R 63 AMG (251.177) V8-6.3L (156.980) (2007)
Steering Angle Sensor: Description and Operation
GF42.45-P-5107RT Steering angle sensor, component description
Component Identification
Location
The steering angle sensor is located in the steering column module. It is fastened with the fanfare horns and airbag clock spring contact onto the
steering column module.
Task
The steering angle sensor which operates on an optical basis records the steering angle as given by the driver and forwards it to the connected systems.
Component Identification
Design
The steering angle sensor consists of 2 microprocessors forming a single unit together with one signal ring. The signal ring accommodates the 9
light-emitting diodes at equal intervals. These are located in a photoelectric barrier duct which is traversed by 8 blades of various lengths. The
photoelectric barriers are located in the upper section of the fanfare horns and airbag clock spring contact and only after assembly (clipped together) of
both parts is the integral functional unit of the steering angle sensor given.
Function
When the steering wheel is in the center position, the 8 blades adopt a defined position relative to the 9 LEDs. This center position is detected by the
processor in the steering angle sensor.
When the steering wheel is turned, the position of the blades changes with respect to the light-emitting diodes (light/dark). Because of the different
lengths of the blades and the different intervals between them, a defined signal pattern is produced for computing the current steering wheel position.