Originally Posted by
latemodel21
Steering wheel position is determined by an array of optical couplers in the clockspring. When you disconnect (then reconnect) the battery, the car needs to re-identify which way the wheel is turned (the esp uses this input along with yaw and lateral acceleration sensor inputs to determine if you are getting out of control). Turning the wheel lock to lock is the easiest way for the car to determine which way the wheel is pointed hence the procedure. IF you have other issues, this wont be your answer.
Chris
Hey Chris, I don't recall seeing when the battery is disconnected for winter storage (roadster) that any warning lights come on when reconnected in spring. Seems this would indicate that there needs to be more than just the battery disconnect causing the issue. Does the BAS/ESP light tell the computer to no longer use the position sensing then after the cause of the light is fixed it then needs calibration?