Steering angle sensor diagnostics 1998 E320 W210 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chiwanga · #1 11-08-2012, 10:11 PM

This car is throwing a code for the steering angle sensor. The sensor was replaced less than one year ago, with a new oem sensor. Is there any way to verify that the sensor is in fact the problem? They are over $400, so I really dont want to just guess. I am further worried, becuase I read a service bulletin from Mercedes saying that many times the code for steering angle sensor is not fixed by replacing the actual sensor.

Gilly · #2 11-09-2012, 04:55 AM

Not sure if this would help, but how about disconnecting the battery and reinitializing it? I think I'd try that if it were mine. Other than that I think if you could get access to a good enough scanner you could see if it's working by looking at the actual values in ESP.

RichardM98 · #3 11-09-2012, 09:03 AM

You can also try 'resetting' the sensor by turning the steering wheel 'lock to lock' (full left, then full right, then left) two or three times. It sometimes forgets where it is.

Whenever someone has unexplained sensor errors I first think of the battery. A slightly low battery ( < 12v) can often cause electrical 'gremlins' in a W210. Anything less than a top of the line battery less than 4 years old is suspicious. FYI - the battery needs to be load tested while out of the car's circuit.

Hope that helps some.

Gilly · #4 11-09-2012, 03:19 PM

Richard, but I think you need to disconnect the battery first, I don't think it will initialize if it has already been done.

RichardM98 · #5 11-09-2012, 04:47 PM

My experience has been that if you take off the steering wheel (and disconnect the sensor) or lose sync on the windows/sunroof, the angle sensor can be reset by just turning the wheel lock to lock once the power has been restored. But I'd agree there's no harm in a ECU 'reboot' which might help.