Chassis, generic

C0622 Variable Effort Steering Lock/Safety Actuator Control Circuit High

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

C0622 is the critical direction for a fail-safe lock: the actuator line reads high even when the controller wants it off. Since the lock in these designs releases when powered, a line shorted to battery voltage would keep it open when it should engage, so the safety path no longer works. Continental's superimposed steering unit, for example, stays open while powered and only blocks the planet carrier once power is gone, after which the normal steering gear still steers the car. JTEKT varies the holding duty with battery voltage to keep the coil cool. Controllers that detect a stuck-high line therefore shut the variable function down. No maker documents C0622 publicly.

Likely causes

Lock solenoid wire shorted to a battery-fed circuit
Drive transistor in the module stuck on
Charging system overvoltage

Symptoms

  • Steering system warning; variable function switched off
  • No noticeable change in normal steering

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€30–2,000
Time0.5–4 h

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

Parts involved

ves lock actuator

Related codes

C0620C0621C0623C061E

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