PhilsFRC

Posted this on an accompanying thread on replacing the entire column:
I have a similar knack, having bought the first Corvette I've owned in 33 years (99 FRC) last year. That being said, my take on it is that the steering positioning sensor is a dumb rheostat where straight ahead is zero resistance and the resistance increases or varies the further left or right you turn the wheel. All of them have three connectors which leads me to believe there is a signal in and a varying left and right signal out to other electronics. If the lower steering column is different in the three groups of cars (97-98, 99-00, 01 on) then your idea MAY work (a component fitment issue). If the columns are the same, then the electrical signal feeding other components is probably different, scuttling your idea. This is an educated guess. One solution IMHO would be obtain working sensors of each model grouping, and test them electrically with a VOM to find the output values. Good job for an EE out there, which I am not. My $.02.

Ironman433

I was told once to watch my pennys and the dollars would take care of themselves!! So any input is worth my time... Admittedly - I am "NOT" a mechanic by any real sense of the word and then if you take that to the next level with auto electronics like you're talking...

I can't even use a voltage meter with any consistancy to check battery drain issues - which I was having when I first got my '99!!

I should have known though, that the easy, no-brainer fix that would also solve the availability of these discontinued sensors issue simply by upgrading the column to a newer year would be too obvious and therefore too easy also!! Dammit!

But as I was looking thru eBay, every ad claimed that 1997 thru 2004 steering columns were all compatable to use as a replacement and it stands to reason that the X2J 10336584 Column would take the appropriate sensor to fit as would the MLH 26070626 Column so...??

There's got to be a way to keep from having to crush this car for scrap over this ****ing sensor I'd hope to God!!

Jnape

I guess that driving without A/H could bother some. Hell abs and A/H are useful at times. Hardly worth scrapingthe car for me

rodsvet

I drive my vette most of the time with all that $hit turned off. The active handling is dangerous as far as I'm concerned. It will shut your motor down right when you need the power. 90% of the cars I've ever owned didn't have ABS so it doesn't scare me to drive the car without it. It's a false sense of safety if you ask me. Just learn to drive the car. Just my worthless .02. Rod

SIMM1

Hello everyone,
I'd like to give an update on my "position sensor" ordeal. I have located and got one from Dino's Salvage in Mississippi. It's used, obviously, and I paid $200. I know what everyone's thinking, like how long will it last. I really had no choice in the matter but just to try it. The part brand new cost around $350. I have 30 days to put it in to keep with Dino's replacement policy. I'm taking it to my local Chevy dealer. they estimated the job to be around $400. So, we'll see how it all flies. I hope to silence my warning light once and for all. I want to thank everyone for their help and input. (especially you LoneStar!)
I'll let you know how it turns out.

And oh by the way, She did pass inspection (whew).

fendermender

Last night I was coming home and I have to make a left off the main road onto our street. Driving my L300 Saturn. There was a long line of cars coming and a guy flashed his lights to go ahead. Wanting to get out of the way quickly I floored it. Tires squealed a bit and the dang computer shut the engine down. Was rather irritating at the least.

Ironman433

Actually I drive the car every day and I'm just in the habit of: buckle up (so I don't have to hear that bell), start the car, turn off A/H, Reset (clear TPMS warning), Reset (clear A/H warning)... And then it's business as usual.

I had talked to one guy in here once who said that Active Handling almost slammed him into a wall once when it engaged on it's own for no apparant reason... I could see that happening by the way it does me when I go to take a corner and it engages because it feels me start to turn and put on the brake so it assists me at that time! Gee! Thanks!! I work out of town about 50 miles so I usually turn on my Escort Passport, set the cruise control at about 100 and jet on home... I'd hate to play LAWN DART with the center K rail one day thanks to A/H!!

I was just hoping that one of these days I could just get in, start the car and go without all of the warnings and stuff... WAKE UP!! Boy... You're dreaming again... <sigh> LOL

I talked with the service manager at the Chevy dealer yesterday who said he would research the compatability of swapping out the entire steering column - according to most of the auto parts stores on eBay all years from '97 to '04 are interchangeable... So why are there THREE models of this sensor then? If they are interchangable, it seems to me the smartest fix would also be the cheapest fix and that's to put in a column that you can still buy this freakin' sensor for. I see complete columns with steering wheels, turn signals and cruise controls in tilt and telescoping columns for $250-300 which is less than this sensor is if you can find one... And they all had the sensor attached plus a new one is under $50 at Auto Zone!



If that's an option, I think that's what I'm going to do instead of taking a chance with installing the used one I got on eBay for $361... Then if the sensor takes a crap - $50 and I'm good again!

Ricbear

I had mine replaced on my 2000. What I saw was the diameter of the center of the sensor was the same size as the '01' sensor.

The way the connector and possibly the pin setting was different. Didn't have an '01' to compare the wiring with and connector with. The connection is straight on the newer one and turned 90 degrees on the '00'.

The trick might be more of changing the connectors out with the correct pin configuration. just my 2 cents.

AVB

Mine started happening after I did suspension work, re-lubing poly bushings

I think my steering was disconnected for some reason so I'm going to try this and spin it 360.

thanks and will let you know

SIMM1

It's funny you mentioned your steering diconnected. My position sensor went out when I got my balancer pulley changed. I also had to have my steering disconnected. I took it back to where it was done and he went throught it with a fine tooth comb. I watched him. I then took it to the dealer and they went through it. That's when I found out I needed the sensor. This was two summers ago. Anyway, I have to change the sensor to see what it does. Hopefully it will fix the problem.

2fas2c

THIS...
To me it would appear C5 columns are the same 97-04 so we can then assume the resistance values for each sensor is different, in which case the column swap wouldn't work. For example a guy in a 97 C5 makes a 90 degree turn, the 97-98 sensor sees 18 ohms. A guy in a 99 C5 makes a 90 degree turn, the 99-00 sensor sees 26 ohms. Just a theory but if the columns are the same and the sensors are different I would assume that is how it is, at the same time I could be completely wrong .

azmusclecar

I asked what is the last resort and was told, pull the fuse for the EBCM and drive it like you did cars that didn't have the active handling, you know........old school....you know....common sense, uh-oh...............did I lose some folks there?????????

fendermender

Or it could simply be a change in the connectors. GM loves to do that. I was fixing an 07 Grand Prix and had an 04 parts car. Figured I had all the parts I needed...not! Engine harnesses had different connectors. Seat belt buckles different in the way they bolted to the seats and connectors different. Things get changed for no apparent reason. I suppose it keeps engineers jobs intact.

fendermender

My brother had a 99 Olds Intrigue he bought new. He insisted he have the active handling option or whatever Olds called it. I remember it being a PITA from the get go. Was back to the dealer with it cause the light kept coming on and off. I guess they fixed it cause it was OK till last year. All these years later it started acting up again and was diagnosed as the EBCM. Fixed it with a used one and traded the car. His wife was scared to drive it with the light on.

I also have to wonder about something in reading these threads. Suppose GM decided to tool up a plant in Mexico and make a run of these parts. Lets say the EBCM was $3500.00 and a SWPS $1500.00. So they would be available at a price. Wonder how many would pay that for these parts and how many would decide they could live without??? Just wondering??

PhilsFRC

The above idea of a plug or wiring harness change IS another alternative IMHO. I really believe the secret to this is comparing the electrical values of each generation of sensor. If they are the same, then it is just a fitment issue. Paging an EE---Bueller. Bueller?

2fas2c

I totally agree with you there, I'm not a fan of active handling either but some prefer it I suppose.

2fas2c

again...THIS... I agree 100%

2fas2c

come to think of it i have one I can try, I think it is from a 99'

Ironman433

Common sense... Common sense... Common... OH!! YOU MEAN LIKE HITTING THE LITTLE "ACTIVE HANDLING" BUTTON ON MY F#CKING CONSOLE EVERY TIME I GET IN MY CAR UNTIL THEY SHOVEL DIRT ON TOP OF ME?! That kind of "COMMON SENSE"?! Or is there something else that I'm just not getting... Besides the correct piece of plastic ******** to repair my $40K car?! That is...?? Maybe I'm just a strange duck, but when I get into my nice car that I go to great lengths to take care of so that it stays that way... I like it when EVERY ****ING THING IN IT GOD DAMN WORKS!! From the cigarette lighter that I will never use to the stupid vanity mirrors that only my wife uses...

I rekkin the nexx time ma shock zorber breaks I orn't ta git me summa that thar BAILIN' WARRR and puts me a hitch on ma giddy up fer it'll holt until plow season... Doncha rekkin...??

This isn't stopping me from getting from A to B and back to A again, by any means!! I get right on in and proceed to drive like I just stole the sum bitch... That ain't the point here at all...

This would also be a whole lot less aggravating if EVERYONE WHO OWNED A 2000 AND OLDER CORVETTE WAS JUST **** OUTTA LUCK... But when a 1998 owner can grab a new sensor from the candy rack while reading the National Enquierer in check out down at the Wal-Mart Super Store on sale in a two pack fer $19.95... While I scouwer the entire freakin PLANET for a $400 USED ONE!!

XXXLTRP

I have a '99, do you know the fuse # by chance?, if not I'll look it up. I have the ABS/ active handling failure though the ECBM that is not available any longer. My codes don't indicated an issue with the SWPS..but if I pull the fuse for the ECBM..can I stop going though the process of re-setting the ABS and Active handling? I'm not losing anything based on what I've read...but to get away from the re-setting process would be nice.


Or....http://www.factoryfive.com/kits/gtm-supercar/