Chassis, generic

C061F Variable Effort Steering Actuator Control Circuit Performance

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

C061F covers an actuator circuit that is electrically intact but does not behave as commanded: the current does not follow the request, or the expected change in effort fails to show up. In Magnasteer the coil runs from about −3 A to +3 A, and the current reverses around mid speed, so tracking errors appear as wrong feel in town or on the highway. The Steering Solutions patent stresses that the magnetic null must line up with the valve's centre for the gear to work properly; a later variant without permanent magnets only raises effort with speed. Coil heating, a sticky valve or a damaged magnet ring fit this code. GM's scan tool can run a function test that sweeps the current. No maker publishes C061F.

Likely causes

Magnetic null shifted from valve centre, damaged magnet ring
Sticking rotary valve from contaminated fluid
High resistance in connector or wiring limiting coil current
Wrong or missing vehicle speed input to the controlling module

Symptoms

  • Steering effort wrong for the speed or changing unexpectedly
  • Pull to one side with no alignment fault
  • Steering warning on some vehicles

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€50–1,500
Time0.5–4 h

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

Parts involved

ves actuator

Related codes

C061CC061DC061EC0625

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