Case IH 520228-22 - VCM – VCM: Communication error of the steering valve controller with the wheel angle sensor

The steering valve controller is failing to receive a valid signal or CAN message from the wheel angle sensor, indicating a break in communication, a wiring fault, or a failed sensor.

• MAGNUM AFS Connect
• AFS Connect Magnum 180
• AFS Connect Magnum 200
• AFS Connect Magnum 220
• AFS Connect Magnum 240
• AFS Connect Magnum 250
• AFS Connect Magnum 280
• AFS Connect Magnum 310
• AFS Connect Magnum 340
• AFS Connect Magnum 380
• Maxxum 110
• Maxxum 115
• Maxxum 120
• Puma 115
• Puma 125
• Puma 140
• Puma 155
• Puma 165
• Puma 180
• Puma 195
• Puma 210
• Vestrum CVX 100
• Vestrum CVX 110
• Vestrum CVX 120
• Vestrum CVX 130
• Patriot Sprayer 3230
• Patriot Sprayer 3320
• Patriot Sprayer 3330
• Patriot Sprayer 4420
• Patriot Sprayer 4430

1. 1

   Verify system battery voltage is above 11.5V during operation, as low voltage is a leading cause of communication timeouts.

2. 2

   Visually inspect the physical installation of the wheel angle sensor on the front axle, checking the rotary sensor, rod lengths, and linkage arms for damage or binding.

3. 3

   Inspect the CAN-Bus network and wiring harness connecting the Wheel Angle Sensor to the Steering Valve Controller for open circuits, short circuits to ground, or short circuits to power.

4. 4

   Check the software versions on the Steering Valve Controller (SVC) and VCM to ensure they are up to date.

1. 1

   Safety First

   Shut off the vehicle when working around the wheel angle sensor. Relieve all hydraulic pressure before proceeding if working on the hydraulic steering valve.

2. 2

   Disconnect and Inspect

   Disconnect the wiring harness at the Wheel Angle Sensor. Inspect the pins for corrosion, moisture intrusion, or pushed-out terminals. Clean with contact cleaner if necessary.

3. 3

   Test the Circuit

   Using a multimeter, verify that the sensor is receiving the correct reference voltage (usually 5V) and has a solid ground. Check continuity between the sensor connector and the Steering Valve Controller connector.

4. 4

   Replace the Sensor

   If the wiring is intact and the linkage is not physically damaged, the internal potentiometer/hall-effect sensor has likely failed. Unbolt the sensor body and linkage arm, and install the replacement sensor.

5. 5

   Replace the Controller

   If the sensor tests good but the VCM still reports a communication loss, the Steering Valve Controller itself may have an internal hardware failure or CAN transceiver failure requiring replacement.

6. 6

   Calibration

   After replacing the sensor or controller, you must perform a steering angle sensor calibration using an electronic service tool (like Jaltest or Case IH EST) so the controller can relearn the center, maximum left, and maximum right steering limits.