DTC C1290-02: Torque Sensor Signal Fail: General Description

The Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) ECU receives torque and rotation speed of steering wheel from torque sensor. It uses a torque sensor as it's main input for determining the amount of steering assists. The input and output shafts are separated by a torsion bar, where the torque sensor is located. The sensor consists of a two detecting plates. Detecting plate1 is fixed to the output shaft, detecting plate2 is fixed to the input shaft. As torque is applied to the steering column shaft the alignment of the teeth between detecting plate1 and 2 changes. The MDPS ECU recognizes this change.