Steering Angle Sensor ~ Air Bag Clockspring

[TimothyJ]

The dreaded "anti skid" and ABS warning light is on daily now.
My S60 has 315000 kms on it now and I need to deal with this before winter. Obviously.
I got a replacement part from a 2005 S60 with 140000 kms on it and thought that the odds were good that the part was ok.
I did the swap following FCP video and all went smoothly... only about an hour more than they took. LOL
It's never THAT easy.
Anyway... I followed up with the recommended code reset and "recalibration" at a local Euro car specialist.
The warning light went away for a few days then started cropping up again and now is basically full time.
Note. When I replaced the steering wheel I missed my mark by one spline and so my straight line steering has
the steering wheel slightly into a right hand turn. Slightly.
The rest of the switch out went pretty well.

Just want any opinion from someone who has replaced theirs if they had any issues after?
Would the fact that my steering wheel is slightly off create a continuation of the warning light?
Would a do-over and re-alignment (steering wheel) fix this issue?
Is there another possible issue as to why I'm getting this message? Should I be searching for other codes?
Or should I just bite the bullet and get a new part? Which is ok... but just want to see if there are alternatives or other,
more successful experiences
Thanks to all who help.
Jake

[scot850]

You really need to get the actual codes that are being thrown. It could be anything in the AWD system including the Haldex system not working.

Neil.

[TimothyJ]

Ok.... the "fix" was about 1000 kms ago as I just came back from a road trip (fishing).
I will check codes today and see what shows up.
The last time on my code reader I got nothing to do with ABS, Halex etc. one code with downstream sensor.
Thanks

[erikv11]

...
Just want any opinion from someone who has replaced theirs if they had any issues after?
Would the fact that my steering wheel is slightly off create a continuation of the warning light?
Would a do-over and re-alignment (steering wheel) fix this issue?
Is there another possible issue as to why I'm getting this message? Should I be searching for other codes?
Or should I just bite the bullet and get a new part? Which is ok... but just want to see if there are alternatives or other,
more successful experiences
Thanks to all who help.
Jake

In my case the warning light was indeed due to the steering sensor, although there can be many causes. Happened on two cars so far. A third car the SAS (Steering Angle Sensor) was already replaced before we bought the car used.

After the swaps no issues. I did put in new Volvo parts on both cars, not used ones. Bought a used one for one of them but bought the wrong one! Decided to just bite the bullet.

Never performed any recalibration, just swap-n-go. Watch the FCP video about how to do the job, I know I used that both times.

Steering wheel off one spline shouldn't matter but in theory it could throw the code, yes.

Some things that can trigger the message, arranged in (I think!) order of prevalence:
- SAS failure
- failed AWD components; most commonly haled oil pump or DEM failure, less common angle gear or driveshaft
- dirty or broken tone rings or ABS sensors
- failed yaw rate sensor; does fit ever get wet under the passenger side carpet?
- bad front wheel alignment (if wheel isn't in the center when the car is going straight, the SAS and yaw sensors give conflicting data).

You need VIDA to read the relevant codes. If you don't have codes indicating AWD is out, SAS is most likely, then yaw. Hopefully you have a yaw code if it's that sensor.

There are experienced people on this forum who have posted "it's too much money to fix so I just live without ABS" but that's not for me.

[cn90]

I have ignored this Anti-Skid msg in different Volvos now for 10 yrs.

If you search different forums, you will see why.
The ROI (return of investment: money, time/frustration) is not in your favor.

[TimothyJ]

Thanks Erikv11 for your suggestions.
I will get the VIDA codes again as I have travelled a fair amount since they were cleared.
So to be sure... if there are NO codes indicating AWD failure then SAS is probably the culprit.
That's a pretty big hint.
Re: your list...
Have codes re-read on VIDA. Note any codes.
As I have done the replacement... I will redo and adjust so there is a correct spline alignment.
I recently replaced the oil in the Haldex system... not a happy job because of incredibly difficult access but used a hose and syringe to get most of it out and fresh in. Was getting occasional Anti Skid before that.
Passenger side remains dry so hopefully not Yaw.... as for others... well ...
I'll see what the codes are and start with the above.
Thanks for your input... greatly appreciated.
I will report in soon.

[TimothyJ]

Thanks cn90 also.
I think that this is worth pursuing to a certain extent.... but I get what you're saying.
Proper ABS function is sort of important around here as we get into pretty nasty weather.
I will proceed cautiously.

[cn90]

Actually Anti-Skid feature is mostly reducing gas pedal input when the system senses a yaw movement.

It basically controls driver behavior.

So, if you drive conservatively when it is wet/snowing, you are fine. This is what ppl should do anyway no matter what car they drive.

For those with intact system, wait for winter snow, go to a quiet street and create a little yaw, you will see how it works.

[TimothyJ]

Hello All,
Sorry for the delay but I had to get the codes read by an Euro Auto service with a VIDA and lo and behold... nothing about the clock spring but in the category of ABS?BCM module I got "Wheel sensor, left front mechanical error."
There were a couple other faults in my ECM (6140 & 611B) Camshaft sensor) but that's another day. Anyway... guess I should have asked you guys before putting in a steering angle sensor and looked for alternate causes. (I fell into the trap of just believing what many said was the "most likely"... learned a lesson... I hope. I will replace the wheel sensor (should I do both front sensors?) and see if that makes the fault light disappear. I will follow up. Any other suggestions while I'm at it? Thanks to all who have participated in this discussion.

[TimothyJ]

I think that I will realign my steering wheel also... just to be sure. Thanks.