John Deere 709.18 – XMC: Steering Wheel Position Sensor, Frequency at Channel 2 Too Low

The Steering Input Device contains two steering wheel position sensors that monitor the steering angle and movement. The controller monitors signals from both sensors, and this code triggers when the frequency signal from the second channel drops below the acceptable threshold, which typically disables the AutoTrac™ automatic steering system.

• 6110M
• 6120M
• 6130M
• 6145M
• 6155M
• 6175M
• 6195M
• 6110R
• 6120R
• 6130R
• 6145R
• 6155R
• 6175R
• 6195R
• 6215R
• 6110M/R to 6195M/R
• 6145J
• 6165J
• 6180J
• 7200R through 7310R
• 8100T to 8520T
• 8235R to 8400R
• 8320RT to 8360RT
• 9470RT
• 9520RT
• 9570RT
• 9420R to 9620RX
• CH570
• CH670
• 3520

1. 1

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

2. 2

   Locate the two steering wheel position sensor connectors at the SID.

3. 3

   Interchange (swap) the connectors for Sensor 1 and Sensor 2.

4. 4

   Turn the system on and observe which Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) becomes active.

5. 5

   If the same DTC (Channel 2) returns: The issue is a wiring harness problem between the SID and the XMC control unit.

6. 6

   If the DTC shifts to the other position sensor (Channel 1): The Steering Input Device / Steering Wheel Position Sensor itself is faulty and must be replaced.

1. 1

   Power down the machine and disconnect the battery to prevent electrical shorts.

2. 2

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

3. 3

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

4. 4

   Unbolt the mounting hardware securing the sensor or the entire SID/Brake assembly to the steering column.

5. 5

   Remove the faulty sensor.

6. 6

   Install the new Steering Wheel Position Sensor or SID assembly and tighten the hardware to OEM specifications.

7. 7

   Reconnect the wiring harness to the new sensor.

8. 8

   Reinstall the steering column covers.

9. 9

   Reconnect the battery.

10. 10

    Use a diagnostic tool to clear the XMC 000709.18 fault code.

11. 11

    Perform a test drive to verify that AutoTrac™ engages and the steering operates correctly without throwing active codes.