What faults can occur with the Cruze steering wheel torque sensor?

[DiLilliana]

The possible fault phenomena of the Cruze steering wheel torque sensor are as follows: Steering difficulty: Uneven left and right steering torque leads to steering difficulties. Failure to return to center: The steering torque does not adjust with vehicle speed during driving, causing the steering wheel to fail to return to the correct center position. Below is more information about the Cruze: Model information: The new Cruze will offer six body colors, namely Aurora White, Obsidian Black, Cold Platinum Silver, Glacier Blue, Titanium Gray, and Flame Red; as well as four interior color schemes, namely Starry Deep Gray, Brocade Deep Gray, Matte Gray Black, and Saddle Brown. Powertrain: The vehicle will continue to be equipped with two engines, a 1.5L and a 1.4T, with maximum power outputs of 114 horsepower and 150 horsepower respectively.

[DeStephanie]

The torque sensor failure in the Cruze's steering wheel is quite common. I've encountered many cases over the years of repairing cars. The most frequent issue is sensor signal malfunction, meaning it can't accurately read the steering force applied by the driver. Once the signal is interrupted or drifts, the electric power steering system misjudges, resulting in an extremely heavy steering wheel with intermittent power assistance. Some cars even frequently trigger warning lights, with the steering wheel shaking as if in protest. The reasons are often due to aging electronic components or short circuits caused by moisture intrusion, especially since the Cruze's design places it near the steering column, making it prone to dampness and vibration. Worse, if the sensor's internal circuit burns out, the entire EPS system may switch to safe mode, drastically degrading the driving experience. It's recommended that owners immediately visit a professional shop if they notice unusually heavy steering or warning lights—don't delay, as it poses significant safety risks. Avoid DIY repairs, as calibration is complex, and professional repairs can cost hundreds to start.

[JasonFitz]

That time I drove my friend's Cruze on the highway, the steering wheel suddenly became as heavy as an iron block, almost causing an accident. Later, I found out it was a faulty torque sensor, which was supposed to measure the force of my hand to adjust the power steering. But when it malfunctioned, the signal went haywire. As a result, the power assistance fluctuated wildly, making turns extremely difficult and occasionally jerking, which scared me into a cold sweat. The cause might have been a loose sensor connection or damaged wiring. The Cruze's sensor placement isn't very user-friendly, making it prone to damage on bumpy roads. If ignored, besides affecting handling, it can also waste fuel because the power steering system struggles to compensate. After the repair, the mechanic mentioned that such faults could easily affect the ABS or other electronic components, making the entire car sluggish. So now, during every maintenance check, I make sure the steering system is thoroughly inspected—safety comes first.

[LaAndres]

The Cruze's sensor often has issues, such as signal drift or complete failure. Drift refers to inaccurate measurement of power assist intensity, causing the steering wheel to feel unstable, making driving feel vague and disconnected. In more severe cases, signal short circuits or open circuits can occur, causing the power assist to disappear entirely, making the steering wheel too heavy to turn. The main causes are component aging, vibration damage, or poor contact at the interface, which is especially dangerous in areas with heavy rainfall. For prevention, I recommend regularly checking the steering system, avoiding sharp turns and overload impacts. For maintenance, keep it simple: clean the engine bay to prevent water accumulation, avoid using strong water jets on the sensor area, and test the power assist changes after starting the car. These small habits can delay failures, saving money and ensuring peace of mind.

[Annie]

The Cruze torque sensor exhibits multiple failure types, with signal interruption being the most common—when force readings stop transmitting, the power assist system gets confused, making the steering wheel heavy as a rock. Signal drift ranks second, where the sensor reports erroneous data, causing fluctuating assist strength. Hardware damage also occurs frequently, such as burned-out sensing units or shorted circuits, triggering the EPS warning light. Loose connections are equally troublesome; a wobbly plug leads to erratic signals and unresponsive steering. These failures stem from moisture intrusion, routine wear, or electrical issues, with the Cruze's electronic layout being particularly sensitive. When failures occur, driving becomes dangerously unpredictable, especially with high-speed stability risks. My experience suggests starting with fuse checks—a minor replacement might fix it—but professional diagnostics are essential, as only instrument-based signal testing provides accurate diagnosis.