Pinpoint Test D: Steering Has Lack Of Assist Or Inconsistent Assist
- D1 CHECK FOR STEERING EFFORT CONTROL MODULE (SECM) DTCs
- Connect the diagnostic tool.
- Key in ON position.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the diagnostic tool: Self Test SECM
- Retrieve and record any SECM DTCs.
- Are any SECM DTCs present?
- YES : REFER to the STEERING EFFORT CONTROL MODULE (SECM) DTC TABLE .
- NO : Go to D2.
- D2 CHECK THE STEERING RATE SIGNAL (STRSIGU) PID
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the diagnostic tool: DataLogger SECM
- Start the engine and monitor the STRSIGU PID while turning the steering wheel right to left.
- Does the PID change as the steering wheel is turned?
- YES : Go to D3.
- NO : INSTALL a new steering wheel rotation sensor. REFER to VEHICLE DYNAMIC SYSTEMS article. TEST the system for normal operation.
- D3 CHECK THE STEERING ASSIST WITH THE ENGINE RPM RAISED
- Set the engine at 2,100 RPM and turn the steering wheel fully to the left and right.
- Is steering assist normal with the engine RPM raised?
CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.- YES : INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
- NO : Go to D4.
- D4 CHECK FOR A CHANGE OF ASSIST ON LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS
- With the engine at idle, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right.
- Does the steering assist change when turning from right to left?
- YES : INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
- NO : Go to D5.
- D5 CHECK THE STEERING LINES AND HOSES FOR RESTRICTIONS
- Inspect the steering lines and hoses for damage, kinks or restrictions.
- Are the steering lines or hoses damaged, kinked or restricted?
- YES : INSTALL new lines or hoses as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
- NO : Go to D6.
- D6 MONITOR THE ENGINE RPM CHANGES CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.NOTE: Make sure that the vehicle is on a flat, dry surface, all accessories are in the OFF position and that the steering system is at normal operating temperature.
- Connect the diagnostic tool.
- Start the engine.
- With the engine at idle, raise the power steering fluid temperature to 74-80°C (165-176°F) by rotating the steering wheel fully to the left and right several times.
- While monitoring the engine RPM with the scan tool, turn the steering wheel quickly to the left stop position and then to the right stop position.
- Note the engine RPM during the turns.
- Does the engine RPM change (even temporarily) more than 30 RPM when turning the steering wheel?
- YES : INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
- NO : INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING article.