AutoCodes – Cadillac – C1288 Cadillac

C1288 Cadillac Code - Steering Sensor Circuit Malfunction

Quick Answer

The Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES) is activated by the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) calculating the desired yaw rate and comparing it to the actual yaw rate input. Common causes include Faulty Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS), Faulty Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM), Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS) harness is open or shorted. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
C1288 Cadillac indicates Steering Sensor Circuit Malfunction.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS), Faulty Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM), Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS) harness is open or shorted.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
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Code Popularity 3,381
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 03, 2020
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Code C1288 Cadillac Description

The Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES) is activated by the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) calculating the desired yaw rate and comparing it to the actual yaw rate input. The desired yaw rate is calculated from measured steering wheel position, vehicle speed, and lateral acceleration. The difference between the desired yaw rate and actual yaw rate is the yaw rate error, which is a measurement of oversteer or understeer. If the yaw rate error becomes too large, the EBCM will attempt to correct the vehicle's yaw motion by applying differential braking to the left or right front wheel.
The amount of differential braking applied to the left or right front wheel is based on both the yaw rate error and side slip rate error. The side slip rate error is a function of the lateral acceleration minus the product of the yaw rate and vehicle speed. The yaw rate error and side slip rate error are combined to produce the total delta velocity error. When the delta velocity error becomes too large and the VSES system activates, the drivers steering inputs combined with the differential braking will attempt to bring the delta velocity error toward zero.
The VSES activations generally occur during aggressive driving, in the turns or bumpy roads without much use of the accelerator pedal. When braking during VSES activation, the brake pedal will feel different than the ABS pedal pulsation. The brake pedal pulsates at a higher frequency during VSES activation.
OBDII Code C1288 Cadillac - Steering Sensor Circuit Malfunction - AutoCodes.com
C1288 Cadillac Code - Steering Sensor Circuit Malfunction

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC C1288 Cadillac?

  • Faulty Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS)
  • Faulty Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM)
  • Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS) harness is open or shorted
  • Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS) circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC C1288 Cadillac?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the C1288 Cadillac code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the C1288 Cadillac code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about C1288 Cadillac Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code C1288 Cadillac (Steering Sensor Circuit Malfunction)?

- Common symptoms may include the ABS warning light or traction control light illuminating on the dashboard, difficulty steering, or a loss of power steering assistance.

2. What can cause the OBDII code C1288 in a Cadillac vehicle?

- The code C1288 is typically triggered by a malfunction in the steering sensor circuit, which can be caused by damaged wiring, a faulty steering sensor, or a problem with the electronic control unit (ECU).

3. How serious is the OBDII code C1288 (Steering Sensor Circuit Malfunction) in a Cadillac?

- This code can affect the vehicle's stability control system and power steering assistance, so it is important to address it promptly to ensure safe driving conditions.

4. How can I diagnose the OBDII code C1288 in my Cadillac?

- Diagnosis usually involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the trouble codes, checking the wiring and connections related to the steering sensor, and testing the sensor itself for proper functionality.

5. Can I continue driving my Cadillac with the C1288 code present?

- It is not recommended to continue driving the vehicle with the C1288 code present, as it can affect the steering performance and overall safety of the vehicle.

6. What are some repair tips for fixing the OBDII code C1288 in a Cadillac?

- Repair tips may include checking and repairing any damaged wiring, replacing the faulty steering sensor, or reprogramming the electronic control unit (ECU) if necessary.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code C1288 in a Cadillac?

- The cost of repairs can vary depending on the underlying cause of the issue, but it may range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, including parts and labor.

8. Can the OBDII code C1288 be reset without fixing the underlying issue?

- While the code can be cleared using a diagnostic scanner, it is important to address the root cause of the problem to prevent the code from reoccurring and ensure the safety of the vehicle.

9. Is the OBDII code C1288 specific to Cadillac vehicles only?

- While the specific code may vary by manufacturer, the issue of a steering sensor circuit malfunction can occur in vehicles from other brands as well.

10. How can I prevent the OBDII code C1288 from appearing in my Cadillac in the future?

- Regular maintenance, including checking the steering system components and wiring, can help prevent issues that may trigger the C1288 trouble code.

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