Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Pinpoint Test D: Unable To Replicate Customers Intermittent Assist Concern During A Test Drive
- NOTE: Customers may report an intermittent power steering concern that may not replicate during a test drive session. TSB, SSM or Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) may exist indicating the likely root cause. Retrieve all Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for the vehicle, as well as TSB, SSM.
Normal Operation and Fault Conditions there are 2 power sources for the PSCM, the high current power steering fuse, and the low current power steering fuse. Refer to the OEM ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAM INTRODUCTION to review the PSCM circuit for both the high current and low current fuse locations as well as the associated power and ground wiring. Open power steering fuse can occur when the power or ground wiring is shorted against another component or water intrusion in the respective connectors or connections.
REFER to: Power Steering - System Operation and Component Description .
DTC Diagnostic Strategy
- If lost communication or voltage Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) exist in the PSCM or other vehicle modules, possible source can be fuse(s) or wiring, terminals, or connectors
- If Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) other than lost communication or voltage exist in the PSCM or other vehicle modules, the possible source can be an internal fault in the PSCM or other vehicle modules.
- If no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present in the PSCM or other vehicle modules, the concern could be addressed by a service article such as a TSB, GSB, SSM, or FSA.
Possible Sources
- Fuse(s)
- Wiring, terminals or connectors
- PSCM internal fault
- Internal fault in other module(s) on the CAN
- D1 CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) FROM ALL MODULES
- Ignition ON.
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, retrieve the Continuous Memory Diagnostic Trouble Codes (CMDTCs) from all modules.
Are Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) present in the PSCM or any other modules?
Yes DIAGNOSE the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in the PSCM and other vehicle modules. For the PSCM, REFER to the DTC Chart in this information. For other vehicle modules, REFER to the Master DTC Chart. No CHECK OASIS for any applicable service articles: TSB, GSB, SSM or FSA. If a service article exists for this concern, DISCONTINUE this test and FOLLOW the service article instructions. If there are no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) present and there are no service articles associated with this concern and the concern cannot be verified, RETURN the vehicle to the customer.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.