C1511 on Mercedes-Benz
Torque Sensor 1 Malfunction (Torque Sensor Abnormal)
C1511 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles indicates torque sensor 1 malfunction (torque sensor abnormal). Au7o has documented this code across 1 Mercedes-Benz model — most commonly on GLE. A Toyota/Lexus/Scion-specific chassis code in the electric power steering (EPS) system. The torque sensor in the steering column converts the rotational torque input from the steering wheel into an electrical signal that tells the power steering ECU how much steering effort the driver is applying, and therefore how much assist to provide. C1511 sets when the ECU sees an abnormal or out-of-range signal from torque sensor 1. The usual result is that the ECU disables power assist as a fail-safe, so the steering becomes very heavy — especially at parking speeds — with the EPS/power steering warning light on. The car remains steerable but takes noticeably more effort. Typical repair costs on Mercedes-Benz range from $400 to $5,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of C1511
- •Faulty torque sensor, which is built into the steering column assembly on most applications
- •Open, shorted, or chafed torque sensor wiring harness
- •Poor or corroded connection at the sensor or ECU connector
- •Torque sensor zero point/calibration not performed after column, ECU, or alignment work
- •Low system voltage or a weak battery/charging system
- •Failed power steering ECU
C1511 on Mercedes-Benz by Model
Mercedes-Benz GLE(1 issue)
- Electric Power Steering (EPS) Sudden Loss of Assist - "Power Steering Malfunction, See Operator's Manual"2016-2022
GLE owners (W166 and W167) report sudden loss of electric power steering assist, sometimes immediately after engine start and sometimes intermittently while driving, accompanied by the red dashboard message "Power Steering Malfunction - See Operator's Manual." Steering becomes very heavy, especially at low/parking speeds. Because EPS relies on stable voltage, CAN/FlexRay communication, and accurate sensor data, causes are almost always electrical: EPS control-module/torque-sensor faults, a corroded/loose steering-rack ground or harness connection, a blown power-steering pre-fuse, or a weak 12V battery dropping voltage to the EPS motor. NHTSA recall 16V899000 covers 2016-2017 GLE (350/400/300d/550e/43/63, etc.) where an insufficiently sealed EPS connector lets water into the control unit and deactivates assist, and TSB MC-10231025 addresses a no-assist-after-start software fault of the N68 EPS control unit on later models. This is an electronic EPS-rack fault, separate from mechanical front control-arm bushing wear.
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View C1511 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does C1511 mean on Mercedes-Benz?▼
C1511 stands for "Torque Sensor 1 Malfunction (Torque Sensor Abnormal)." A Toyota/Lexus/Scion-specific chassis code in the electric power steering (EPS) system. The torque sensor in the steering column converts the rotational torque input from the steering wheel into an electrical signal that tells the power steering ECU how much steering effort the driver is applying, and therefore how much assist to provide. C1511 sets when the ECU sees an abnormal or out-of-range signal from torque sensor 1. The usual result is that the ECU disables power assist as a fail-safe, so the steering becomes very heavy — especially at parking speeds — with the EPS/power steering warning light on. The car remains steerable but takes noticeably more effort. On Mercedes-Benz specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes C1511 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles?▼
Common causes on Mercedes-Benz: Faulty torque sensor, which is built into the steering column assembly on most applications, Open, shorted, or chafed torque sensor wiring harness, Poor or corroded connection at the sensor or ECU connector, Torque sensor zero point/calibration not performed after column, ECU, or alignment work, Low system voltage or a weak battery/charging system. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix C1511 on a Mercedes-Benz?▼
Repair costs on Mercedes-Benz range from $400 to $5,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Mercedes-Benz models have C1511 documented?▼
Au7o has documented C1511 on 1 Mercedes-Benz model: GLE.