Chassis, generic

C0625 Variable Effort Steering Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

Here the sensor signal is electrically present but its content does not add up. With an incremental steering wheel sensor the module derives rate or angle from pulse counts; a Ford patent computes steering rate from the counts in a fixed sampling window, so lost pulses give a wrong rate. A Kelsey-Hayes patent on a two-channel sensor checks after each dropout whether the newly learned zero has moved by more than about 15° and then reports a shift fault; levels that sit between the valid low and high bands are rejected too. No maker publishes C0625 for steering. On GM vehicles the number turns up in PIP5094 (2014 and older) and among suspension-related codes in PIT5307G for 2014–2019 trucks, an older and unrelated use.

Likely causes

Dirt or damage on the encoder disc causing lost pulses
Intermittent contact at the connector producing short dropouts
Sensor loose or misaligned after column or steering work
Implausible road speed input used for the cross-check

Symptoms

  • Steering effort changes unexpectedly while turning
  • Variable assist switched off with a fixed steering feel
  • Steering or stability warning on some vehicles

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€30–450
Time0.5–2 h

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

Parts involved

ves sensor

Related codes

C0624C0626C0627C0608

References: patents.google.com, patents.google.com, static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov.