Chassis, generic

C0626 Variable Effort Steering Sensor Circuit Low

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

C0626 means the signal of the variable effort steering sensor reads below the lowest level the module accepts. A Kelsey-Hayes patent shows the typical window for such a steering wheel sensor: with a 5 V supply each channel switches between roughly 0.6 V and 4.4 V, and anything under the lower band counts as low. After about 5 ms out of range the module stops trusting the signal, and after roughly 100 ms it latches an open or short fault. A Ford patent lists steering wheel rate and position among the inputs of a speed-dependent effort controller. Typical causes are a signal wire shorted to ground, a lost 5 V feed or a failed output stage. No maker publishes C0626. Unlike C0627, the fault lies on the ground side.

Likely causes

Signal wire chafed through and shorted to ground
5 V sensor feed missing or pulled down by another fault
Sensor output stage failed and stuck low

Symptoms

  • Variable assist disabled, steering effort fixed
  • Steering warning lamp or message

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

C0624C0625C0627

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