Quick Answer
C060A means: DTC C060A signifies a malfunction in the Steering Control Module, impacting steering response and safety.
Can I drive with C060A? Immediate attention is recommended to avoid unsafe driving conditions.
Common Questions
What does C060A mean and how does it affect my car?
DTC C060A indicates a malfunction in the Steering Control Module, which can severely impact your vehicle’s steering responsiveness and safety. If this code is present, you may experience difficulty steering or the steering could feel unusually heavy, especially at low speeds.
What are the most common causes of C060A and how much does it cost to fix?
The most common causes of C060A include a faulty Steering Control Module (50% of cases) and wiring issues (30%). Repair costs can range from $100 for simple wiring repairs to $800 for a complete SCM replacement.
Can I drive my car with C060A or should I stop immediately?
It's unsafe to drive with a C060A code due to potential steering failure. If you notice heavy steering or loss of assist, stop driving and have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
How can I diagnose C060A myself using GeekOBD APP?
Use the GeekOBD APP to scan your vehicle’s OBD2 system to retrieve the C060A code. Check the freeze frame data to see under what conditions the code appeared. Look for related codes that may provide additional context.
What vehicles are most commonly affected by C060A?
Commonly affected vehicles include the 2015-2018 Ford F-150 and other models utilizing electronic power steering systems. It's advisable to check for any recalls or technical service bulletins related to your vehicle.
How can I prevent C060A from happening again?
Regular maintenance of your vehicle's electrical systems, including checking battery health and ensuring clean connections, can help prevent issues with the Steering Control Module.
What is C060A?
DTC C060A indicates a malfunction in the Steering Control Module (SCM), which is responsible for managing the electronic power steering (EPS) system. When this code appears, it typically means that the SCM has detected an issue that affects its ability to communicate with other vehicle systems, leading to potential steering difficulties. This can manifest as increased steering effort, a loss of power steering assist, or even the steering wheel becoming unresponsive in extreme cases. In many vehicles, such as the 2015-2018 Ford F-150, the SCM plays a critical role in ensuring safe and responsive steering. Ignoring this code could lead to serious handling issues, making it essential to address it promptly. The underlying issues could range from a faulty SCM to wiring problems or even issues with the vehicle's battery or ground connections. In summary, DTC C060A is not just a technical code—it's a signal that your vehicle's steering system needs immediate attention to ensure your safety on the road.
System: C - Chassis (ABS, Steering, Suspension)
Symptoms
Common symptoms when C060A is present:
- Check engine light illuminates, often accompanied by the power steering warning light.
- Steering feels unusually heavy or unresponsive, particularly at low speeds, making it challenging to maneuver the vehicle.
- Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving, which can lead to difficulty in steering control.
- Unusual noises from the steering column or a grinding sound when turning the wheel, indicating potential mechanical issues.
- Intermittent steering assist where the power steering works inconsistently, leading to unpredictable steering behavior.
Possible Causes
Most common causes of C060A (ordered by frequency):
- The most common cause of the C060A code is a failure in the Steering Control Module itself, accounting for about 50% of cases. This can happen due to internal circuit faults or software issues.
- A second common cause is wiring problems related to the SCM, such as damaged or corroded connectors, which can disrupt communication. This accounts for roughly 30% of cases.
- Battery voltage issues can lead to insufficient power for the SCM to operate correctly, making it another potential cause. Regular battery maintenance can help prevent this.
- Less commonly, the issue might arise from a malfunction in the EPS motor, which can lead to increased effort when steering.
- In rare instances, a failing vehicle control module (VCM) may cause DTC C060A, affecting multiple vehicle systems.
C060A Repair Costs
Cost Breakdown by Repair Type
Steering Control Module Replacement
Replacing the faulty Steering Control Module (SCM) with a new or refurbished unit.
- Total: $400 - $800
- Success rate: 85%
Wiring Repair
Repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors associated with the SCM.
- Total: $100 - $300
- Success rate: 75%
Money-Saving Tips for C060A
- Start with the most common and least expensive repairs first
- Use GeekOBD APP to confirm diagnosis before replacing expensive parts
- Consider preventive maintenance to avoid future occurrences
- Compare prices for OEM vs aftermarket parts based on your needs
- Address the issue promptly to prevent more expensive secondary damage
Diagnostic Steps
Professional C060A Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose C060A. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Step 1: Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion (5-10 minutes)
Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion (5-10 minutes).
Step 2: Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes)
Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes).
Step 3: Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter to check the voltage and continuity of wiring related to the SCM (20-30 minutes)
Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter to check the voltage and continuity of wiring related to the SCM (20-30 minutes).
Step 4: Step 4: System function test - Verify proper operation after repairs and clear codes, ensuring that the issue does not reoccur (10-15 minutes)
Step 4: System function test - Verify proper operation after repairs and clear codes, ensuring that the issue does not reoccur (10-15 minutes).
Step 5: Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm that steering assist is functioning properly post-repair (15-20 minutes)
Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm that steering assist is functioning properly post-repair (15-20 minutes).
Important Notes
- Always verify the repair with GeekOBD APP after completing diagnostic steps
- Clear codes and test drive to ensure the problem is resolved
- Address underlying causes to prevent code recurrence
Real Repair Case Studies
Case Study 1: Ford F-150 C060A Repair
Vehicle: 2017 Ford F-150, 65,000 miles
Problem: Customer reported heavy steering and warning lights on the dashboard.
Diagnosis: Using the GeekOBD APP, we retrieved the C060A code along with several other related codes indicating electrical faults.
Solution: Replaced the Steering Control Module and repaired damaged wiring connections.
Cost: $650 (parts: $450, labor: $200)
Result: Steering responsiveness returned to normal, and the vehicle was road-tested successfully.
Case Study 2: Chevy Silverado C060A Diagnosis
Vehicle: 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500, 75,000 miles
Problem: Customer experienced intermittent power steering assist.
Diagnosis: DTC C060A was logged along with issues indicating potential wiring problems.
Solution: Repaired corroded connectors and performed a system reset.
Cost: $250 (parts: $50, labor: $200)
Result: The vehicle's steering assist became consistent, and no further issues were reported.