John Deere 708.16 – XMC, XMA, or TMA: Steering System Control Unit Fault

The frequency on Channel 1 of the Steering Input Device (SID) / Steering Wheel Position Sensor is too high, falling out of the expected frequency range and often disabling automated steering systems like AutoTrac.

• 6110M
• 6120M
• 6130M
• 6145M
• 6155M
• 6175M
• 6195M
• 6110R
• 6120R
• 6130R
• 6145R
• 6155R
• 6175R
• 6195R
• 6215R
• 8235R
• 8245R
• 8260R
• 8285R
• 8310R
• 8335R
• 8360R
• 8400R
• 8320RT
• 8345RT
• 9470RT
• 9520RT
• 9570RT
• 6145J
• 6165J
• 6180J
• 6205J
• CH570
• CH670
• 3520

1. 1

   Remove the steering column covers/cowl to access the Steering Input Device (SID).

2. 2

   Interchange the electrical connectors for the two steering wheel position sensors at the SID.

3. 3

   Turn the system on and observe which DTC returns.

4. 4

   If the exact same DTC (Channel 1 / 000708.16) is generated again, suspect a wiring harness issue (short, break, or corrosion) between the SID and the XMC control unit.

5. 5

   If a DTC for the other position sensor channel becomes active, the issue is internal to the Steering Input Device (SID), and the sensor must be replaced.

6. 6

   Check the unswitched supply voltage to the control unit and inspect all harness pins for damage.

1. 1

   Prepare machine for service

   Park the machine on a level surface, turn off the engine, and disconnect the battery to prevent electrical shorts.

2. 2

   Access steering input device

   Remove the plastic covers/cowl surrounding the steering column to expose the steering shaft and the Steering Input Device (SID).

3. 3

   Disconnect sensor

   Disconnect the wiring harness connectors from the faulty Steering Wheel Position Sensor.

4. 4

   Remove faulty sensor

   Unbolt and remove the faulty sensor assembly from the steering column.

5. 5

   Install new sensor

   Install the new Steering Wheel Position Sensor in the exact orientation as the old one.

6. 6

   Reconnect wiring

   Reconnect the wiring harness securely, ensuring the connectors click into place.

7. 7

   Reinstall covers

   Reinstall the steering column covers.

8. 8

   Restore power

   Reconnect the battery and power on the machine.

9. 9

   Clear fault codes

   Access the diagnostic menu on the GreenStar display or command center and clear the stored diagnostic trouble codes.

10. 10

    Perform calibration

    If required by the specific model's service manual, perform a Wheel Angle Sensor (WAS) or steering valve calibration.

11. 11

    Test operation

    Test drive the machine to verify manual steering and AutoTrac functionality.