Service Stability System

[goldwing1989]

For the past little while I keep getting a Service Stability System code on the DIC usually when I first start to drive the car, when I try and pull the codes there are only History ones and none to do with this. How for the strange part on a recent trip to Alabama it never happened but as soon as I got home to colder temps it has started again. One of the first times it happened I contacted OnStar and then ran a check and they too did not find any codes.
Any Idea of what is going on?
Mike

[Cad tech]

run the codes as soon as the message appears, then post the codes...

[goldwing1989]

I have tried that but there are no codes other than the four history codes that where on the vehicle when I bought it. It clears right away with reset or restarting the car.
Mike

[goldwing1989]

Went for ride Service Stability System code came up ran codes and there where some news ones just to make me look bad after saying there was no new ones.
Old codes
ABS C1288
MSM B1850
MSM U1000
TTM U1000
new codes
ABS C1287 steering sensor rate malfunction
RIM U1000 class 2 communication malfunction
DDM U1301 class 2 short to battery
So what do you guys think
MIke

[thu]

I just had that message pop up on my 03 STS last month. Last week, the dealer replaced the Yaw sensor. Problem went away. I didn't take the opportunity to pull the codes when it happened.

[Cad tech]

I need year and model....But you need a steering wheel position sensor.....with the codes and complaint it is accurate diag..

[goldwing1989]

I pulled the codes when driving and did not look to see if they where current or history ones. Took car for another spin but would not set codes again (they all show as history), will have to wait to tomorrow when the car is cold from sitting over night.
I believe it is the ABS C1287 one but can not figure why it only happens at when it is cold out.
Mike

[goldwing1989]

Sorry forgot that detail......2002 STS

Mike

[Cad tech]

The EBTCM learns the steering wheel center position in every drive cycle. Once established, the steering wheel center position should remain fairly constant.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
All of the following conditions occur:

The ignition is ON.
The steer rate (speed that the steering wheel appears to be turning) exceeds the limits set by the EBTCM.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
A malfunction DTC is stored.
Stabilitrak® is disabled.
The DIC displays the SERVICE STABILITY SYS message.
The ABS/TCS remain functional.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
The condition for DTC is no longer present and you used scan tool Clear DTCs function.
The condition for DTC is no longer present and you used the On-Board Clear DTCs function.
The EBTCM does not detect the DTC in 50 drive cycles.
Diagnostic Aids
Check the vehicle for proper alignment. The car should not pull in either direction while driving straight on a flat surface.
Find out from the driver under what conditions the DTC was set (when the DIC displayed the SERVICE STABILITY SYS message). This information will help to duplicate the failure.
Thoroughly inspect the wiring and the connectors. An incomplete inspection of the wiring and the connectors may result in a misdiagnosis, causing a part replacement with the reappearance of the malfunction.
Poor connections, broken insulation, or a break in the wire inside the insulation may cause an intermittent malfunction.
If an intermittent malfunction exists, refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.
The Snapshot function on the scan tool can help find an intermittent DTC.

[goldwing1989]

Thanks for the good information on the posible cause of the code. I wish my memory was better so I could say for sure when I had the in car air filter changed and when this code started to show up. Will check all conections under there myself and hope that that is what the problem is.
Mike

[CadillacSTS2003]

dude
its an easy fix
not a cheap part though
its like 160 bucks i just replaced my dads...

[Ur7x]

Small world, my 02 issues this same code. C1287.

On my car it issues this code if I'm stopped with the wheel at a very specific position. Just ever so slightly off centre "Left"

Any other position and I can avoid the C1287 for weeks... On the other hand, it is so specific, I can trigger the code, if I'm trying; about once every 4 or 5 stops.

A very smart Caddy tech is certain that I need a new Steering Position Sensor. I have the part and will install it when things warm up a bit.

Try to take note of where the wheel is when it issues this code... see if its consistent...

The sensor is about $80 bucks at the dealer, about $60 on line.

Any competent mechanic can install it in about 1 hour.

[goldwing1989]

Thanks I will try and see wheel position when it happens. I just do not get why it only happens once when car is cold then not again, usually next day when I first drive it.
Also I was reading the thread on steering wheel kick and at 75km mine has a very small one, only when turning not when braking. I printed that thread and thinking of having it check at a Caddy dealer.
Mike

[turbojimmy]

The steering wheel position sensor is a very common failure item. When I had it replaced on my car one of the techs told me that despite the fact that the manual calls for removing the steering column (lots of labor) that there is a way to do it without pulling the column. Since the sensor is a ring that goes around the column I'm not sure how that's possible, but that's what I was told.

Jim

[Ur7x]

Originally Posted by goldwing1989

Thanks I will try and see wheel position when it happens. I just do not get why it only happens once when car is cold then not again, usually next day when I first drive it.
Mike

Oh, that is an easy question... Once the computer issues the code and the "Service" message, it turns off the Stabilitrak System and basically stops looking for errors. This happens until the next time you start the car.

Try a hot start and see if you can get the code with a hot motor... I'm betting you can.