Steering angle sensor

I read with interest the Electronic Diagnostics article on the Porsche Boxster in the Nov 2017 issue, in particular the reference to recalibration of the steering angle sensor should the battery go flat or be removed. I have a 2000 2.7 model with a flat battery, but this is the first I’ve heard of this issue, as it’s not mentioned in the handbook and I’ve not noticed anything untoward in the steering or any other vehicle system after replacing the battery. Can you tell me what might be the consequence of not carrying out the reset? Can you recommend a suitable diagnostic tool to carry out this procedure? Richard Carr

From the data I have, the need to reset the steering angle sensor only applies to vehicles from 2005 onwards. If the sensor does need recalibrating, it should bring up a fault and the PSM indicator light in the instrument cluster will illuminate.

There is a method to recalibrate the sensor given in the Porsche manual, which is as follows: 1) The steering angle sensor can be reinitialised after the battery has been disconnected by turning the wheels to the straight-ahead position. 2) Switch the ignition off and on again

twice, then start the engine. 3) From the straight-ahead position, turn the steering wheel approximately 20° to the right, past the straightahead position. 4) Drive the vehicle straight ahead for at least one second at a speed above 2.5mph. 5) The steering angle sensor segment should be recognised again during this process. Once the sensor has been successfully initialised, the fault code stored in the fault memory is documented using the fault deletion counter, and the fault memory erases itself automatically. The PSM indicator light in the instrument cluster will go out.

The steering angle sensor feeds information to the traction control system. If this is not correctly calibrated it can cause the ESP to provide steering input or adjustments at the wrong time. This will give the steering a loose feel and can be detrimental to the handling of the vehicle.