C1593 on 2018 Jeep Compass: Steering Torque Sensor Failure Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2018-2018 Jeep COMPASS

For the 2018 Jeep Compass (MP platform), this code is directly addressed by manufacturer's Technical Service Bulletin #19-002-17. The TSB notes that water intrusion into the steering column's main electrical connector is a primary cause for this internal electronic failure. This makes the Compass from this era, and its platform-mate the Jeep Renegade, prone to this specific failure mode, often requiring a complete steering column replacement rather than a simpler sensor or wiring fix. Another TSB, #08-071-20, addresses a separate water leak issue into the cabin via the HVAC air inlet, which can also contribute to electrical problems in the dashboard area.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Complete loss of power steering
• Steering becomes very heavy and difficult to turn
• Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Check Engine Light is on
• "Service Electric Power Steering" or "Dynamic Steering Torque" warning message on the dashboard.
• ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning lights may also illuminate
• Multiple warning lights illuminating simultaneously, sometimes described by owners as a "Christmas tree" effect on 🎬 Learn more about common electric power steering symptoms and repair costs. the dash.
• Vehicle may stall, especially when turning at low speeds.

Most Likely Causes

1. Internal Failure of the Steering Column (due to water intrusion) 🔴 High Probability A specific TSB (#19-002-17) was issued for the 2017-2018 Compass, identifying water intrusion into the steering column's electrical connector as a direct cause for the failure, requiring column replacement. Another TSB (#08-071-20) addresses water leaks into the cabin's passenger side, indicating a general susceptibility to water intrusion issues.
   How to confirm: A technician will confirm the presence of C1593-49 and the related C1592-01 code, as mentioned in the TSB. They will inspect the steering column's electrical connectors for signs of moisture, pin corrosion, or water damage.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire steering column assembly with a new Mopar part and perform software calibration.
   Est. part cost: $500-$1800
2. Faulty Steering Torque Sensor 🟡 Medium Probability The torque sensor is integrated into the steering column assembly 🎬 Watch: A look at a failed Jeep steering column assembly. and is not serviced as a separate component. The TSB definition "Steering Torque Sensor Circuit - Internal Electronic Failure" points directly to this component failing, almost always as a result of the water intrusion mentioned above.
   How to confirm: Diagnosis with an advanced scan tool will show erratic or no data from the steering torque sensor. However, since the sensor is not sold separately, this diagnosis leads to the same repair as a general column failure.
   Typical fix: Replace the steering column assembly, as the sensor is not serviced separately.
   Est. part cost: $500-$1800

Rare But Worth Checking

• Damaged Wiring Harness: While less common than internal failure, wiring leading to the power steering column can be damaged by road debris, rodents, or previous incorrect repairs, causing a circuit fault. A visual inspection is always worthwhile.
• Loose Battery Terminal Connection: One owner on a Reddit forum reported that a loose positive battery terminal caused a cascade of electrical issues, including a "Dynamic Torque Service" message. Ensuring battery connections are clean and tight is a simple but crucial first check.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the complaint: Confirm the loss of power steering and check for warning lights.
2. Scan for DTCs: Use an OBD-II scanner compatible with the chassis module to confirm the presence of C1593, specifically looking for the C1593-49 subtype. Note any other codes, especially C1592.
3. Check TSBs: Confirm that TSB #19-002-17 applies to the vehicle's VIN and build date. This TSB is the primary diagnostic path. Also check for TSB #08-071-20 regarding other water leaks.
4. Inspect for Water Intrusion: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors at the base of the steering column for any signs of moisture, corrosion, or water staining.
5. Confirm Internal Failure: Based on the TSB and the presence of C1593-49, the fault is confirmed as an internal, non-serviceable failure of the steering column.
6. Replace and Calibrate: Replace the steering column assembly with the correct Mopar part number for the vehicle's configuration. After installation, perform the necessary Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) calibration and EPS module initialization using a compatible professional scan tool (e.g., wiTECH).

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Steering Column Assembly (OEM #68276903AF (superseded by 68276903AN) - Note: Multiple part numbers exist based on vehicle options (e.g., heated wheel). Always verify with VIN.) — The steering torque sensor is integrated into the column and is not serviced separately. TSB #19-002-17 explicitly calls for the replacement of the entire steering column to fix the issue.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $700-$1800
  Aftermarket price range: $500-$800

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1592-01 — This code for 'Electronic Power Steering Motor Circuit - General Electrical Failure' is explicitly mentioned alongside C1593 in TSB #19-002-17. They often appear together because the internal failure caused by water intrusion affects multiple circuits within the single steering column unit.
• U110A — A code for lost communication with the Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) can occur because the SAS is part of the same faulty steering column assembly.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 19-002-17: Addresses a loss of power steering assist due to water intrusion in the steering column electrical connector, causing DTCs C1593-49 and C1592-01. The fix is to replace the steering column assembly.
• 08-071-20: Details a procedure to fix water intrusion into the passenger side footwell through the HVAC air inlet by replacing cowl panel clips, which could be a contributing source of electrical faults.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB #19-002-17 was issued for the 2017-2018 Jeep Compass, directly linking a loss of power steering assist and codes C1593 and C1592 to water intrusion into the steering column, requiring its replacement.
• NHTSA has logged numerous complaints from 2018 Compass owners detailing sudden power steering failure, stalling, and multiple warning lights, consistent with this widespread EPS issue.
• TSB #08-071-20 describes a separate issue where water can enter the cabin through the HVAC air inlet due to faulty cowl panel clips, potentially causing various electrical problems on the passenger side.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Battery Voltage During EPS Module Flash/Reprogramming — expected: Stable voltage between 13.2 and 13.5 volts.. Failure: Voltage dropping below 13.2V or climbing above 13.5V can cause the flash process to fail and may render the EPS module inoperable.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• C1593-49: Steering Torque Sensor Circuit - Internal Electronic Failure. This is the primary subtype indicating the internal fault. (see via A professional scan tool like wiTECH that can read chassis module codes.)
• C15DB-00: EPS Disabled. This code is set when the system shuts down the power steering assist as a safety measure. (see via Often appears with C1593-49 on a wiTECH scan tool, as noted in TSB 19-002-17.)
• C2217-00: Electric Power Steering Module Internal. Indicates a general internal fault within the EPS module, which is part of the steering column assembly. (see via Found alongside C1593-49 during diagnosis, as per TSB 19-002-17.)
• C2210-00: ECU Over-temperature. This suggests the electronic control unit within the steering column may be overheating, likely due to the internal electronic failure. (see via Listed as a related DTC in TSB 19-002-17.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH: Reset ECU (for EPS module) — Must be performed after replacing the steering column assembly to initialize the new module. TSBs indicate this may need to be done twice.
• wiTECH: PROXI Alignment Procedure — Required after installing a new steering column to ensure the new EPS module is properly synchronized with the vehicle's other networked modules, like the BCM.
• wiTECH: Steering Angle Calibration — This is a mandatory final step after steering column replacement to calibrate the new, integrated Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) to the vehicle.
• wiTECH: Clear Steering Pull Compensation Procedure — Performed after the other calibration steps to reset any learned values that compensate for steering pull, ensuring a neutral starting point for the new hardware.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Steering Column Connector C2 (S146) — Located at the base of the steering column. This is the main electrical connector for the EPS assembly and is the primary site for the water intrusion mentioned in TSB #19-002-17.. Water intrusion or corrosion at this specific connector is the direct cause of the internal electronic failure that sets codes C1593-49 and C1592-01.
• Power Distribution Center (PDC) — Under the hood, typically a fuse and relay box.. The 2018 Compass does not use an older-style TIPM. Instead, switched voltage is supplied to various modules via the PDC, which is controlled by the Body Control Module (BCM). A fault in the PDC or BCM could theoretically cause power issues for the EPS, but this is rare compared to the column failure.
• 10-pin Wiring Harness Connector — Located behind the driver's side headlight, underneath the bumper area. Can be traced by following the wire from the hood ajar switch.. Corrosion or moisture in this connector can disrupt signals sent to the vehicle's main computer, causing a cascade of seemingly unrelated error codes, including steering-related warnings. This is a known, real-world failure point that can mimic a steering column failure.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user in r/JeepCompass (2018 Jeep Compass Trailhawk) — Multiple warning lights and service messages, including 'Dynamic torque service'. Vehicle would throw numerous codes.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The owner was advised by others to check the battery and alternator, but suspected a different cause.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner's brother found a corroded 10-pin wiring plug located behind the driver's side headlight. After cleaning the corroded/burnt contacts on the plug and reconnecting it, all the warning lights and symptoms disappeared. The user noted this harness sends signals to the main computer and the corrosion was distorting the signals.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68276903AF → 68276903AN — Standard part revision by the manufacturer, likely to improve reliability or address the water intrusion issue.
  Heads up: Always verify the correct part number with the vehicle's VIN, as different columns are used for models with/without options like a heated steering wheel.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2018: TSB #19-002-17, which details the water intrusion issue requiring steering column replacement, is specifically for 2018 Jeep Compass (MP) vehicles built between August 25, 2017 (MDH 0825XX) and September 09, 2017 (MDH 0909XX). Vehicles outside this narrow build window may experience the same code for different reasons.