DTC B2860: Column Position Sensor Failure

2001 Chevrolet Cavalier LS, 2.4 TSECTION DTC B2860: Column Position Sensor Failure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1999 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Perform telescoping column system check. See TELESCOPING COLUMN SYSTEM CHECK  under TROUBLE SHOOTING. Go to next step.
  2. Connect scan tool to Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC). Turn ignition on. Select Seat Control Module (SCM) DTC display on scan tool. If DTC B2860 is stored as a history code, go to next step. If DTC B2860 is not stored as a history code, go to step  6 .
  3. Select SCM data display on scan tool, and monitor steering column position sensor data. Move telescoping actuator switch to operate drive motor. If scan tool indicates 0.1-4.78 volts while moving column fore and aft, go to step  12 . If scan tool does not indicate 0.1-4.78 volts, while moving column fore and aft, go to next step.
  4. Turn ignition off. Disconnect telescoping actuator connector. Turn ignition on. Using DVOM, measure voltage between telescoping actuator connector terminal "A" (Purple wire/Brown wire) and ground, while operating column fore and aft. If reading is 4.0-5.5 volts, go to next step. If reading is not 4.0-5.5 volts, go to step  9 .
  5. Check voltage between telescoping actuator connector terminals "A" (Purple wire) and "C" (White wire), while operating column fore and aft. If reading is 4.0-5.5 volts, go to step  10 . If reading is not 4.0-5.5 volts, go to step  7 .
  6. Turn ignition off. Disconnect telescoping actuator connector. Turn ignition on. Using DVOM, measure voltage between telescoping actuator connector terminal "B" (Black wire/Dark Green wire) and ground, while operating telescoping actuator switch. If reading is 3.5-5.5 volts, go to step  10 . If reading is not 3.5-5.5 volts, go to step  8 .
  7. Check for open or shorted condition in Purple wire/Brown wire between telescoping actuator and SCM 26-pin connector C1. If problem is located, repair as necessary and go to step  14 . If circuit is okay, go to step  11 .
  8. Check for open or shorted condition in Black wire/Green wire between telescoping actuator and SCM 26-pin connector C1. If problem is located, repair as necessary and go to step  14 . If circuit is okay, go to step  11
  9. Check for open or shorted condition in White wire between telescoping actuator assembly and SCM 26-pin connector C1. If problem is located, repair as necessary and go to step  14 . If circuit is okay, go to step  11 .
  10. Replace telescoping actuator assembly. See TELESCOPING ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. After repairs, go to step  14
  11. Replace Seat Control Module (SCM). See POWER SEATS - CORVETTE article. After repairs, go to step  14 .
  12. Check telescoping actuator position sensor circuits for intermittent malfunction. If problem is found, go to step  14 . If circuits are okay, go to next step.
  13. Turn ignition off. Reconnect all disconnected components. Turn ignition on. Clear all DTCs. See CLEARING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS)  . Wait 20 seconds. If DTC B2860 sets as history code, go to step  11 . If DTC B2860 does not set, system is okay at this time.
  14. Turn ignition off. Reconnect all disconnected components. Turn ignition on. Clear all DTCs. See CLEARING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS)  . Perform telescoping column system check. See TELESCOPING COLUMN SYSTEM CHECK  under TROUBLE SHOOTING.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.