C061EVariable Effort Steering Actuator Control Circuit High
- Generic OBD-II code · Chassis
- Can trigger limp mode
- How the car detects it
- C061E means an actuator line reads above what the controller expects, typically a lead shorted to battery voltage or a driver stage stuck on. Delphi describes Magnasteer as electronically modulating the magnetic torsional rate, with coil polarity deciding whether effort rises or falls; a line stuck high can therefore hold the actuator in one direction or stop the bridge from regulating. Ford's older variable-assist valve shows the other pattern: no current means a wide open valve and full assist, while 550 mA at 80 mph closes it. A bridge IC like the DRV8873-Q1 recognises a short to the supply and turns off. No maker documents C061E. The driver feels steering effort that no longer tracks speed.
- What you may notice
- Unusually heavy or unusually light steering that does not change with speed
- Steering warning message on some vehicles
- Likely causes
- LikelyActuator lead shorted to a battery-fed wire
- PossibleOutput transistor in the module stuck on
- RareWrong pinning after a steering gear swap
- Repair
- Hard · Usually a job for a workshop.Typical cost: €30 – €1,500
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.