C0626Variable Effort Steering Sensor Circuit Low
- Generic OBD-II code · Chassis
- How the car detects it
- C0626 means the signal of the variable effort steering sensor reads below the lowest level the module accepts. A Kelsey-Hayes patent shows the typical window for such a steering wheel sensor: with a 5 V supply each channel switches between roughly 0.6 V and 4.4 V, and anything under the lower band counts as low. After about 5 ms out of range the module stops trusting the signal, and after roughly 100 ms it latches an open or short fault. A Ford patent lists steering wheel rate and position among the inputs of a speed-dependent effort controller. Typical causes are a signal wire shorted to ground, a lost 5 V feed or a failed output stage. No maker publishes C0626. Unlike C0627, the fault lies on the ground side.
- What you may notice
- Variable assist disabled, steering effort fixed
- Steering warning lamp or message
- Likely causes
- LikelySignal wire chafed through and shorted to ground
- Possible5 V sensor feed missing or pulled down by another fault
- PossibleSensor output stage failed and stuck low
- Repair
- Medium · Usually a job for a workshop.Typical cost: €30 – €450
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.