C061C: Variable Effort Steering Actuator Control Circuit/Open

Open circuit on variable effort steering (VES) actuator. VES varies steering assist with vehicle speed.

High severity. Can I keep driving?If the steering feels stiff or uneven, drive slowly and go to a repair shop or call for roadside assistance. It is a safety system.

Symptoms

ABS warning light on
ESC/stability control deactivated
Possible reduced brake assist
Speedometer may behave erratically

Most likely causes

Wiring break
Pin pushed back out of connector body
Cracked solder joint inside the module or sensor

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

Check the fluid level if the steering is hydraulic
Check the continuity of the wire between the component and the control module.
Check the connector and wiring
Read the steering control module's codes with a multi-system scanner
Leave the repair to a professional if the steering feel changes

Good to know

Repair difficulty: medium
It can trigger limp mode.

What each character of C061C means

C: Chassis
0: Generic code: same on every make
6: Subsystem depends on the code range
1C: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code C061C?

If the steering feels stiff or uneven, drive slowly and go to a repair shop or call for roadside assistance. It is a safety system.

What causes code C061C?

The most common causes are: wiring break; pin pushed back out of connector body; cracked solder joint inside the module or sensor.

Sources

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.