Chassis, generic

C061C Variable Effort Steering Actuator Control Circuit/Open

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

Variable effort steering changes how hard a hydraulic system steers with road speed. In GM's Magnasteer a coil and permanent magnets on the rotary valve add or subtract from the torsion bar's stiffness; the GM and Steering Solutions patent EP2028081B1 describes this actuator, and ±3 A coil current is cited in a later patent. Ford's older variable-assist systems used a stepper-driven or solenoid orifice instead. C061C means the actuator circuit is open: the controller drives it but no current flows. Coil resistance should be about 2 ohms; an open reading means a new rack, as the coil is not serviceable. GM used its own C1241 for this. No maker publishes C061C. Expect light steering at speed or heavy steering when parking.

Likely causes

Connector at the steering gear loose, corroded or soaked with fluid
Open actuator coil inside the steering gear
Broken wire between control module and steering gear

Symptoms

  • Steering effort no longer changes with speed
  • Heavier steering when parking or lighter, nervous steering on the highway
  • Steering or stability warning on some vehicles

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€30–1,500
Time0.5–4 h

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

Parts involved

ves actuator

Related codes

C061DC061EC061FC0620C0624

References: patents.google.com, aa1car.com, patents.google.com.