C0622 code meaning
Variable Effort Steering Lock/Safety Actuator Control Circuit High
What C0622 means
C0622 is the critical direction for a fail-safe lock: the actuator line reads high even when the controller wants it off. Since the lock in these designs releases when powered, a line shorted to battery voltage would keep it open when it should engage, so the safety path no longer works. Continental's superimposed steering unit, for example, stays open while powered and only blocks the planet carrier once power is gone, after which the normal steering gear still steers the car. JTEKT varies the holding duty with battery voltage to keep the coil cool. Controllers that detect a stuck-high line therefore shut the variable function down. No maker documents C0622 publicly.
C0622 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 C0622
- Steering system warning; variable function switched off
- No noticeable change in normal steering
Common causes of C0622
- Most likelyLock solenoid wire shorted to a battery-fed circuit
- PossibleDrive transistor in the module stuck on
- Less likelyCharging system overvoltage
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Ves lock actuator
What each part of C0622 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 22 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0622 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 C0622
What does C0622 mean?
C0622 means "Variable Effort Steering Lock/Safety Actuator Control Circuit High". C0622 is the critical direction for a fail-safe lock: the actuator line reads high even when the controller wants it off. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0622?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0622 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0622 fail an emissions test?
C0622 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 C0622 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0622 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.