Is your car struggling to stay stable during turns?
Does your steering wheel refuse to turn smoothly?
Chances are, your steering angle sensor might be failing. This small sensor sends data to the stability systems to help keep the vehicle controlled, especially at higher speeds.
But when it malfunctions, it can throw the vehicle’s steering off balance, making it difficult to maintain control.
Wondering what it costs to replace the steering angle sensor?
We’ll break down the steering angle sensor price and factors affecting the expenses so you know exactly what to expect and how to plan for it.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Steering Angle Sensor Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing a Steering Angle Sensor?
- 5 Key Signs You Need to Purchase a New Sensor
- How Long Does a Steering Wheel Angle Sensor Last?
- What Causes Steering Angle Sensor Failure?
- How Do You Maintain a Steering Sensor?
- Can You Replace the Steering Angle Sensor Yourself?
- How Does a Mechanic Reset the Steering Angle Sensor?
How Much Does a Steering Angle Sensor Replacement Cost?
Let’s dive into the average cost of swapping out a steering angle sensor.
A. Range
Replacing a faulty steering angle sensor costs between $200 and $750.
This range includes:
- New steering angle sensor price: $100 to $250
- Labor rate: $100 to $500
B. Factors Affecting Steering Angle Sensor Price
Some aspects that affect the replacement charges include:
- Vehicle make and model: When you select vehicle-specific sensors, the compatibility depends on your steering system configurations. For instance, a luxury or higher-end modern car often has more intricate electronics, which can increase the product and labor rate. You can check your vehicle identification number to get the exact match for your car’s make and model.
- OEM vs. aftermarket product: Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) car parts have a higher retail price than aftermarket sensors. Although aftermarket car parts can save money upfront, they often compromise on reliability and durability.
NOTE: You may occasionally find a wide range of original equipment manufacturer sensors on sale around holiday promotions. This can lower the total replacement cost. - Type of sensor: There’s a wide range of sensors, including analog, magnet-based, encoder-based, and digital sensors. Analog sensors are the cheapest and can save you money. Meanwhile, encoder-based sensors are the costliest due to their durability and complex design.
- Calibration requirements: Once installed, the new sensor must be calibrated for accurate performance, usually at an additional charge. This price depends on how complex the calibration is, which can vary based on your vehicle and the sensor type.
Is It Worth Replacing a Steering Angle Sensor?
Yes, it’s crucial to replace a faulty steering angle sensor.
The sensor is vital for monitoring the steering wheel’s position and transmitting that information to the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU). This data helps the car maintain stability and correct driving direction, especially during sharp turns or on slippery roads.
Without it, crucial safety features like cruise control, electronic stability control (ESC), and anti-lock brakes (ABS) won’t function properly.
5 Key Signs You Need to Purchase a New Sensor
When a steering angle sensor starts to fail, you’ll notice signs, such as:
- Illuminated warning light: One of the first signs of an issue with your steering system is an illuminated traction control or ABS warning light.
- Difficulty turning the steering wheel: If the sensor sends incorrect data to the electric power steering system, it can lead to poor adjustments, making the steering wheel feel unusually heavy or stiff during turns.
- Inconsistent steering response: When the sensor isn’t calibrated correctly, your steering may feel too loose or overly sensitive, especially after a wheel alignment or tire replacement. This can lead to unpredictable steering behavior.
- Issues with stability and traction control systems: A faulty sensor can disrupt the ESC system, making it harder to maintain control during sharp turns or slick roads. Over time, this loss of stability can lead to uneven tire contact with the road, which can cause irregular tire wear. Without accurate steering input, the system may also fail to correct unintended drift, making the car pull to one side or direction.
- Malfunctioning advanced driver assistance system (ADAS): Without accurate steering angle data, ADAS functions like lane-keeping assist or adaptive cruise control may not function properly or activate at the wrong time.
How Long Does a Steering Wheel Angle Sensor Last?
Whether you have encoder-based or digital sensors, most are designed to last the lifetime of a modern car. However, this depends on local driving conditions and how well you maintain the sensor.
What Causes Steering Angle Sensor Failure?
The sensor can fail prematurely and need a replacement due to:
- Disconnected battery: Disconnecting or replacing the battery can occasionally cause the sensor to lose its settings or stop working altogether.
- Misalignment: Sometimes, during suspension or wheel alignment, the sensor may misalign and send incorrect readings to the computer.
- Incorrect installation: If the technician hasn’t installed a new sensor correctly, it can send faulty data to the ESC system or interfere with electric power steering. This will result in inconsistent steering assist or active warning lights.
- Erroneous calibration: After major steering system repairs or airbag deployment, the sensor needs recalibration. If the sensor isn’t calibrated accurately, it may function incorrectly, leading to premature failure.
- Damaged wiring: Corroded or damaged wiring caused by weather, road salt, as well as physical impact, can create communication issues between the sensor and the ECU.
How Do You Maintain a Steering Sensor?
To keep your sensor up and running, you should:
- Avoid aggressive steering wheel handling to prevent physical damage to the sensor.
- Skip driving over potholes or dusty roads to avoid moisture and debris exposure.
- Schedule regular inspections to fix any early signs of wear or damage.
- Get the sensor calibrated routinely by professionals to avoid any inconsistent performance.
Can You Replace the Steering Angle Sensor Yourself?
No, you shouldn’t.
Changing digital or analog sensors is complex and risky, as you need to disconnect the battery, handle airbag connectors, and accurately recalibrate the sensor. Even a small mistake can damage or disable the airbag or advanced driver assistance system, risking your warranty and safety.
So, let a seasoned professional perform this task to prevent losing crucial steering and safety features.
But if you’re curious to know, here’s how they’ll replace the sensor:
- Disconnect the battery and wait 10 minutes to allow any residual electrical charge in the system to dissipate.
- Locate holes at the back of the steering wheel and insert a Torx or Allen key inside to reach the spring clips.
- Press inward to release the airbag’s spring clips, disconnect its connectors, and set it aside.
- Remove the steering wheel bolt and lift it off.
- Detach the upper and lower covers of the steering column. Removing the cover will give them access to the steering shaft and clockspring, where the sensor is mounted.
- Unscrew the Torx bolts and release the clockspring assembly.
- Remove the sensor cover and detach the faulty item (old sensor).
- Install the new sensor onto the steering shaft and connect it to the appropriate wires.
- Reassemble each item or accessory, like the clockspring or airbag components.
- Reconnect the battery, recalibrate the sensor, and clear the warning lights.
How Does a Mechanic Reset the Steering Angle Sensor?
Resetting the steering angle sensor is an essential step after a replacement. Let’s look at the three standard methods a mechanic will use:
A. Manual Reset with the Battery Connected
Some vehicles allow a manual sensor reset without disconnecting the battery. Here’s how a mechanic will do it:
- Park the car: The mechanic will park your vehicle on a flat surface and engage the hand brake.
- Turn on the ignition: They’ll turn the key in the ignition to “ON” without starting the engine.
- Twist the steering wheel: They’ll turn the steering wheel from left to right at least three times.
- Turn off the ignition: They’ll turn the key to the “OFF” position and remove it for a few seconds.
- Restart the car: Then, they’ll start the car and check the steering wheel. If they don’t see any dashboard lights, the reset is complete. If not, they’ll move on to the following method.
B. Manual Reset with the Battery Disconnected
Here’s another way to reset the steering angle sensor manually:
- Disconnect the battery: The mechanic will open the hood, disconnect the negative battery cable (black cable) first, then the positive one (red cable).
- Turn the steering wheel: Now, they’ll turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and wait for 15 minutes. Then, the mechanic will turn it to the right, wait for a few seconds, and rotate it again to the left.
- Reconnect the battery: They’ll bring the steering wheel back to the center and reconnect the battery. Afterward, they’ll start the engine and turn the steering wheel to the left and right three times. By now, the sensor should be reset.
- Test drive: The mechanic will take the vehicle for a short drive to verify the sensor’s efficiency and ensure no dashboard warning lights are active. If they’re on, they’ll use an OBD-II scanner to reset the sensor.
C. Reset with an OBD-II Scanner
A mechanic will follow these steps to reset the sensor:
- Find the OBD port: The mechanic will connect an OBD-II scan tool to the port, which is usually under the steering column.
- Turn on the car: They’ll turn the key to the “ON” position, powering up the accessories without starting the engine.
- Perform a reset: They’ll retrieve information like the vehicle identification number and model from the scan tool. Then, select the reset function.
- Check the scanner: The scan tool will then calibrate the sensor. This process usually takes a few seconds.
- Test drive: After the reset, the mechanic will take the car for a test drive to ensure the steering wheel is centered and no warning lights appear on the dashboard.
Steer Clear of Potential Steering Issues with AutoNation Mobile Service
A failing steering angle sensor can cause erratic steering and traction control problems, affecting your vehicle’s safety systems.
If you’re noticing signs of a bad steering angle sensor, it’s a good idea to get it checked out by a professional mechanic, like the ones at AutoNation Mobile Service.
We’re a mobile auto repair solution with seven-day availability. For your peace of mind, we also provide a 12-month, 12,000-mile repair warranty.
Contact us, and we’ll replace the faulty steering angle sensor right from your driveway, no garage detour needed.