Volvo Steering Angle Sensor Replacement - (S60, S80, V70, XC70, XC90)

►

Chances are that many of you have received the common "Anti-Skid Service Required" message from your P2 Volvo. If you haven't, there's a good chance that you may come across it during the span of owning your vehicle. This common error message tends to be found the most on the P2 platform vehicles ranging from model years 2005-2010.

The most common cause for this message is due to a faulty steering angle sensor. The steering angle sensor is incorporated into the Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) contact reel which is actually part of your steering wheel module. Inside of the steering wheel sensor is a code wheel which follows the movement of the steering wheel and calculates the steering wheel angle, turning speed, and number of turns.

Step 1: Disconnect the battery and wait about 5 minutes before performing any work - Safety first.

Step 2: Remove the 3 T-25 torx screws from the steering column covers - Remove the covers

Step 3: Insert the key into the ignition to free the steering lock. Turn the wheel a quarter turn on each side to expose the two holes on the rear of the wheel. Insert a flat head screwdriver into the hole and pry up so that the screwdriver presses down on the catch release. Do this in both holes. This will release the air bag from the steering wheel.

Step 4: Take note of the wiring and the colors of the connectors. The connector housing on the airbag with either be pink or green to match the pink or green connector housings on the wiring harness. Remove the two connectors. Remove the green connector for the Steering Wheel Module. Place the air bag off to the side with the airbag portion facing up. Caution: Do not place the airbag surface on the ground or rest area, the connector side should always be placed on the ground or rest area.

Step 5: Remove the key and lock the steering wheel by turning it. Once the column is locked you can then remove the 18 mm bolt securing the steering wheel to the steering shaft.

Step 6: Once the bolt is removed, this will expose the steering shaft spline area. With a Sharpie marker, make a mark on the steering wheel splines so that they transfer onto the steering shaft splines. This will be used later so you know exactly where to re-position your steering wheel.

Step 7: Remove the steering wheel.

Step 8 : Now that you have the Clockspring / SAS unit completely exposed you'll notice the 3 Phillips head screws - Remove them.

Step 9: Remove the connector on the left side of the SAS.

Step 10: Replace the unit. When removing and installing be sure to remove and install it perfectly straight to avoid bending the terminal pins.

Step 11: Reinstall using the previous steps in reverse.
Once the new unit has been installed there is a good chance that if you have the latest software already installed into the vehicle, that the unit will not need to be reprogrammed. It's also recommended to have an authorized repair facility perform a calibration of the unit (DSTC ONLY). This should not take more than 20 minutes of the repair facility's time. At this time it's also a good opportunity to have them clear any DTCs that are still left in the system.

Get free parts from FCP Euro:

Follow FCP Euro on:

[TheFuzzy]

This guy needs to do all repair videos clear straight to the point and fast accurate!! Great video

[Hobinator]

Thank you! I followed all your instructions and replaced the SAS, the anti-skid demons in my 08 XC90 are finally gone! I also replaced the yaw rate sensor in the floorboard, as it was damaged by a leaking sunroof drain. I didnt even need to take it to the dealer for software updates/calibration, all modules are communicating and I finally have my AWD/stability control back. I live in the northeast so Im very relieved to get this done before january. 10/10 instructional video!

[OaksCU]

According to 2000-2007 Volvo V70 Service and Repair manual:
2:42 torque these screws to 2, 5 Newton meter
3:09 torque the steering wheel center screw to 40 Newton meter

[Peppermint]

Small warning: if you do this job and the ANTI-SKID light is flashing when taking a turn, the sensor was not set properly, see below. Also, the sensor is different for STC and DSTC cars.
At 2:02 note how at about 7am on the yellow sensor strip, there is a small window: you can see there is a yellow band inside that window. If placing back the sensor, you HAVE to have that yellow color inside that window just like in the video, or the sensor will not work. Don't skip on this important step. Even the new sensors with the locking screw may not have the yellow window aligned. This is exactly the same thing as when you buy a new sensor which has a small locking screw (the one Jason says don't forget to remove it): the sensor has a rotating part inside and that part must be aligned with the yellow color inside the window when installing the sensor. Just turn the sensor both ways 2-3 turns until you see yellow inside the window (align it properly to see it fully).
The center steering wheel bolt is a stretch type and must be replaced with a new one and has some red loctite on it. Torque for a new one is 30 Nm plus and additional 30 degrees.
See my channel for a few Volvo repair videos while there.

[timwingerter]

Incredibly useful video. The airbag removal step is rather difficult since it isn't totally clear what you're poking for. My 2007 XC90 V8 has a similar steering wheel to this vid but had 3 airbag connectors which caught me off guard. The extra grey one was a bit more finicky to remove given the angle but it all worked out. Appreciate this video!

[Peppermint]

Before getting at the SAS or YAW sensors, make sure your steering wheel is perfectly centered when you drive down the highway. Really move back in your seat and look at the steering branches to stay really horizontal on both side. If it's slightly turned to either side while going in a straight line, the software of the DSTC system will have information from wheels you are driving straight while the steering is telling it you are turning: this results in software throwing an error and the Anti-Skid message. When a garage is doing all wheels geometry (alignment) they must take care to have the steering perfectly centered (if they know what they are doing). All 4 wheels must be properly aligned. Dragging brakes or deflated tire (including rear ones) can also cause the steering to stay a little turned. Once you correct the alignment and get the steering correctly centered, try first re-calibrating the DSTC, see if the error goes away.

[diydave]

Excellent video thanks. XC90 with DTSC (part 31313083) has slightly different connections to video but easy to figure out. Also removing and refitting the airbag was trickier (for novice) than appears in video but achievable with perseverance. Thanks again.

[narutoloversrock]

Jayson really knows his Volvo’s! Very knowledgeable. Was very surprised to hear him at the end name every year and make that this tutorial would work for.

I always watch FCP tutorials before any other video!

[ryanwilson]

Outstanding Video. Using this for a simple steering wheel replacement.

[SmittySmithsonite]

Don’t get slid on the newer models removing the airbag! They have the holes … AND the tabs … but you can fiddle with them for years & the airbag will NEVER come out! I’m working on a ’07 V70 wagon - there are 2 T27 Torx SCREWS at the 3 & 9 o’clock position with the wheels straight ahead. Turn steering wheel 90 degrees in either direction and it will be on top, angled towards the cluster. They’re deep in there, so a regular Torx socket might not reach. Use a Torx key and a 8mm box end wrench for leverage - they’ll come loose with a CRACK! Fairly tight. You’ll see the airbag assembly coming towards you as you unscrew each one. The screws are captured so they won’t fall out when you turn the wheel 180 degrees opposite to remove the 2nd screw. 👍

[RichieRouge]

I’m putting a beautiful wood steering wheel from an S60 on my 2006 V70, thanks so much for this video.

[seanl]

FYI, I had this error message come back 3 times (also the 'ABS temporarily off' message). Noticed battery was somewhat discharged so I used a CTEK battery charger. Messages have not come back since. 2010 V50.

[kurtschultz]

Contrary to these instructions, my 2007 XC70 has the four spoke steering wheel and the airbag is held in with two Torx screws accessed through tiny holes on either side of the wheel. The column covers do not need to be removed to access them. Also, be careful about using electric drivers when loosening and tightening battery terminal clamps. One could easily break the clamping bolt as I did. Good thing I was able to take the one off of my 2002 XC70!

[ShaneLarson]

Great instructional video. I am a new owner of a used 2010 XC90. If I take out the old clockspring to blow it out with compressed air, would we still need to have the software updated? The anti-skid alert is intermittent and the dealer that sold us the car explained it was likely due to a dust build up.

[cwehden]

Once repair is done will the car drive to the garage for calibration? Or will it fail to start and drive until calibrated?

[neiltudhope]

Well done, clear and concise, professional.

[josemayoral]

Great info. Can I use a Snap on computer to re set the sensor? Would it work?

[hekokosterphotography]

Hi, thank you for your very instructive video, is this also the sensor that is used for xenon headlights? I mean ABL xenon headlights

[obabobai]

Hi there, thank you for the video. Could this be a yaw sensor problem too causing the same error?

[ichhasseamerika]

Question: will the dash error message continue to show until calibrated? (at the dealer, aka stealer) Or should it go out immediately? Thanx! Great vid!