And on to the next issue.... ABS is temporarily disabled and Autologic returned a fault of 'steering plausibility'. Some quick googling and I can see that's not an uncommon issue and many reports of needing to change the sensor, which I'm pretty sure I can do myself. However, before I launch into that, the vehicle has that thing where it drives straight and true, doesn't drift (well....once I've sorted out the back end stabiliser bars and bushes it shouldn't!) BUT at somepoint back in time it's clearly had some steering work done and not reset properly because when driving in a straight line the steering wheel is at a 30-40deg angle. I was always going to get that looked at professionally (sadly I doubt I'll be able to do that myself without a ramp?) so should I do that first or carry on with ABS investigations? The trouble is that with an ABS fault it's not going to pass MOT to take it to get the steering looked at!

If the steering wheel is that far out it may think the car is turning so the ABS is expecting more pulses from one wheel and less from the other side. Do you have the touch screen display?

Have a look at the 4x4i screen, are the wheels showing straight ahead on there when they are physically? If not, it's a steering angle sensor issue. You can turn each tie rod an equal amount to move the angle of the wheel to bring it back into a plausible reading, even if the toe angle isn't perfect, it'll clear the ABS fault until you can get it looked at- don't leave it too long as you may well scrub the tyres...

This is a 2004 without the fancy display! If I can figure out a safe way to get the front end high enough to get underneath (as I guess the engine needs to be running to get the PAS pump active?) then I'll take a look, else I think a friendly backhander to a workshop may beckon... Come to think of it, there's a minor exaust blow to look at as well anyway so a session on a proper ramp is in order regardless.

Rockingit said:

This is a 2004 without the fancy display! If I can figure out a safe way to get the front end high enough to get underneath (as I guess the engine needs to be running to get the PAS pump active?) then I'll take a look, else I think a friendly backhander to a workshop may beckon... Come to think of it, there's a minor exaust blow to look at as well anyway so a session on a proper ramp is in order regardless.

Click to expand...

With the wheels off the ground, its easy enough to turn the steering without the engine running.

Can you see the steering angle on your diagnostics?

I would think front tracking is out if it is the steering angle sensor gets very upset and stops eas abs working so I would look at tracking before going any further (been there done that)

Had it on a mates D3, turn wheel one way it was fine, turn it the other way and ping, just needed a recalibration of steering angle sensor.

backinblack said:

Had it on a mates D3, turn wheel one way it was fine, turn it the other way and ping, just needed a recalibration of steering angle sensor.

Click to expand...

Didn't know about sas thing when got the first l322 until I changed the steering column went to turn out the street and abs kicked in!

Does anyone happen to have any decent drawings or info on steering sensors? 2003 4.4p

This what you're after ?




Steering Angle Sensor
1 Steering angle sensor
The Steering angle sensor is mounted at the bottom of the steering spindle at the base of the upper steering column
assembly.
The sensor is equipped with a processor and is directly linked to the CAN bus to communicate with the ABS ECU.
The sensor utilizes two potentiometers to determine the steering angle and the rate of steering. These are the raw
signals the steering angle microprocessor utilizes to create the steering angle signal for broadcast on the CAN bus.
The sensor requires calibration after repairs to the steering or suspension system. Once the calibration is completed
the sensor now also sends an identification number over the CAN bus to the ABS ECU. The ID provides confirmation
in the ABS ECU that the steering angle sensor is properly calibrated.
If the ID differs due to component replacement it will be necessary to enter the diagnostic system of the ABS system
to initiate the steering angle sensor calibration. DSC will not be available on the vehicle until the steering angle sensor
is calibrated. Once complete a new ID number is generated and the DSC ECU and Steering angle sensor are properly
mated.
The DSC logic checks the plausibility of the steering angle sensor against the other DSC inputs (front wheel speeds,
rotation and DSC sensor). If battery voltage is interrupted, the current steering wheel rotation is recalculated by the
ABS ECU evaluating the wheel speeds.
Replacement steering angle sensors must be coded when installed in the vehicle prior to the calibration procedure in
order to add the VIN to the angle sensor. Re-calibration is carried out by turning the steering lock to lock with the
engine running while stationary.

Perfect - thanks.