Abstract: An electronic control system for a steering system having an electric motor coupled to the steering system for providing power assist. The steering system is of the rack and pinion type having an input gear coupled to the steering wheel and a pinion gear in meshing engagement with the rack. Two torsion sensors are coupled across the input and pinion gears and generate analog output signals. When no input torque is applied to the steering wheel, the output signals from the two torsion sensors are equal. When input torque is applied to the steering wheel, the signals from the torsion sensors vary substantially linearly in opposite directions. An electronic control unit controls operation of the electric power assist motor in accordance with the output signal from one of the torsion sensors. Failsafe circuitry is provided for monitoring the outputs of the redundant torsion sensors to insure proper control of the electric power assist motor.