C1260 on Audi: How to Diagnose & Fix
Steering Angle Sensor Circuit / Signal (manufacturer-specific)
10 Audi models · 10 documented issues
C1260 on Audi by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
On SQ5 vehicles equipped with air suspension, Audi documents an air-suspension warning accompanied by C1260F0 or U112100 with symptom code 262400 in suspension control module J775. The bulletin concerns communication with compressor control module J1135; it does not support the former blanket claims about leaking air springs, failed dampers, vehicle sag or weight-related wear.
Common Symptoms
- Air-suspension malfunction warning or air-spring symbol in the instrument cluster
How to Fix
Inspect the wiring and connector contacts between J775 and J1135 first. If no wiring fault is found, clear a first passive or sporadic fault and release the vehicle. Replace J1135 for an active or static fault, or when the same passive or sporadic fault returns a second time, following Audi workshop information and VIN-specific ETKA data.
Sources for this issue (1)
On air-suspension-equipped 2019-2025 Audi A8 vehicles, the cluster may show an air-suspension malfunction warning while the suspension controller stores C1260F0 or U112100 with symptom code 262400. Audi directs diagnosis toward communication, wiring and connector contacts between the suspension controller and compressor control module; the bulletin does not establish that every warning is a failed compressor, leaking spring or collapsed suspension.
Common Symptoms
- Air-suspension malfunction warning in the instrument cluster
How to Fix
Record the complete DTC and symptom code and have an Audi-capable technician inspect the specified wiring and connector contacts. If no wiring or contact problem is found, continue the guided procedure in current Audi service information. Do not replace a compressor, spring or relay from this card alone.
Sources for this issue (1)
Audi TSB 2059363/5 covers a legacy e-tron air-suspension malfunction when suspension controller J775 stores C1260F0 for no communication with compressor-control unit J1135 or U112100 with symptom code 262400 for a missing message. This is an electrical communication path; the bulletin does not establish leaking air lines, worn struts, height-sensor failure, compressor burnout or ball-joint wear as one common defect.
Common Symptoms
- Air-suspension malfunction warning
- C1260F0 or U112100 symptom 262400 in suspension controller J775
How to Fix
Read the complete suspension DTC and symptom code, then inspect wiring, terminals and connectors between J775 and J1135 as Audi directs. If the fault is passive/sporadic on its first occurrence, clear it and verify operation. Replace J1135 if the fault is active/static after the electrical inspection or if C1260F0 or U112100 with symptom 262400 returns a second time as passive/sporadic. Diagnose vehicle sag, leak-down or compressor noise separately; do not order a compressor, air-supply unit or suspension parts from the former card.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipAsk for the full DTC, symptom code and passive/sporadic versus active/static status before authorizing a control unit or mechanical suspension part.
Sources for this issue (1)
Audi TSB 2059363/6 applies to air-suspension-equipped 2019-2025 Q8 vehicles when the instrument cluster reports an air-suspension malfunction and suspension control unit J775 stores C1260F0 for no communication or U112100 for a missing message, both with symptom code 262400. The bulletin identifies communication with compressor-control unit J1135; it does not establish universal air-spring, strut or compressor wear.
Common Symptoms
- Air-suspension malfunction warning in the instrument cluster
How to Fix
Inspect the wiring and connector contacts between J775 and J1135 before replacing a component. For a first passive or sporadic occurrence, clear the fault and release the vehicle. If the same passive fault returns a second time, or the fault is active or static after wiring inspection, Audi directs replacement of J1135 under current repair and parts information. Do not buy struts, springs, a compressor or a conversion kit solely from this warning.
Sources for this issue (1)
Audi TSB 2059363/6 applies to air-suspension-equipped 2020-2025 RS Q8 vehicles when the instrument cluster reports an air-suspension malfunction and suspension control unit J775 stores C1260F0 for no communication or U112100 for a missing message, both with symptom code 262400. The bulletin identifies communication with compressor-control unit J1135; it does not establish universal air-strut, air-spring, compressor or complete-system wear.
Common Symptoms
- Air-suspension malfunction warning in the instrument cluster
How to Fix
Inspect the wiring and connector contacts between J775 and J1135 before replacing a component. For a first passive or sporadic occurrence, clear the fault and release the vehicle. If the same passive fault returns a second time, or the fault is active or static after wiring inspection, Audi directs replacement of J1135 under current repair and parts information. Do not buy struts, springs, a compressor or a conversion kit solely from this warning.
Sources for this issue (1)
Audi TSB 2059363/5 covers an air-suspension malfunction warning on 2021-2024 RS6 Avant vehicles when the suspension controller stores C1260F0 or U112100 with symptom code 262400. The bulletin is about communication with the compressor-control module, not proof that an air strut leaks or that the compressor has been overworked.
Common Symptoms
- Air-suspension malfunction warning in the instrument cluster
How to Fix
Have the wiring and connector contacts between suspension controller J775 and compressor controller J1135 inspected first. Audi says to clear a first passive or sporadic occurrence and release the vehicle. If the same passive fault returns a second time, or the fault is active or static after the wiring check, the bulletin directs replacement of J1135 under the applicable service procedure. Do not replace air struts, a compressor or an unverified aftermarket assembly solely from this warning card.
Sources for this issue (1)
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 on a Audi?
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. On Audi it is documented across 10 models: SQ5, A8, e-tron, Q8, RS Q8, RS6, RS7, S8, SQ7, SQ8.
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 on a Audi?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Audi model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
Looking for C1260 on a different make?
View C1260 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.