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Hyundai C1261

setting error C1290 Torque sensor signal error First erase DTC, then check wiring and connector condition. If DTC returns, replace column & housing assembly. C1112 Torque sensor vo

DriveNot yet established by verified evidence.
ChargeNot yet established by verified evidence.
ServiceService is appropriate because the verified repair path can involve the steering column and housing assembly or the full C-MDPS assembly.
Confidence95%

Quick answer

C1261 is identified in Hyundai manufacturer communications as a zero-setting error. The verified procedure is to erase the DTC, inspect wiring and connector condition, and replace the column and housing assembly if the DTC returns.

This page separates verified manufacturer/regulator evidence from supporting material. Unsupported causes, repairs or safety conclusions are not guessed.

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Videos are supporting material and never override OEM or regulator evidence.

1. What does C1261 mean?

C1261 is identified in Hyundai manufacturer communications as a zero-setting error. The verified procedure is to erase the DTC, inspect wiring and connector condition, and replace the column and housing assembly if the DTC returns.

2. Technical explanation

For the supplied Hyundai applicability, C1261 is listed as a C-MDPS/steering-system connectors-and-wiring-related DTC and described as a zero-setting error. Hyundai service communications instruct technicians to first erase the DTC, then check wiring and connector condition. If C1261 returns, the stated repair direction is replacement of the column and housing assembly. One communication further states that if a problem is found with torque-angle-sensor wiring, replace the full C-MDPS assembly.

3. What system is affected?

C-MDPS (motor-driven power steering) / steering column and housing system.

4. How serious is this code?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

5. Symptoms you may notice

  • A warning lamp illuminated with DTC(s) present is referenced by the Hyundai manufacturer communications.

6. Possible causes

  • Wiring condition requiring inspection.
  • Connector condition requiring inspection, including poor connection or corrosion as checks referenced in Hyundai communications.
  • A torque-angle-sensor wiring problem, if found during inspection.

7. Can I still drive the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

8. Can I charge the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

9. What you can safely do

  • Have the vehicle diagnosed using the Hyundai C-MDPS procedure.
  • Do not attempt steering-column, sensor, wiring, or C-MDPS component replacement without qualified service support.

10. Step-by-step troubleshooting

  1. Erase C1261 first.
  2. Check relevant wiring and connector condition.
  3. Hyundai communications reference checking connectors for poor connection and corrosion.
  4. If the DTC returns after the specified checks, replace the column and housing assembly.
  5. If a torque-angle-sensor wiring problem is found, one Hyundai communication directs replacement of the full C-MDPS assembly.

11. When to contact service

Service is appropriate because the verified repair path can involve the steering column and housing assembly or the full C-MDPS assembly.

12. What the service center may check

  • Confirm C1261 with a diagnostic scan.
  • Erase the DTC as specified by Hyundai.
  • Inspect wiring and connector condition.
  • Inspect connectors for poor connection or corrosion as referenced in the manufacturer communications.
  • Determine whether C1261 returns after the inspection and DTC erase procedure.
  • Assess whether a torque-angle-sensor wiring problem is present.

13. Possible repair or resolution

  • If C1261 returns, Hyundai communications direct replacement of the column and housing assembly.
  • If a torque-angle-sensor wiring problem is found, one Hyundai communication directs replacement of the full C-MDPS assembly.

14. Affected vehicles

15. Related TSBs / service bulletins

  • Hyundai 23-ST-003H, NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10235349, published 2023-04-10: lists C1261 among connectors/wiring-related C-MDPS codes and calls for connector and wiring checks.
  • Hyundai 22-ST-001H, NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10207815, published 2022-01-06: lists C1261 among connectors/wiring-related C-MDPS codes and calls for connector and wiring checks.
  • Hyundai 20-ST-001H-2, NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10180981, published 2020-09-09: identifies C1261 as a zero-setting error and specifies erase, wiring/connector inspection, then column-and-housing replacement if it returns.
  • Hyundai 20-ST-001H-1, NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10179244, published 2020-08-10: identifies C1261 as a zero-setting error and specifies erase, wiring/connector inspection, then column-and-housing replacement if it returns.
  • Hyundai 20-ST-001H, NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10170896, published 2020-01-03: identifies C1261 as a zero-setting error and specifies erase, wiring/connector inspection, then column-and-housing replacement if it returns.
  • Hyundai 19-ST-001H, NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10160106, published 2019-04-22: identifies C1261 as a zero-setting error and specifies erase, wiring/connector inspection, then column-and-housing replacement if it returns.

16. Recall information

  • Not yet established by verified evidence.

17. Official manufacturer information

Verified applicability supplied: US-market Hyundai Kona model years 2016-2021 and Hyundai Sonata model years 2016-2021, with overlapping year-range records in the source data. The evidence consists of Hyundai manufacturer communications published through NHTSA.

19. Frequently asked questions

What does Hyundai C1261 mean?

Verified Hyundai manufacturer communications describe C1261 as a zero-setting error.

What is the verified Hyundai procedure for C1261?

First erase the DTC, then check wiring and connector condition. If the DTC returns, replace the column and housing assembly.

Does C1261 establish that the torque sensor itself has failed?

Not yet established by verified evidence. The supplied communications direct wiring and connector checks and provide a repair path if the code returns.

Is C1261 covered by a recall?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

20. Sources & verification

Verified
Hyundai C1261: setting error C1290 Torque sensor signal error First… | EV Diagnostics