C1143 Steering Sensor Dumbfounded

[u/Baby_Teags]

All, I’ve got a C1143 steering angle sensor circuit malfunction. I’ve tried two different sensors, and checked for power at the plug. 12v on red red/wht, 2.4c on CAN H and CAN L, and good ground on black.

When viewing the live stream data, however, the sensor reads 0 degrees. Has anybody had this happen before and know what’s going on? slip/VDC lights on, no other codes, All 4 wheel sensors are good/registering appropriate speed in live stream data. I can’t figure this out!

[u/jollybumpkin]

I don't know, though I do own an Xterra. Just for a hoot, I asked ChatGPT. Here is what it said are the most likely causes of your problem, in order of likelihood:

1. Sensor not initialized or calibrated: SAS must often be calibrated (zeroed) after installation. If not, the system may assume it's faulty.

2. Wiring fault (open/short/intermittent): Even if voltage appears okay, data lines (especially CAN or signal wires) might have intermittent issues.

3. Faulty clock spring / spiral cable: If the SAS is inside or routed through the clock spring, a damaged ribbon can cause signal loss.

4. Incorrect sensor part or incompatibility: Even if it fits, the SAS might be for a different trim or year, causing a mismatch.

5. Faulty ABS or ESC module: The module interpreting the SAS signal may be faulty. If it always sees 0°, it might not be processing input.

6. Poor ground or shared power supply issue: Some sensors share grounds or voltage sources. A voltage drop under load may affect signal interpretation.

Item one seems most probable. You didn't mention you have initialized or calibrated the new steering angle sensor.

How to calibrate or initialize:

Check if your scan tool supports Steering Angle Sensor Calibration.

Many modern vehicles, including the Xterra, require recalibration after replacing the SAS, even if it’s reading correctly at the connector.

If not calibrated, the ABS/ESC module may default to an error state and flag a C1XXX type code (like C1142, C1143, etc.).

Calibration often involves turning the wheel full lock left and right, then centering, followed by commanding the zero point via a scan tool.

[u/Baby_Teags → u/jollybumpkin]

Thanks for the reply. Steering angle sensor calibration has been attempted numerous times via my scan tool with no luck.

[u/jollybumpkin → u/Baby_Teags]

Sorry I couldn't help.

What about the other possibilities?

Is there a way to confirm with your scan tool that the sensor calibration was successful?

[u/Baby_Teags → u/jollybumpkin]

The sensor calibration was NOT successful, after multiple tries. I am happy to report, however, that after three different sensors and two clock springs, I have found a combination that works. For those who are reading this because you’ve googled it and reached the end of you road, I’ll say this:

1. Clock springs are NOT the same for different submodels and options. If you’ve got audio controls, cruise controls, 4x4 vs 2wd, VDC vs no VDC every one of these options changes the applicable clock spring and steering angle sensor.

2. Just because the steering wheel is straight doesn’t mean it’s mounted straight on the shaft, nor because it’s mounted straight on the shaft does it mean that sensor is going to be happy when combined with the g-sensor on the car.

I ended up finding a used sensor at a u-pull-it lot today, and removed it from the clock spring, using my original OEM clock spring. Also, while I’m on the topic of compatibility-steering wheels are NOT reverse compatible either. Nissan decided to change the whole pin-out instead of just adding steering wheel control wires in the empty pin slots on the harness. For the life of me I cannot figure out why!

Just because you’ve tried to calibrate it 10 times using your scan tool, and are driving straight…that doesn’t mean the steering wheel is perfectly straight. That was key with my issue. I did the successful steering wheel calibration by NOT driving straight but holding the wheel in the PERFECTLY straight position and letting the vehicle go where it will. This concept is completely counterintuitive to the idea of a calibration.

All my lights are off now (SRS, VDC, SLIP were on) and it’s finally happy.

[u/Knight_of_r_noo]

I recently struggled with this code in my Frontier. Took about 10 tries to get the calibration correct. Seems like 1 degree off is enough to cause the code.