What does it mean?
C1261 is a Chassis (ABS, traction control, steering) fault code. It indicates: Steering Angle Sensor Not Calibrated .
Symptoms
- Stability and traction lamps come on shortly after starting or after driving a short distance
- ESP and traction functions inhibited while normal braking is unaffected
- Steering angle reads several degrees off zero with the wheels pointing straight ahead
- Steering wheel may sit off centre while the car tracks straight
- The code comes straight back after clearing until calibration is completed
Likely causes
- Steering angle sensor zero point never learned after a battery disconnection or a module reset
- Steering rack, column, clockspring or sensor renewed without running the calibration routine
- Wheel alignment carried out without resetting the sensor afterwards
- Calibration attempt aborted because the conditions were not met, such as the wheels not being straight or the vehicle moving
- Low system voltage during programming so the learned value was not stored
- Sensor unable to hold a stored value because of an internal fault
- Steering geometry so far out that the sensor cannot find a valid centre
How to fix it
- Check tyre condition, pressures and wheel alignment first; a car that is not tracking straight will not hold a valid zero
- Park on level ground with the wheels straight and the vehicle stationary before starting the routine
- Run the manufacturer calibration procedure with a scan tool that supports the function
- Keep battery voltage stable throughout the procedure
- Complete any required drive-cycle relearn, which usually means straight-line driving above a set speed
- Verify sensor supply, ground and signal circuits if the calibration will not complete
- Replace the sensor if it accepts the routine but does not retain the learned zero