Morning all

Got in the car this morning and noticed I needed to press the start button a couple of times before the car actually attempted to start.

Once it did, I have the orange exclamation light, the flat tyre light, and a traction control light illuminated.

Messages in the 'system check' are "Hill start assist not available" and "Tyre pressure sys malfunction, service required".

I've plugged in with Forscan and the DTC's point towards the Steering Angle Sensor:

Quote

 

===ABS DTC U0126:00-2B===
Code: U0126 - Lost Communication With Steering Angle Sensor Module

Status (-2B):
 - DTC Present at Time of Request
 - Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Antilock braking system

 Freeze Frame  #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 375158008 s (Fri Nov 29 08:10:43 2024) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 131502 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 13.3 V - Control Module Voltage
-OUTDOOR_TEMPERATURE: 23 °C - Outside temperature
===END ABS DTC U0126:00-2B===

 

Quote

 

===PAM DTC U0415:86-2F===
Code: U0415 - Invalid Data Received From Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module

Additional Fault Symptom (:86):
 - Signal Invalid

Status (-2F):
 - DTC Present at Time of Request
 - Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Parking Aid Module

 Freeze Frame  #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 375158009 s (Fri Nov 29 08:10:43 2024) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 131502 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 13.3 V - Control Module Voltage
-INCAR_TEMPERATURE: 23 °C - In car temperature
-OUTDOOR_TEMPERATURE: 23 °C - Outside temperature
===END PAM DTC U0415:86-2F===

 

Quote

 

===PAM DTC U0126:87-2F===
Code: U0126 - Lost Communication With Steering Angle Sensor Module

Additional Fault Symptom (:87):
 - Missing Message

Status (-2F):
 - DTC Present at Time of Request
 - Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Parking Aid Module

 Freeze Frame  #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 375158033 s (Fri Nov 29 08:11:07 2024) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 131502 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 11.5 V - Control Module Voltage
-INCAR_TEMPERATURE: 23 °C - In car temperature
-OUTDOOR_TEMPERATURE: 23 °C - Outside temperature
===END PAM DTC U0126:87-2F===

 

Quote

 

===PAM DTC U0420:86-2F===
Code: U0420 - Invalid Data Received from Power Steering Control Module 'A'

Additional Fault Symptom (:86):
 - Signal Invalid

Status (-2F):
 - DTC Present at Time of Request
 - Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Parking Aid Module

 Freeze Frame  #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 375158007 s (Fri Nov 29 08:10:41 2024) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 131502 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 13.3 V - Control Module Voltage
-INCAR_TEMPERATURE: 23 °C - In car temperature
-OUTDOOR_TEMPERATURE: 23 °C - Outside temperature
===END PAM DTC U0420:86-2F===

 

Quote

 

===PAM DTC U0428:86-2F===
Code: U0428 - Invalid Data Received From Steering Angle Sensor Module

Additional Fault Symptom (:86):
 - Signal Invalid

Status (-2F):
 - DTC Present at Time of Request
 - Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Parking Aid Module

 Freeze Frame  #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 375158007 s (Fri Nov 29 08:10:41 2024) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 131502 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 13.3 V - Control Module Voltage
-INCAR_TEMPERATURE: 23 °C - In car temperature
-OUTDOOR_TEMPERATURE: 23 °C - Outside temperature
===END PAM DTC U0428:86-2F===

 

Quote

 

===PAM DTC U100B:00-2F===
Code: U100B - Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking System

Status (-2F):
 - DTC Present at Time of Request
 - Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Parking Aid Module

 Freeze Frame  #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 375158007 s (Fri Nov 29 08:10:41 2024) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 131502 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 13.3 V - Control Module Voltage
-INCAR_TEMPERATURE: 23 °C - In car temperature
-OUTDOOR_TEMPERATURE: 23 °C - Outside temperature
===END PAM DTC U100B:00-2F===

 

Quote

 

===HCM DTC U0126:00-2F===
Code: U0126 - Lost Communication With Steering Angle Sensor Module

Status (-2F):
 - DTC Present at Time of Request
 - Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Headlamp Control Module

===END HCM DTC U0126:00-2F===

 

Quote

 

===PSCM DTC U0126:00-0A===
Code: U0126 - Lost Communication With Steering Angle Sensor Module

Status (-0A):
 - DTC Present at Time of Request
 - Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Power Steering Control Module

 Freeze Frame  #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 375158037 s (Fri Nov 29 08:11:12 2024) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 131502 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 12.5 V - Control Module Voltage
-OUTDOOR_TEMPERATURE: 23 °C - Outside temperature
-PWR_MODE_KEY: Running  - Power Mode Key State
-PWR_MODE_QF: Power Mode OK  - Power Mode Quality Factor
-SSHFT_TQ_S2: -0.1 Nm - Steering Shaft Torque Sensor #2
-ECU_POWER_SUPPLY: 13.0 V - ECU Power Supply Voltage
-ECU_INTERNAL_TEMPERATURE: 13 °C - ECU Internal Temperature
-VSS: 0.0 km/h - Vehicle Speed
-DLA_SED_FD0B_PID: 44   - DL_SED_FD0B_PID
-DLA_NUM_FD0C_PID: 0.00 A - DL_NUM_FD0C_PID
-DLA_NUM_FD0D_PID: 0.00 A - DL_NUM_FD0D_PID
-DLA_NUM_FD0E_PID_1: 0.0 Nm - DL_NUM_FD0E_PID_1
-DLA_NUM_FD0F_PID_1: 0 1/min - DL_NUM_FD0F_PID_1
===END PSCM DTC U0126:00-0A===

 

Viewing live data for the two steering angle sensor readings in Forscan, I see the following:

and neither one changes when I rotate the wheel.

I'm assuming I'm looking at a fault with the steering angle sensor - now, next question - where is it?!

I've had a brief look and can see a sensor that looks like it bolts to the rack, a big square plastic module which seems to sit on the steering column, or something which just looks like the clock spring.

It's a 2012 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium X with SAPP.

Cheers,

Nick

Without a Forscan check, those warnings usually just point to low battery charge.  Are those tests done with the engine running?  If so, 13.3v isn't a great charging voltage.

I'd probably still try charging the battery fully before replacing  anything else.  I can't deny that is a lot of evidence suggesting a steering angle sensor fault though!

 

Usually I'd concur with the battery voltage especially as it was quite cold this morning, however the car is not used for short journeys and does over 120 miles a day at the moment with my commute.

Yeah, that screenshot was taken with the engine running, after I'd pulled up at work, turned the car off and back on again after attempting to clear the codes.

I seem to remember the charging voltage ramping down if its not needed? I don't seem to have any of the usual suspects of low battery SOC (keyless etc), the issue with starting I think is down to the auto steering lock not being able to determine where the wheel is.

If I can get a day or so where the car isn't being used I'll stick it on the charger (probably be tuesday/weds next week), but it's got a 300 mile round trip away this weekend to do (I'd hope that would be enough for the alternator to charge the battery).

Yes, these have variable rate charging.  I wrongly assumed the car was stuck at home and had not been driven before those screenshots.

If you've driven it a good distance and there are no steering issues then that makes a steering angle sensor fault seem very unlikely.  The steering should be super heavy if the motor doesn't know the wheel is being turned.  To answer the original question, the steering angle sensor is in the wheel, but I'm really not convinced that's at fault.

4 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

To answer the original question, the steering angle sensor is in the wheel, but I'm really not convinced that's at fault.

Nor me.

Fully charge the battery, reset the DTCs and you'll find it's gone👍

Interesting, maybe I wrongly assume that long journeys keep a battery maintained - that said I have no idea how old the battery is.

 I’ll try a charge and a clear when I’m using my fiesta for a couple of days next week. 
 

What’s the best procedure for that on these? I have a CTEK charger, I assume it’s an AGM battery due to the stop start - is it best to leave the battery in situ and connected while charging to satisfy the BMS, or best to remove it to charge, reconnect then reset the BMS?

Best to charge in situ. Connect the negative charger lead to chassis ground point so the charging current passes through the BMS sensor.

Perfect, thanks all.

It'll be an EFB battery on the Focus, not AGM.

18 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

It'll be an EFB battery on the Focus, not AGM.

Ta - that was mainly a question regarding whether to set the AGM option on my CTEK charger or not, normal it is!

So, took your advice, fully charged the battery (now showing 12.68V at idle), cleared the codes and unfortunately they immediately returned. 
 

Attempted to recalibrate the steering angle sensor within Forscan but the procedure fails immediately with “vehicle conditions not compatible” (or words to that effect). 
 

As much as it would have been nice to have been as simple as the battery, the car is used heavily so you can’t really blame me for being sceptical!

 

So now I’m back to needing to replace the steering angle sensor. I assume airbag off, steering wheel off, cowling off then unclip the clock spring from the housing, and replace the clock spring?

 

I’m seeing slightly different variations of part on eBay, to save myself the effort of having to do the whole lot twice, for a prefacelift Mk3 Tit-X, does anyone have a part number or an idea of which part it would be? If not I guess I know what I’m doing on Sunday…!

 

 Cheers

 Nick 

14 hours ago, dontpannic said:

So now I’m back to needing to replace the steering angle sensor. I assume airbag off, steering wheel off, cowling off then unclip the clock spring from the housing, and replace the clock spring?

I’m seeing slightly different variations of part on eBay, to save myself the effort of having to do the whole lot twice, for a prefacelift Mk3 Tit-X, does anyone have a part number or an idea of which part it would be? If not I guess I know what I’m doing on Sunday…!

I'm doubting myself now, not sure the sensor is actually in the clock spring on these.  I think it may be in the 'bracket' behind, which contains other electronics.  The clock spring would then only contain wiring through to wheel switches, horn and airbag.  Probably best to contact Ford directly and ask on this one.

 

This is the clock spring that I suspect is fitted to your car (cars inc lane keeping aid):

Genuine Ford C-Max Mk2 Focus Kuga Steering Wheel Cover & Contact Plate 1794522 | eBay

 

Though I think the part you need is like this - but not this one as this is for facelift and I can't find the part number for pre-facelift:

Genuine Ford C-Max Mk3 Focus Mk3 Steering Rotation Angle Sensor 2015-20 1943071 | eBay

Thanks Tom

I need to book it in for an MOT and service in a couple of weeks, I'll have a chat with them. I might just have to leave it to the pros and swallow the cost - though I would rather try and repair as cheaply as possible as I'm probably going to put the car up for sale in the new year and spending a fortune on it now will be throwing money away.

Cheers

Nick

Just an update - the car is booked in on the 30th for MOT and Service and they will look at the issue at the same time.

However, having had a bit more of a study of listings of parts, it looks like the second link that Tom sent is actually also the mounting for the indicator and wiper stalks - therefore I've taken a gamble on a stalk squib with clock spring setup from a breaker car (£30 delivered), so will have a go at swapping that out and calibrating the sensor when it arrives. If it works, great, if it doesn't, it's already booked in to be looked at regardless. Then I can start weighing up my long term options!

Seems to be a bit of a grey area with regards to warning lights and MOTs - I've asked that if they can't resolve the SAS and the warning lights will fail the MOT, not to proceed with the MOT (I'd prefer not to have fails on there for things I'm aware of) - but I'm trying to work out what is and isn't a fail - currently the two warnings that come up when I start the car is Deflation Detection system malfunction (and illuminates the flat tyre telltale), and "Hill Start Assist Fault" (and illuminates the traction control light).

From what I gather, failure of ESP is a fail, but failure of Traction Control is an advisory - I'm leaning towards that being an advise as the setting in the menu to disable the system is "Traction ctrl" rather than ESP (though I accept it's a fine line!).

Anyone know enough about the MOT regs to know if those two telltales are a fail or not?

TPMS malfunction warning is a major fault on cars from Jan 2012 onwards.

(h) Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously not working

Major

 

Traction control warning light is a major fault on all cars with ESC fitted, it's the same light.

(e) ESC MIL indicates a system malfunction

Major

*****... lets hope I can get it sorted on the cheap then before the MOT...

So just an update and some closure to the post - the steering angle sensor appears to be within the bracket for the clock spring and indicator/wiper stalks. 
 

£30 from a breaker for a complete squib and stalk assembly, I’ve managed to clear the codes and the live data is reading the sensor correctly and all is functioning as it should (hill start assist, cornering lights, traction control, deflation detection and SAPP). 

On 12/16/2024 at 6:01 PM, dontpannic said:

So just an update and some closure to the post - the steering angle sensor appears to be within the bracket for the clock spring and indicator/wiper stalks. 
 

£30 from a breaker for a complete squib and stalk assembly, I’ve managed to clear the codes and the live data is reading the sensor correctly and all is functioning as it should (hill start assist, cornering lights, traction control, deflation detection and SAPP). 

Hi Dontpannic.

 

Im having the same issue and have replaced the both the bracket and clock spring. did you have to reprogram the bracket or just recal the clock spring.

 

Any help would be greay.

No reprogramming required - when I turned the ignition on I could verify the steering angle via Forscan so I made sure it was centrered / 0 degrees before I put the steering wheel back on.

hi did your electronic steering lock start working again after replacement ? thanks 

On 7/13/2025 at 3:25 PM, denp said:

hi did your electronic steering lock start working again after replacement ? thanks 

Yeah - everything worked as expected after replacing the stalk squib.

thanks for your reply on my car horn doesnt work electronic steering lock doesnt work and the car currently wornt even crank 

And the battery terminal voltage is..... ?

hi it is now 12.9  replaced the battery with a new efb battery yesterday ecu been replaced bcm been replaced wiring checked and all good thanks 

1 hour ago, denp said:

ecu been replaced bcm been replaced

Have used FORScan and run the diagnostics check ?

Why was the ECU ( I assume you are meaning the PCM) and the BCM replaced ?