C061C code meaning
Variable Effort Steering Actuator Control Circuit/Open
What C061C means
Variable effort steering changes how hard a hydraulic system steers with road speed. In GM's Magnasteer a coil and permanent magnets on the rotary valve add or subtract from the torsion bar's stiffness; the GM and Steering Solutions patent EP2028081B1 describes this actuator, and ±3 A coil current is cited in a later patent. Ford's older variable-assist systems used a stepper-driven or solenoid orifice instead. C061C means the actuator circuit is open: the controller drives it but no current flows. Coil resistance should be about 2 ohms; an open reading means a new rack, as the coil is not serviceable. GM used its own C1241 for this. No maker publishes C061C. Expect light steering at speed or heavy steering when parking.
C061C at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C061C
- Steering effort no longer changes with speed
- Heavier steering when parking or lighter, nervous steering on the highway
- Steering or stability warning on some vehicles
Common causes of C061C
- Most likelyConnector at the steering gear loose, corroded or soaked with fluid
- PossibleOpen actuator coil inside the steering gear
- PossibleBroken wire between control module and steering gear
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Ves actuator
What each part of C061C means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 1C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C061C and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about C061C
What does C061C mean?
C061C means "Variable Effort Steering Actuator Control Circuit/Open". Variable effort steering changes how hard a hydraulic system steers with road speed. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C061C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C061C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C061C fail an emissions test?
C061C is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is C061C to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C061C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.