C0545
DTC C0545
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
DTC Descriptors
DTC C0545 00
- Steering Wheel Torque Input Sensor
DTC C0545 4B
- Steering Wheel Torque Input Sensor Calibration Not Learned
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The steering column shaft torque sensor is a 5-volt dual analog inverse signal device which is used to sense steering direction and the amount of torque being applied to the steering column shaft when the steering wheel is turned. The valid signal voltage range of the sensor is 0.25-4.75 volts. When applying torque to the steering column shaft during a right turn, the sensors signal 1 voltage increases, while the signal 2 voltage decreases within the valid signal voltage range. When applying torque to the steering column shaft during a left turn, the sensors signal 1 voltage decreases, while the signal 2 voltage increases within the valid signal voltage range.
After replacing the steering column or power steering control module (PSCM), the steering wheel torque and position sensors must be calibrated.
Conditions for Running the DTC
C0545 00
* Engine running
* Steering column shaft torque input is present.
C0545 4B
The ignition is ON.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
C0545 00
The torque sensors signal 1 and signal 2 voltages are less than 0.25 volts, or greater than 4.75 volts.
C0545 4B
The PSCM has not undergone the torque sensor calibration procedure.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
* DTC is stored in memory.
* The DIC displays the POWER STEERING warning message.
* No steering assist is provided.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
C0545 00, C0545 4B
* A current DTC will clear on the next malfunction-free ignition cycle.
* A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive malfunction-free ignition cycles.
Diagnostic Aids
If the PSCM continues to set a history DTC C0545 replace the steering column before replacing the PSCM. Some steering columns may have an intermittent internal wiring condition causing the history DTC C0545.
If the Steering torque or position sensor calibrations are incorrect the customer may complain of steering effort that is easier in one direction than the other. Performing the steering torque and position sensor calibrations procedure will correct this issue.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Power Steering Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector End Views By Name)
Description and Operation
Power Steering System Description and Operation (Electronic Power Steering) (Power Steering System Description and Operation (Electronic Power Steering))Power Steering System Description and Operation (Hydraulic Power Steering) (Power Steering System Description and Operation (Hydraulic Power Steering))
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Special Tools
EL-47564 Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) Test Harness
Circuit/System Verification
Note: Vehicles built between February 01, 2008 and March 03, 2008 with electronic power steering columns, may exhibit a repeated history DTC C0545 being set. If DTC C0545 is set as history and the customer has experienced or complained of inconsistent steering effort on any of these vehicles, replace the steering column.
C0545 00
Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Torque Sensor Signal 1 and 2 parameters. With the steering wheel at rest both readings should be at 2.5 V. While turning the steering wheel from side to side the readings should stay between 0.25-4.75 V and change in opposite directions of each other.
C0545 4B
Verify that DTC C0545 4B is not set.
If the DTC is set, perform the Torque Sensor Calibration procedure. If the DTC resets, replace the PSCM.
Steering torque and position sensor calibrations
1. Center the steering wheel.
Note: After centering the steering wheel, remove hands and other objects from the steering wheel and ensure the suspension is relaxed and no bias, or uneven force is being applied to the steering system.
2. Using the scan tool Perform the Steering Position Sensor Calibration procedure.
3. Using the scan tool Perform the Torque Sensor Calibration procedure.
4. Turn the steering wheel until it stops in each direction.
Circuit/System Testing
C0545 00
1. Disconnect the X3 harness connector at the power steering module assembly.
2. Connect the EL-47564 Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) Test Harness.
3. Ignition OFF, test for less than 2 ohm between the low reference circuit terminal E and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, replace the power steering control module.
4. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 V between the 5 V reference circuit terminal B and ground.
• If less than the specified range, replace the power steering control module.
5. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal F and the 5V reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool Torque Sensor Signal 1 is greater than 4.8V.
• If less than the specified value, replace the power steering control module.
6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal C and the 5V reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool Torque Sensor Signal 2 is greater than 4.8V.
• If less than the specified value, replace the power steering control module.
7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the steering column.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Steering Column Replacement (Hydraulic Power Steering) (Steering Column Replacement (Hydraulic Power Steering))Steering Column Replacement (Electronic Power Steering) (Steering Column Replacement (Electronic Power Steering))
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for PSCM replacement, setup, and programming