C0051
- Chassis
- Generic (SAE)
Get it looked at now
Driving may cause further damage or leave you stranded. Arrange service promptly rather than waiting.
Power Steering Position Sensor Performance
This code is in our catalogue but has not yet been through editorial review, so the guidance below is limited to what our structured data supports. We publish deeper diagnostic content only after a code has been reviewed — here is why.
The chassis or power steering control module has detected that the steering position signal is implausible compared to vehicle motion. Stability control may be limited because correct yaw and slip-angle calculation depends on a valid steering angle.
A trouble code records what a control module measured. It does not identify which part failed. Test before replacing anything.
- Safe to drive
- Driving may cause further damage or leave you stranded. Arrange service promptly rather than waiting.
- Urgency
- Get it looked at now
- Will it pass emissions
- Not affected
- Check engine light
- Varies
- ABS warning light on
- ESC/stability control deactivated
- Possible reduced brake assist
- Speedometer may behave erratically
Many vehicles show no symptom at all beyond the warning light. The absence of a symptom does not mean the fault is not real.
| # | Cause | How often | Component |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steering angle sensor not calibrated after alignment or repair | Very common | — |
| 2 | Steering angle sensor failed | Common | — |
| 3 | Signal path through clock spring degraded | Occasional | — |
Ordering reflects how often each cause is responsible in general, not a probability for your vehicle. Confirm by testing.
- Steering Angle Sensor
- Power Steering Module
- Chassis Control Module
- Definition
- Generic code set (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6) via the OBDexopen database, dedicated to the public domain under CC0-1.0.
- Diagnostic guidance
- Written and reviewed in-house. See our editorial policy.
- Review status
- Awaiting review
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