABS communication to the power steering module as one trigger.
What would change this
Rises if network codes such as U0415 are stored.

What to test first

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

Step 1: Have codes read from the power steering module and ABS module, and write down every code with its suffix (for example C1B00:62).
Low riskTool: scan tool with ABS and steering module access
- IfOn a 2020–2021 Escape or Corsair, C1B00:62 is stored after battery or software work
  It meansA calibration issue is likely.
  Go to step 2 Points to: Steering angle not calibrated after a battery disconnect or module reprogram (2020–2021 Escape, Corsair)
- IfC0051 is stored in the ABS module too, on a 2020–2021 Escape or Corsair
  It meansFord bulletin 21-2252 for wheel-to-column misalignment may apply.
  Go to step 2 Points to: Steering wheel misaligned with the column shaft (2020–2021 Escape, Corsair)
- IfC200D, U3000 or U0415 is stored, or assist has been lost
  It meansThe steering gear or module is suspect.
  Go to step 2 Points to: Electric power steering gear fault (older F-150, Explorer, Fusion-family)
Step 2: Have a technician check for applicable Ford bulletins and recalls, perform Ford's steering angle calibration where the bulletin calls for it, and run the power steering diagnosis before any parts are replaced.
Best left to a shopTool: factory-level scan tool and service information
Warning:Steering is a safety system. Do not take apart the steering column or rack yourself, and do not drive if steering assist is lost.
- IfThe code clears after calibration and does not return
  It meansIt was a calibration issue.
  Points to: Steering angle not calibrated after a battery disconnect or module reprogram (2020–2021 Escape, Corsair)
- IfThe steering wheel is off-centre relative to the column
  It meansRealignment per Ford's bulletin is the fix.
  Points to: Steering wheel misaligned with the column shaft (2020–2021 Escape, Corsair)
- IfNetwork faults are found
  It meansRepair the communication fault first.
  Points to: Lost communication between the ABS and power steering modules
- IfThe power steering module reports an internal steering gear fault
  It meansThe steering gear is replaced.
  Points to: Electric power steering gear fault (older F-150, Explorer, Fusion-family)

Symptoms

AdvanceTrac or stability control warning
Hill start assist, lane keeping or pre-collision messages (2020–2021 Escape, Corsair)
Steering wheel does not return to centre, or turn signals do not cancel
Heavy steering or Steering Assist Fault 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.

Parts and cost context

Steering gear / steering column:On 2020–2021 Escape and Corsair, Ford says the column does not need replacing for C1B00:62. On older models dealers often replaced the steering gear. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

2020–2021 · Escape
Supported by vehicle data
Ford SSM 49373 and bulletin 21-2252 cover C1B00:62 from calibration loss or wheel-to-column misalignment. Whether they are still current is not verified.
2012 · F-150
Supported by vehicle data
Owners report C1B00 with Service AdvanceTrac or steering that does not return to centre; dealers said the steering angle sensor failed or replaced the steering gear.
2011–2015 · Explorer
Supported by vehicle data
Owners report C1B00 with steering warnings and loss of assist, often with other steering or network codes.

SSM 49373Status unverified
C1B00:62 in the PSCM with AdvanceTrac, hill start, lane keeping or pre-collision messages
2020–2021escape · issued January 5, 2021 · NHTSA 10184625
May follow a flat or disconnected battery, module reprogramming or lost ABS communication; the column does not need replacing. Covers 2020 Escape and 2020–2021 Lincoln Corsair; only the NHTSA summary was read.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
TSB 21-2252Status unverified
Stability/traction warning with C1B00:62 in the PSCM and C0051:67 in the ABS module
2020–2021escape · issued September 2, 2021 · NHTSA 10200738
Caused by misalignment between the steering column shaft and steering wheel; covers Escape and Lincoln Corsair. Only the NHTSA summary was read.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Lincoln

2020–2021 · Corsair
Supported by vehicle data
Ford SSM 49373 and bulletin 21-2252 cover C1B00:62 from calibration loss or wheel-to-column misalignment. Whether they are still current is not verified.

SSM 49373Status unverified
C1B00:62 in the PSCM with AdvanceTrac, hill start, lane keeping or pre-collision messages
2020–2021escape · issued January 5, 2021 · NHTSA 10184625
May follow a flat or disconnected battery, module reprogramming or lost ABS communication; the column does not need replacing. Covers 2020 Escape and 2020–2021 Lincoln Corsair; only the NHTSA summary was read.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
TSB 21-2252Status unverified
Stability/traction warning with C1B00:62 in the PSCM and C0051:67 in the ABS module
2020–2021escape · issued September 2, 2021 · NHTSA 10200738
Caused by misalignment between the steering column shaft and steering wheel; covers Escape and Lincoln Corsair. Only the NHTSA summary was read.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Power steering and steering sensors codes

C1B00 questions

Can a dead battery cause C1B00?

On the 2020–2021 Escape and Corsair, yes. Ford says C1B00:62 can follow a flat or disconnected battery or a module reprogram, and that the steering column does not need replacing.

Can I drive with C1B00?

If steering feels normal, drive carefully and get it checked soon, since stability and driver-assist features may be off. If steering becomes heavy, pull over safely.

Sources and review

C1B00: Steering Angle Sensor Signal Invalid / Not Calibrated (Ford) — The Automotive Technician (TAT) scan data
Ford SSM 49373: C1B00:62 in the PSCM with AdvanceTrac, hill start, lane keeping or pre-collision messages — Ford / NHTSA
Ford recall 15V340000: electric power steering assist may shut down — Ford / NHTSA (read via vehiclesafetyrecalls.com)
NHTSA investigation PE14030: electric power steering failure, 2010-2012 Fusion and related Ford and Lincoln models — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (read via carcomplaints.com)
NHTSA complaint 11533082: 2019 Ford Ranger, dealer repair order with C1B00, U0415, U3003 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Ford TSB 21-2252: stability/traction light with C1B00:62 in the PSCM and C0051:67 in the ABS module — Ford / NHTSA
NHTSA complaint 10632593: 2012 Ford F-150, dealer finds C1963 and C1B00 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Owner complaints mentioning C1B00 on Ford vehicles — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA complaint 11217564: 2012 Ford F-150, dealer finds C1B00 steering angle sensor failed — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
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

Severity: Inspect soon

Pick your make

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Steering angle not calibrated after a battery disconnect or module reprogram (2020–2021 Escape, Corsair)

Cause 2: Steering wheel misaligned with the column shaft (2020–2021 Escape, Corsair)

Cause 3: Electric power steering gear fault (older F-150, Explorer, Fusion-family)

Cause 4: Lost communication between the ABS and power steering modules

What to test first

Step 1: Have codes read from the power steering module and ABS module, and write down every code with its suffix (for example C1B00:62).

Step 2: Have a technician check for applicable Ford bulletins and recalls, perform Ford's steering angle calibration where the bulletin calls for it, and run the power steering diagnosis before any parts are replaced.