Steering wheel position sensor

[rmorton]

I get the Service Stability System light and the scanner shows fault with the steering wheel position sensor. I saw a writeup on replacing that and it looks like a pita.

I'm not sure that I even need the stability system to be fully functional. The research I've done shows that basically takes input from 3 sensors and attempts to compensate for torque steer by applying brakes. I can't remember that being a big issue with the 98 SSEi.

Is there anyway to permanently clear that code so that the message goes away? Or am I missing something important? Is it really worth the effort and the $100+ part?

[00Beast]

No, no, and idk. Mine's been bad since I bought the car, lol...

[RJolly87]

Just to clarify, the stability control doesn't necessarily control torque steer, Wikipedia gives the textbook explanation:

During normal driving, ESC works in the background and continuously monitors steering and vehicle direction. It compares the driver's intended direction (determined through the measured steering wheel angle) to the vehicle's actual direction (determined through measured lateral acceleration, vehicle rotation (yaw), and individual road wheel speeds).
ESC intervenes only when it detects a probable loss of steering control, i.e. when the vehicle is not going where the driver is steering.[18] This may happen, for example, when skidding during emergency evasive swerves, understeer or oversteer during poorly judged turns on slippery roads, or hydroplaning. ESC may also intervene in an unwanted way during high-performance driving, because steering input may not always be directly indicative of the intended direction of travel (i.e. controlled drifting). ESC estimates the direction of the skid, and then applies the brakes to individual wheels asymmetrically in order to create torque about the vehicle's vertical axis, opposing the skid and bringing the vehicle back in line with the driver's commanded direction. Additionally, the system may reduce engine power or operate the transmission to slow the vehicle down.

Simply put, when the vehicle is not traveling in the direction that the wheels are pointing, it intervenes by strategically applying specific brakes to bring the vehicle in line.

Do you need it? Some have claimed that has absolutely saved their @$$, while others complain of it's interference causing unpredictable handling under abnormal driving conditions (like sideways and loving it).

I am curious if you could make the message go away, even with a PCM rework.

[Ken_W]

Mine was only a nuisance for two years, but lately it's been starting to activate the ABS system randomly. I'm getting nervous about safety, and plan to replace my SWPS as soon as the weather warms up.

My GM sensor only cost about $65 last month. Shop around.

Ken_W

[RJolly87]

If the system is attempting to intervene, before it recognizes there is a problem, you can always unplug a component specific to the system, either the SWPS, or the common choice, the yaw sensor, which is easiest to get to (back deck, between the speakers I believe)

[rmorton]

So are you saying if I unplug one of the components...specifically the yaw sensor...the system will be inert? Ie no error messages on the dash?

[RJolly87]

No, you will get an error message in the dash, but there will be no attempt at intervention from faulty data.

[mdrew]

its not that hard, I changed mine using the write up. took my lap top and put it on the passenger seat. was done in 2 hours.

[rmorton]

Well, that's good to hear. I will likely tackle it soon then. The message is annoying.

[Ken_W]

Let us know how it goes, and if it does indeed make the message go away.

Ken_W