The lateral accelerometer sensor that detects side-to-side vehicle movement has stopped sending reliable signals to the stability control system. Think of it like a broken tilt sensor in a smartphone that can't tell which direction the phone is leaning.
The ECU monitors the lateral accelerometer's analog voltage output to detect side-to-side G-forces during turns and dynamic driving. It compares the signal against expected voltage ranges and rate-of-change thresholds. An open circuit, short, or sensor malfunction triggers this fault when the signal falls outside acceptable parameters.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Fault Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor voltage output | 0.5–4.5 volts (vehicle dependent) | Out of range or no signal detected |
| Signal response time | Rapid dynamic changes within 100 ms | No change or stuck voltage value |