Steering Sensor Calibration

[Ale]

Guys, I had the taxi wheel aligned after having some bushes replaced, but now Im getting the occasional "steering sensor needs calibrating error" come up on the dash. This happened once before, and ford fixed reset it, but I dont want to deal with them anymore. Anybody got a link to a procedure on how calibrate the sensor?

[45T-XR]

Ive only calibrated them with the FORD PDS and IDS when I was there, then using the snap-on modus. I had a mate at a walkinshaw dealer call me once for a maloo he had just pulled the motor out of, once he got it running again, same issue. He was trying to calibrated it but the column was 360+ degrees out, and it wont let you calibrate it if your that far. What had happened is when they dropped the k-frame the wheel and column had turned right arond. He had done the right thing and marked the shaft, most have a master spline and only go one way but. The best thing to do if your playing with this sort of stuff is once you disconnect the column from the rack, turn pull the key from the ignition and turn the steering wheel until it locks, that way when you go back together you see straight away it only needs a 1/4 or so turn back to center then no dramas, If you dont and spin it too far you can damage the clock spring.

[Ale]

Didnt relize it was so drastic!! basically Ford did some front end warrenty work on my car, said go and get it wheel aligned, if the error comes up bring it back and we will re calibrate it.

After the wheel alignemnt, the error has come back, unfortunatly for me, Ford dont want to cover my car now, so Il have to pay.

Surely there is a way that it can be done without resorting to seeing Ford again!!

[ratter]

check with your mechanic, some scan tools have the ability to calibrate it

[45T-XR]

Ratter is right. Most decent workshops with have a SNAP-ON motus or something similar, honestly it should cost you much even if you did go to ford, its a 15mins job and that's including connecting the scan tool and identifying the vehicle

[riptide]

Where abouts are you?

[Ale]

The same Ford dealer wants to charge me an hrs labour which is over $100!! I will if I have to but its the principle of it.

Im goin to go and see the guy that tunes my other cars on saturday, introduce him to the taxi and see if his snap on scan tool tells us anything.

Im in adelaide

Edited 01/12/11 09:13 AM by Ale

[cobramad]

Always secure the steering column when you disconnect the rack, as there may be a clock spring in the top of the column that will easily get damaged if you turn the wheel freely. You will get a shock when you go to get it replaced so be aware!

Replaced on on a 100 Series Landcruiser and it was almost $600. Sounds like you were on the right track by marking the spline and ensuring you were back in the same spot, but its just that most steering wheels will spin around a bit without the rack to secure them, due to their imbalance alone. Time to check the manual!