What Does C1441 Mean?
This code indicates the steering angle sensor Phase A circuit is not generating a detectable signal. The steering angle sensor uses a dual-phase optical or magnetic encoder to precisely track steering wheel position and rotation rate. Phase A is one of two quadrature signals required to determine both the angle and direction of steering input. Without Phase A, the stability control module cannot determine steering wheel position, effectively disabling electronic stability control.
Safety Warning
Loss of steering angle data completely disables electronic stability control and may also disable traction control. The vehicle will not have active stability intervention during oversteer or understeer conditions, significantly increasing rollover and loss-of-control risk.
Common Causes
35%
Faulty steering angle sensor with degraded Phase A encoder element or internal optical/magnetic pickup failure
30%
Damaged clock spring (spiral cable) interrupting the Phase A signal path from the steering column to the body harness
20%
Open circuit in the Phase A signal wire between the steering angle sensor and the ABS/stability control module
15%
ABS/stability control module internal fault on the Phase A input circuit
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Access the steering angle sensor, typically located at the top of the steering column behind the steering wheel or integrated into the clock spring assembly. Inspect the connector for proper seating, bent pins, or corrosion.
2
Step 2: With ignition on, slowly rotate the steering wheel lock-to-lock while monitoring the Phase A signal with an oscilloscope. You should see a clean square wave signal. An absent or distorted waveform confirms a Phase A circuit fault.
3
Step 3: If Phase A is absent but Phase B (C1442) is present, isolate the fault to the Phase A signal wire. Perform continuity testing from the sensor connector to the ABS module connector on the Phase A circuit.
4
Step 4: Inspect the clock spring ribbon cable by carefully removing the steering wheel (after disabling the airbag system per manufacturer procedures). Look for torn, twisted, or cracked ribbon cable traces.
5
Step 5: After replacing the steering angle sensor or clock spring, perform a steering angle sensor calibration/zero-point learning procedure using the manufacturer scan tool. Drive the vehicle in a straight line to confirm the calibration is accepted.
Estimated Repair Cost
$250 - $900
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates the steering angle sensor Phase A circuit is not generating a detectable signal. The steering angle sensor uses a dual-phase optical or magnetic encoder to precisely track steering wheel position and rotation rate. Phase A is one of two quadrature signals required to determine bo...
The most common cause of C1441 (Steering Phase A Circuit Signal Is Not Sensed) is: Faulty steering angle sensor with degraded Phase A encoder element or internal optical/magnetic pickup failure
Typical repair costs for C1441 range from $250 to $900, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Loss of steering angle data completely disables electronic stability control and may also disable traction control. The vehicle will not have active stability intervention during oversteer or understeer conditions, significantly increasing rollover and loss-of-control risk.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to C1441 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Chassis
System
Electronic Stability Control / Steering
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
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