What does the steering angle sensor do?
The steering angle sensor (or SAS) is an important part of your car’s electronic stability control (ESC) system. It measures the steering wheel position angle and rate of turn. This allows your car’s onboard computer to determine steering wheel position and make changes to improve stability.
The steering angle sensor is located inside the steering column. In older vehicles, an analog sensor is used to measure steering wheel movements using changes in voltage. Modern cars have phased out the analog sensor and use a digital sensor. Digital sensors often used LED lights to measure movement and send code directly to your car’s computer.
In most cases, the steering angle sensor will last the lifetime of your car. However, problems can occur which can prevent it from working correctly. A faulty steering angle sensor may affect your car’s steering and affect its safety.
Learn more about the steering angle sensor >
Causes of steering angle sensor problems:
Sensor in need of calibration – Many vehicles require the steering angle sensor to be recalibrated after a wheel alignment or suspension repair is performed. If it is not calibrated, it will send incorrect information to your car’s onboard computer.
Faulty wiring – Sometimes, the wiring can become damaged due to constant movement. This may prevent electricity from reaching the steering angle sensor or limit its functionality.
General wear and tear – Over time, sensors can fail due to wear, damage to wiring and surrounding components
Symptoms of a faulty steering angle sensor:
- Traction control light is on – The traction control light will activate when your car’s electronic stability control is not working correctly. When the steering angle sensor fails, your car’s diagnostic system will detect the fault and activate a warning light.
Traction control light diagnostics in Hamilton > - The steering feels different – A faulty steering angle sensor may send incorrect information to your car’s onboard computer. This can affect the way your car steers. You may notice that the steering feels looser or less responsive than normal. This can lead to potentially dangerous situations when driving.
- Car drifting to one side – Incorrect steering angle readings may cause the car to lean or pull one way while driving
- Traction control issues – A malfunctioning steering angle sensor can affect traction control systems, causing them to engage at inappropriate times, such as when driving on a straight road.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.
Can you drive safely with a faulty steering angle sensor?
It is generally considered unsafe to drive with a damaged or broken steering angle sensor. A malfunctioning sensor can cause several problems that can compromise your ability to drive safely, including poor handling, decreased stability, and inaccurate steering.
In addition, a faulty steering angle sensor can affect other safety systems in your vehicle, such as traction control and ABS. This can further affect your ability to control your vehicle and may increase the risk of an accident.
For these reasons, we recommend getting the part replaced as soon as possible. If you need to drive, try to avoid sharp turning, high speeds, heavy braking, or other driving styles that rely heavily on your traction control or ABS system.
Steering angle sensor (SAS) Repair & Replacement in Hamilton
Is your car in need of a steering angle sensor replacement? If so, we can help!
At Grimmer Motors, our experienced mechanics can quickly diagnose and repair faults in your car’s electronic stability control system. We can perform repairs, replacements and recalibrations for your car’s steering angle sensor, allowing it to function normally.
For steering angle sensor repairs and replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!