Chassis, generic

C0527 Steering Angle Sensor Module Mechanical

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modePossible

C0527 marks a mechanical rather than electrical fault of the steering angle sensor module. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. Many sensors are gear-driven: Bosch and Saab describe a hub gear on the steering shaft turning two measuring gears with different tooth counts (28 and 26 on the Saab 9-5), whose magnet positions encode the absolute angle. Broken teeth, a cracked housing, a worn drive dog or a sensor clipped in out of position make the reported angle stop following the wheel although supply and bus are fine. Bourns' contactless type checks its own angular speed and reports an error beyond 1016°/s, which a jumping gear would cause. Stability control is usually switched off; the cure is a new sensor and re-centring.

Likely causes

Worn or broken measuring gears inside the sensor
Sensor drive dog or mounting loose on the steering shaft
Sensor installed out of position after column or clock spring work

Symptoms

  • ESC warning lamp on
  • Angle on the scan tool jumps or stops changing while steering
  • Possible noise from the steering column

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–600
Time0.5–2 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

steering angle sensor module

Related codes

C0526C0528C0529C052A

References: bosch-mobility.com, saabwisonline.com, bourns.com, saabwisonline.com.