OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Article by
Randy Worner
ASE Certified Master Technician
Lost Communication With Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) Module
What does that mean?
This is a generic communication system diagnostic trouble code that applies to most vehicle makes and models. This code means that the Multi-Axis Acceleration Sensor (MAS) module and other control modules on the vehicle are not communicating with each other.
The circuit most often used to communicate with is known as Controller Area Network bus communications, or simply put, CAN bus. Without this CAN bus, control modules cannot exchange information, and your scan tool may not be able to get information from the vehicle, depending on which circuit is affected.
The SAS module is responsible to inform the other modules on the CAN bus what position the steering wheel is in. This affects steering system operation, suspension system changes, and most importantly is needed for electronic stability control (ESC). ESC maintains vehicle stability under all driving conditions, no matter if on wet pavement or during aggressive driving.
Troubleshooting steps may vary depending upon manufacturer, type of communications system, number of wires and wire colors in the communication system.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a U0126 engine code may include:
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on
- ABS indicator light on
- TRAC indicator light on (depending on manufacturer)
- ESP/ESC indicator light on (depending on manufacturer)
Causes
Typically the causes for this code to set are:
- Open power or ground to SAS module (most common)
- Open in the CAN bus + circuit
- Open in the CAN bus - circuit
- Short to power in either CAN bus circuit
- Short to ground in either CAN bus circuit
- Rarely - faulty control module
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
A good starting point is always to check for technical service bulletins (TSB) for your particular vehicle. Your issue may be a known issue with a known fix put out by the manufacturer and can save you time and money during diagnosis.
If your scan tool can access fault codes and the only one you retrieve from other modules is the U0126, try to access the steering angle system module. If you can access codes from the SAS module, then the U0126 code is either intermittent or a memory code. If unable to access codes for the SAS module, then the U0126 code that the other modules are setting is active, and the problem is there now.
The most common failure is loss of power or ground.
Check all fuses that power up the SAS module on this vehicle. Check all grounds for the SAS module. Locate where the ground attaching points are on the vehicle and make sure that these connections are clean and tight. If you have to, take them off, get a small wire bristle brush and baking soda/water solution and clean each one, both the connector and where it connects.
If any repairs were made, clear the diagnostic trouble codes from memory, and see if the U0126 code returns or if you are able to communicate with the SAS module. If the code does not return or communication is re-established, then the fuses/connections were most likely your problem.
If the code returns, locate the CAN C bus communication connections on your particular vehicle, most importantly the SAS module connector. Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging the connector at the LAS control module. Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for scraping, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots or melted plastic. Pull the connectors apart and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connectors. See if they look burned or have a green tint indicating corrosion. Use electrical contact cleaner and a plastic bristle brush if cleaning of the terminals is needed. Let dry and apply electrical grease where the terminals contact.
Before connecting the connectors back to the SAS module, make these few voltage checks. You will need to have access to a digital volt-ohmmeter (DVOM). Verify that you have power and ground at the SAS module. Gain access to a wiring diagram and determine where the main powers and grounds come into the SAS module. Reconnect the battery before continuing, with the SAS module still disconnected. Connect the red lead of your voltmeter to each B+ (battery voltage) supply coming into the SAS module connector and the black lead of your voltmeter to a good ground (if not sure, battery negative always works). You see a reading of battery voltage. Verify that you have good grounds as well. Hook the red lead of your voltmeter to battery positive (B+) and the black lead to each ground circuit. Once again you should see battery voltage at each connection. If not, repair the power or ground circuit problem.
Next, check the two communication circuits. Locate the CAN C+ (or HSCAN + circuit) and CAN C- (or HSCAN – circuit). With the black lead of your voltmeter connected to a good ground, connect the red lead to CAN C+. With the Key On, Engine Off, you should see about 2.6 volts and fluctuating slightly. Next, connect the red voltmeter lead to the CAN C- circuit. You should see approximately 2.4 volts and fluctuating slightly. Other manufacturers show CAN C- at approximately .5 volts and fluctuating Key On Engine Off. Check the specifications for your manufacturer.
If all tests have passed and communication is still not possible, or you were unable to clear the U0126 fault code, the only thing left that can be done is to seek assistance from a trained automotive diagnostician, as this would indicate a failed SAS module. Most of these SAS modules must be programmed, or calibrated to the vehicle in order to be installed correctly.
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