Chassis, generic

C061E Variable Effort Steering Actuator Control Circuit High

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

C061E means an actuator line reads above what the controller expects, typically a lead shorted to battery voltage or a driver stage stuck on. Delphi describes Magnasteer as electronically modulating the magnetic torsional rate, with coil polarity deciding whether effort rises or falls; a line stuck high can therefore hold the actuator in one direction or stop the bridge from regulating. Ford's older variable-assist valve shows the other pattern: no current means a wide open valve and full assist, while 550 mA at 80 mph closes it. A bridge IC like the DRV8873-Q1 recognises a short to the supply and turns off. No maker documents C061E. The driver feels steering effort that no longer tracks speed.

Likely causes

Actuator lead shorted to a battery-fed wire
Output transistor in the module stuck on
Wrong pinning after a steering gear swap

Symptoms

  • Unusually heavy or unusually light steering that does not change with speed
  • Steering warning message 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

C061CC061DC061FC0627

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