B2278
Steering shaft torque sensor fault (Ford, Mazda)
Severity: Inspect soonPower steering and steering sensors codes
Most new vehicles use electric power steering: an electric motor on the column or rack adds force based on a torque sensor that measures how hard the driver turns the wheel. A steering angle sensor reports the wheel position to the stability control system. When the system finds a fault it lights a steering warning and may reduce or remove assist, which makes the wheel much heavier to turn.
How these codes differ
- Assist motor and control module codes mean the power steering unit cannot drive its motor properly. Assist may be reduced or lost, so the car still steers but needs much more effort, which is a safety risk at low speed and in emergency moves.
- Torque sensor codes concern the sensor that tells the system how much assist to give. A torque sensor fault often makes the system switch assist off rather than risk giving the wrong amount.
- Steering angle sensor codes concern a sensor used mainly by stability control, which must monitor the driver's steering input. A fault here is more likely to affect stability control than steering effort.
- Supply voltage codes mean the steering unit saw battery or charging voltage too low. Electric steering draws heavy current, so a weak battery or charging fault can reduce assist on its own.
- Many steering codes are manufacturer-specific C codes, so their meaning varies by make. Steering is safety-critical: diagnosis belongs with a professional, not a home repair.
Codes that show up together
- A power steering warning together with the charging system warning: low system voltage can make electric steering heavier by itself, so the charging fault is checked first.
Power steering and steering sensors codes
C0545
Electric power steering torque sensor fault (GM)
Severity: Inspect soonC2217
Electric power steering module internal fault (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram)
Severity: Inspect soonC1277
Steering wheel angle sensor circuit failure (Ford, Lincoln)
Severity: Inspect soonC1B00
Steering angle sensor signal invalid or not calibrated (Ford, Lincoln)
Severity: Inspect soonC200D
Power steering motor rotation angle sensor fault, steering gear internal failure (Ford)
Severity: Inspect soonU2011
Manufacturer code: on Ford, U2011 is stored in the power steering control module and points to an internal electronic fault in the steering assist motor
Severity: Inspect soonC0460
Steering angle sensor signal invalid or not calibrated
Severity: Inspect soonC0561
Chassis system disabled because another module reported a problem
Severity: Severity not verifiedC056D
A control module reports an internal hardware fault
Severity: Inspect soonC0710
Steering wheel position sensor signal fault (GM)
Severity: Inspect soonC102D
Power steering control module fault with loss of assist (Ford)
Severity: Inspect soonC1260
Steering angle sensor signal error (Hyundai)
Severity: Severity not verifiedC1259
Steering angle sensor signal error (Hyundai)
Severity: Severity not verifiedC2205
Steering angle sensor internal fault (Jeep, Chrysler)
Severity: Inspect soonC1290
Steering torque sensor main signal fault (Hyundai)
Severity: Severity not verifiedC0455
Steering angle sensor fault (GM)
Severity: Severity not verifiedP0550
The computer is not getting a usable signal from the power steering pressure sensor or switch.
Severity: Inspect soonP0551
The power steering pressure signal is outside the range the computer expects.
Severity: Inspect soonP0552
The power steering pressure sensor signal is lower than the computer expects.
Severity: Inspect soonP0553
The power steering pressure sensor signal is higher than the computer expects.
Severity: Inspect soonP0554
The power steering pressure sensor signal drops out or comes and goes.
Severity: Inspect soon
Sources and review
- Kia owner's manual (2024, web edition KA4): Electric power steering (EPS)
- 49 CFR 571.126, Standard No. 126: Electronic stability control systems for light vehicles
- Diagnostic Trouble Codes Explained: How to Manage DTCs
- 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