Steering Issues
06-18-2007, 04:35 PM
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Steering Issues
I'm have some issues while steering at low speed, especially manuvering into parking spaces. First, there appears to be an above normal power drain...when turning into a spot the lights will get very dim (more so than usual) and the engine sounds like its experiencinga power loss also. Second, the noises it makes while turning at low speed are getting louder and louder. Its not so much a squeel or hiss, more like a moaning sound. I do need a left-outter and right-inner tie rod, do you think that could be part of the problem? Thanks.
06-18-2007, 10:31 PM
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Generally a bad tie-rod end doesn't cause that kind of problem. I had to replace the power steering pump on a 2000 that started that way, and eventually got to where the wheel could barely be turned during parking maneuvers. You can try flushing the system first. I didn't work in that case.
06-19-2007, 02:42 PM
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Well, the thing is turning at low speed isn't difficult...at least no more so than it has been. Perhaps I'll get a flush of the system, that particular maint. item hasn't been done since I've owned the car. Thanks guys.
07-12-2007, 04:52 PM
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Power Steering power loss while parking
Originally Posted by Archon
Generally a bad tie-rod end doesn't cause that kind of problem. I had to replace the power steering pump on a 2000 that started that way, and eventually got to where the wheel could barely be turned during parking maneuvers. You can try flushing the system first. I didn't work in that case.
Hi Archon
I'm replying to a rather old post of yours that I found - I am surprised there hasn't been a greater number of reports on bad power steering. I have expericend the following problems on a number of GM cars, especially the loss of Power Steering while low speed breaking and turning.
I am experiencing a partial loss of power during a low speed turn especially while braking -- braking appears to be connected to this problem. When doing parking maneuvers I am now starting to experience a complete loss of power steering unless I rev the engine a little - not easy while braking and turning too !!
I have been told on occassion that I have a power steering fuid leak but never got around to replacing the high pressure hose. I just threw in some of the leak fluid and assumed this was working but perhaps not...
Is there a check list of things I should consider before running out and getting new power steering pump and is it an easy DYI job?
07-12-2007, 07:43 PM
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Yes, there is a diagnostic procedure for the system. This is the link to the starting point.
Symptoms - Power Steering System
As yours seems to be related to braking, you could have a magnasteer problem, that could be caused by either the electronic brake control module, or the variable effort steering actuator. I can't provide a link for that, as the demo version for the 2003 doesn't go into that much detail. If it is that problem, it SHOULD set a code of C1241. You may need a Tech II or similar to pull that code, however. This is part of the description for that code.
I used my personal experiences, rather than diagnostics to decide upon replacing the pump. I did it during the replacement of the LIM gasket, so most things were out of the way which made it easier. Even so, the hoses were a bit of a pain to reach. Some have said that removing the passenger side wheel and wheel housing should make it easy to reach. I have not tried that, however. You'll need to borrow a special puller to remove the pulley from the pump to put it on the new one. It is something that most DIYers should be able to do.
Symptoms - Power Steering System
As yours seems to be related to braking, you could have a magnasteer problem, that could be caused by either the electronic brake control module, or the variable effort steering actuator. I can't provide a link for that, as the demo version for the 2003 doesn't go into that much detail. If it is that problem, it SHOULD set a code of C1241. You may need a Tech II or similar to pull that code, however. This is part of the description for that code.
Circuit Description
The EBCM controls a bi-directional magnetic rotary solenoid. The solenoid is in the steering gear. The solenoid adjusts the amount of power steering assist in order to achieve a given level of driver effort in turning the vehicle. The EBCM varies the steering assist by adjusting the current flow through the solenoid. The amount of steering assist adjusted for steering is dependent upon vehicle speed. As the vehicle speed increases, the following actions occur:
* The steering assist decreases
* The driver effort increases.
As the vehicle speed decreases, the following actions occur:
* The steering assist increases
* The driver effort decreases.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The EBCM performs 2 diagnostic tests for the VES circuits when the ignition voltage is between 10.5 volts and 17 volts. The numbers below corresponds to the numbers in Conditions for Setting the DTC.
1. Off State Test (Open Circuit Test) - When the ignition is first turned ON, the EBCM performs an open circuit test independent of vehicle speed or engine running.
2. On State Test (Open or Short Circuit Test) - If the Off State Test is passed, the EBCM runs the On State Test during VES operations. The VES operations occur during driving. The EBCM detects an open or short in the VES circuit by comparing the feedback current to the commanded current.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The EBCM performs 2 different tests to detect a DTC condition. The numbers below correspond to the number in Conditions for Running the DTC.
1. The EBCM detects an open in the VES circuit.
2. The EBCM detects an open or short in the VES circuit when the feedback current is less than 155 mA while the absolute value of the commanded current is greater than 826 mA for 2.5 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The EBCM disables the variable effort steering (VES) for the duration of the ignition cycle.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
* The condition for the DTC is no longer present (the DTC is not current) and you used the scan tool Clear DTC function.
* The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.
Diagnostic Aids
The vehicle may need to be driven to view non-zero values of the Magna Steer Commanded Current and Magna Steer Feedback Current on the scan tool.
The EBCM controls a bi-directional magnetic rotary solenoid. The solenoid is in the steering gear. The solenoid adjusts the amount of power steering assist in order to achieve a given level of driver effort in turning the vehicle. The EBCM varies the steering assist by adjusting the current flow through the solenoid. The amount of steering assist adjusted for steering is dependent upon vehicle speed. As the vehicle speed increases, the following actions occur:
* The steering assist decreases
* The driver effort increases.
As the vehicle speed decreases, the following actions occur:
* The steering assist increases
* The driver effort decreases.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The EBCM performs 2 diagnostic tests for the VES circuits when the ignition voltage is between 10.5 volts and 17 volts. The numbers below corresponds to the numbers in Conditions for Setting the DTC.
1. Off State Test (Open Circuit Test) - When the ignition is first turned ON, the EBCM performs an open circuit test independent of vehicle speed or engine running.
2. On State Test (Open or Short Circuit Test) - If the Off State Test is passed, the EBCM runs the On State Test during VES operations. The VES operations occur during driving. The EBCM detects an open or short in the VES circuit by comparing the feedback current to the commanded current.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The EBCM performs 2 different tests to detect a DTC condition. The numbers below correspond to the number in Conditions for Running the DTC.
1. The EBCM detects an open in the VES circuit.
2. The EBCM detects an open or short in the VES circuit when the feedback current is less than 155 mA while the absolute value of the commanded current is greater than 826 mA for 2.5 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The EBCM disables the variable effort steering (VES) for the duration of the ignition cycle.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
* The condition for the DTC is no longer present (the DTC is not current) and you used the scan tool Clear DTC function.
* The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.
Diagnostic Aids
The vehicle may need to be driven to view non-zero values of the Magna Steer Commanded Current and Magna Steer Feedback Current on the scan tool.
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