Chassis, generic

C061D Variable Effort Steering Actuator Control Circuit Low

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

C061D flags an actuator line held too low, most often a coil lead shorted to the steering gear housing or to the vehicle body. The Magnasteer coil sits in the cast valve housing, which forms part of its magnetic circuit, so insulation damage there grounds the winding; checking each coil terminal against the housing is a standard test. Because the current must flow in both directions, the controller uses a full bridge, and drivers such as the DRV8874-Q1 shut down on overcurrent when an output is grounded. With the actuator dead, assist depends solely on torsion bar stiffness and the pump's delivery. No maker publishes C061D; open and high are C061C and C061E.

Likely causes

Actuator coil insulation broken down to the steering gear housing
Actuator wire chafed against subframe or exhaust heat shield
Failed output stage in the controlling module

Symptoms

  • Speed-dependent steering feel lost
  • Steering feels the same at all speeds
  • Fuse for the steering actuator may blow

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

C061CC061EC061FC0626

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