Chafed or damaged wiring to the VAPS solenoid shorting to the body or chassis; Faulty VAPS solenoid or actuator with an internal short; Corroded, wet or damaged connector at the solenoid or control unit; Harness damaged where it flexes or runs close to the steering rack, pump or subframe; Fault within the control unit driver circuit; Previous repair or accident damage to the harness.

C1924

VAPS Solenoid Actuator Output Circuit Short To Ground.

Other
Chassis
Manufacturer code
Medium severity

How this code is built

C: SystemChassis
1: Defined byThe manufacturer
9: AreaChassis area 9
24: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

C1924 is a manufacturer-specific code that, with the definition supplied, means a short to ground in the output circuit of the VAPS (variable assist power steering) solenoid actuator. The control unit drives the solenoid to vary steering assist with speed. It set the code because it saw the circuit pulled to ground, or a current draw outside the expected range, when it commanded the solenoid. The exact component location and test values depend on the make, model and steering system.

Symptoms

Power steering warning light or message on the dash
Steering feels heavier than normal, especially at low speed
Steering feels too light or vague at higher speeds
Steering assist feels fixed, rather than changing with road speed
Fault may come and go with road vibration or wet weather

Possible causes

Chafed or damaged wiring to the VAPS solenoid shorting to the body or chassislikely
Faulty VAPS solenoid or actuator with an internal shortlikely
Corroded, wet or damaged connector at the solenoid or control unitpossible
Harness damaged where it flexes or runs close to the steering rack, pump or subframepossible
Fault within the control unit driver circuitrare
Previous repair or accident damage to the harnessrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data, then check for related steering, speed signal or power supply codes
Check battery condition and charging voltage, as low voltage can cause confusing steering faults
Visually inspect the solenoid wiring and connectors from the control unit to the actuator for chafing, corrosion, water ingress and bent or pushed-back pins
Wiggle test the harness with the system live and watch for the fault returning or live data changing
With the ignition off and the connector unplugged, measure the solenoid resistance and compare it with the manufacturer's specification for that model
Test the harness wire for continuity to earth with the control unit and solenoid both disconnected to find a short
Check the solenoid itself for a short to its body or to earth
Clear the code, road test, and confirm it does not return before closing the job

How to fix

Repair or replace the damaged section of wiring and secure it clear of sharp edges and moving parts
Clean, dry and repair the connector terminals, or replace the connector if it is corroded or damaged
Replace the VAPS solenoid or actuator if it is shorted or out of specification; on some models it is part of a larger steering assembly
Replace the control unit only after the wiring and solenoid are proven good and the manufacturer's procedure confirms it
Clear the codes and road test to confirm the repair

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car can usually be driven carefully for a short time, but steering effort may be wrong for the speed, so take extra care at parking speeds and on motorways. Get it checked soon, and stop driving if the steering becomes very heavy or unpredictable.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.