Power Steering System Block Diagram
The electric power steering system reduces the amount of effort needed to steer the vehicle. The system uses the body control module, power steering control module, torque sensor, discrete battery voltage supply circuit, electric power steering motor, serial data bus, and the instrument panel cluster message center to perform the system functions. Any electric power steering components diagnosed to be malfunctioning requires replacement of the steering column assembly, also known as the electric power steering assembly.
Torque Sensor
The power steering control module uses a torque sensor as it's main input for determining the amount of steering assist. The steering column has an input shaft, from the steering wheel to the torque sensor, and an output shaft, from the torque sensor to the steering shaft coupler. The input and output shafts are separated by a torsion bar, where the torque sensor is located. The sensor consists of a compensation coil, detecting coil and 3 detecting rings. These detecting rings have toothed edges that face each other. Detecting ring 1 is fixed to the output shaft, detecting rings 2 and 3 are fixed top the input shaft. The detecting coil is positioned around the toothed edges of detecting rings 1 and 2. As torque is applied to the steering column shaft the alignment of the teeth between detecting rings 1 and 2 changes, which causes the detecting coil signal voltage to change. The power steering control module recognizes this change in signal voltage as steering column shaft torque. The compensation coil is used to compensate for changes in electrical circuit impedance due to circuit temperature changes from the electrical current and voltage levels as well as ambient temperatures for accurate torque detection.
EPS Motor
The electric power steering motor is a 12-volt brushed DC reversible motor. The motor assists steering through a worm shaft and reduction gear located in the steering column housing.
Power Steering Control Module
The power steering control module uses a combination of torque sensor inputs, vehicle speed, calculated system temperature and the steering calibration to determine the amount of steering assist. When the steering wheel is turned, the power steering control module uses signal voltage from the torque sensor to detect the amount of torque being applied to the steering column shaft and the amount of current to command to the electric power steering motor. The power steering control module receives serial data from the engine control module to determine vehicle speed. At low speeds more assist is provided for easy turning during parking maneuvers. At high speeds, less assist is provided for improved road feel and directional stability. In this mode the power steering control module will limit the amount of current commanded to the electric power steering motor which reduces steering assist levels. The power steering control module also chooses which steering calibration to use when the ignition is turned ON, based on the production map number stored in the body control module. The power steering control module contains all 8 of the steering calibrations which are different in relation to the vehicles RPOs. The power steering control module has the ability to detect malfunctions within the electric power steering system. Any malfunction detected will cause the instrument panel cluster message center to display a warning message.