AutoCodes – Cadillac – C1287 Cadillac

C1287 Cadillac Code - Steering Sensor Rate 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: C1287 Cadillac indicates Steering Sensor Rate 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 5,119

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 02, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code C1287 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 C1287 Cadillac - Steering Sensor Rate Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — C1287 Cadillac Code - Steering Sensor Rate Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC C1287 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 C1287 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 C1287 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 C1287 Cadillac code?

Need more information on how to fix the C1287 Cadillac code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the C1287 Cadillac code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 C1287 Cadillac Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code C1287 in a Cadillac related to Steering Sensor Rate Malfunction?

The common symptoms include the ABS warning light being illuminated on the dashboard, stability control issues, and potentially difficulty steering the vehicle.

2. What are the possible causes of the Steering Sensor Rate Malfunction OBDII code C1287 in a Cadillac?

Potential causes may include a faulty steering position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the steering system, or a malfunctioning electronic control unit (ECU).

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code C1287 related to Steering Sensor Rate Malfunction in my Cadillac?

Diagnosis typically involves using a professional OBDII scanner to read the trouble code, checking the system for any visible damage or loose connections, and conducting a thorough inspection of the steering components.

4. Is it safe to continue driving my Cadillac with the C1287 code indicating a Steering Sensor Rate Malfunction?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code present, as it can affect the stability control system and potentially compromise the steering functionality, leading to safety risks.

5. How can I repair the Steering Sensor Rate Malfunction issue causing the OBDII code C1287 in my Cadillac?

Repair options may include replacing the faulty steering position sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, and resetting the ECU to clear the trouble code.

6. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the Steering Sensor Rate Malfunction problem causing the OBDII code C1287 in a Cadillac?

While some basic troubleshooting steps can be performed by a skilled DIY individual, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair to ensure the issue is resolved correctly.

7. Are there any preventive maintenance tips to avoid encountering the Steering Sensor Rate Malfunction OBDII code C1287 in a Cadillac?

Regularly inspecting the steering system for any signs of wear or damage, addressing any warning lights promptly, and following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule can help prevent such issues.

8. Will resetting the trouble code associated with the Steering Sensor Rate Malfunction OBDII code C1287 in my Cadillac solve the problem?

Resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but if the underlying issue causing the malfunction is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear once the system detects the problem again.

9. How long does it typically take to repair the Steering Sensor Rate Malfunction issue triggering the OBDII code C1287 in a Cadillac?

The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the malfunction, but it may take a few hours to a full day for a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem correctly.

10. Is it necessary to visit a Cadillac dealership for repairs related to the Steering Sensor Rate Malfunction OBDII code C1287, or can an independent repair shop handle the issue?

An independent repair shop with experience working on Cadillac vehicles should be able to diagnose and repair the Steering Sensor Rate Malfunction problem without the need to visit a dealership, potentially offering cost savings.