C1260: How to Diagnose & Fix — Steering Angle Sensor Circuit / Signal (manufacturer-specific)
11 vehicles · 2 makes
How to diagnose and fix C1260: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Audi S8 · 2020–2024
Audi TSB 2059363/4 covers an air-suspension malfunction on 2020-2024 S8 vehicles when the suspension controller stores C1260F0 for no communication with the compressor control unit or U112100 with symptom code 262400 for a missing message. The bulletin identifies the electrical path between level-control module J775 and compressor-control unit J1135, rather than a leaking strut or worn compressor.
Common Symptoms
- Air suspension malfunction warning
- C1260F0 or U112100 symptom 262400 in the suspension controller
How to Fix
Read the suspension-controller DTC and symptom code, then inspect wiring, terminals and connectors between J775 and J1135 exactly as Audi specifies. If the fault is passive/sporadic, clear it and verify operation. If it remains active/static after the electrical inspection and key cycle, follow Audi testing for J1135 replacement. Diagnose vehicle sag or leak-down separately; these fault codes alone do not call for air struts, a compressor or a coil-conversion kit.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipAsk the technician to record the full suspension DTC and symptom code and whether it is passive/sporadic or active/static before any part is approved.
Sources for this issue (1)
Audi RS7 · 2021–2025
Audi TSB 2059363/6 applies to air-suspension-equipped 2021-2025 RS7 vehicles when the instrument cluster reports an air-suspension malfunction and suspension control unit J775 stores C1260F0 (no communication) or U112100 (missing message), both with symptom code 262400. The bulletin identifies communication between J775 and compressor-control unit J1135; it does not establish a universal air-strut, compressor or complete-system wear failure.
Common Symptoms
- Air-suspension malfunction warning in the instrument cluster
How to Fix
Inspect the wiring and connectors between J775 and J1135 before replacing a component. For a first passive/sporadic occurrence, clear the fault and release the vehicle. If the fault is active/static after wiring and connector inspection, or the same passive/sporadic fault returns a second time, replace J1135 using current Audi repair and parts information. Audi notes that improved J1135 software remains under development.
Sources for this issue (1)
Hyundai Sonata · 2015–2017
The Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) unit can fail, illuminating the EPS warning light and causing sudden loss of power assist or a steering wheel that becomes very tight/hard to turn - sometimes during low-speed maneuvers (parking, tight turns) and sometimes at highway speed (~35 mph). Owners report having to stop, shift to park, and restart the engine to clear the light, and that the wheel can briefly 'lock' or require very high effort. Root causes traced to the MDPS module/motor, wiring-harness connections, or the steering-angle sensor. Hyundai issued a warranty extension (TSB 23-ST-003H) covering the MDPS for reduced assist and/or MDPS warning-lamp illumination on certain 2015-2017 model-year Sonata and Sonata Hybrid/Plug-in vehicles from 5yr/60,000 mi to 15yr/150,000 mi.
Common Symptoms
- EPS / MDPS warning light on
- Sudden loss of power steering assist
- Steering wheel very hard to turn or briefly locked
- Loss of assist during tight low-speed turns or at ~35 mph
- Light clears only after restarting the engine
How to Fix
Scan for MDPS-related codes and inspect the wiring harness/connectors and steering-angle sensor before condemning the unit; repairing a connection sometimes resolves it. A failed MDPS module is replaced. For certain 2015-2017 vehicles the MDPS/EPS unit is covered under the extended warranty (15yr/150,000 mi) when the EPS light illuminates - have it documented and repaired under that coverage.
Sources for this issue (4)
Audi SQ5 · 2018–2025
Audi SQ7 · 2020–2025
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C1260 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does C1260 mean?
C1260 stands for "Steering Angle Sensor Circuit / Signal (manufacturer-specific)." C1260 is a chassis code most commonly defined as a fault in the steering angle sensor (SAS) circuit or signal, used widely on Hyundai/Kia and GM vehicles (some platforms apply it to a wheel-speed comparison fault instead). The ABS/stability-control module relies on the SAS to know the steering wheel's angle and direction for electronic stability control calculations, and it sets this code when that signal is missing, corrupt, or illogical. The result is typically disabled stability/traction control with warning lights. Because the exact definition varies by make, confirm against the vehicle's service data.
What are the most common causes of C1260?
The most common causes of C1260 are: Faulty steering angle sensor, Steering angle sensor needs recalibration/initialization, Worn steering coupler/clock spring (common on Hyundai/Kia), Damaged wiring or connector to the SAS, CAN communication fault between SAS and ABS module, Faulty ABS/ESC control module, Recent steering or suspension work without recalibration. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix C1260?
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and vehicle.
Which vehicles are affected by C1260?
Au7o has documented C1260 across 11 vehicle models from 2 manufacturers: Audi, Hyundai.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.