Symptom Chart - Steering System and NVH

NOTE: NVH symptoms should be identified using the diagnostic tools that are available. For a list of these tools, an explanation of their uses and a glossary of common terms, refer to NOISE, VIBRATION & HARSHNESS . Since it is possible any one of multiple systems may be the cause of a symptom, it may be necessary to use a process of elimination type diagnostic approach to pinpoint the responsible system. If this is not the causal system for the symptom, refer back to NOISE, VIBRATION & HARSHNESS for the next likely system and continue diagnostics.

Select a symptom to see recommended actions

A module cannot communicate with the PSCM - Steering column mounted EPAS

Possible Source	Action
Fuse(s) Wiring, terminals or connectors HS-CAN concern PSCM	GO to PINPOINT TEST AF

Message center displays POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION SERVICE NOW

NOTE: This message will appear when a condition has been detected that requires the power steering control module (PSCM) to disable the system (remove assist) to help prevent the system from sustaining any possible damage. This message (and related symptom) may be cleared when the ignition key is cycled and may not be present at the time of diagnostics or may not clear until the condition that caused the message to appear has been repaired.

Possible Source	Action
DTCs present in the PSCM	GO to PINPOINT TEST KC

Excessive Steering Wheel Play

Excessive steering wheel play is a condition in which there is too much steering wheel movement before the wheels move. A small amount of steering wheel free play is considered normal.

Possible Source	Action
Steering column shaft/U-joints Loose, damaged or worn inner or outer tie rods Loose steering column shaft bolts Steering gear insulators or mounting bolts loose or damaged Steering gear internal failure EPAS column assembly	GO to PINPOINT TEST R

Lack of assist or inconsistent assist

NOTE: If the steering wheel is held at the end of travel for more than 2 seconds, the PSCM noticeably reduces assist to the EPAS gear. This is a normal condition programmed into the PSCM to protect the system from permanent damage.
NOTE: There are multiple conditions (overheating protection, high voltage, low voltage, etc.) which result in limited or reduced assist from the EPAS system. Address all existing PSCM DTCs prior to diagnosing any assist symptoms.

Lack of assist or inconsistent assist is experienced when the steering wheel effort is higher than normal. Hard steering can remain constant through the full turn or occur near the end of a turn. It is important to know the difference between hard steering/lack of assist and poor returnability/sticky steering.

Possible Source	Action
Fuse(s) Wiring, terminals or connectors Suspension components Steering gear internal failure EPAS column assembly internal failure. Loose, damaged or worn inner or outer tie rods	GO to PINPOINT TEST I

The PSCM does not respond to the diagnostic scan tool - steering Column mounted EPAS

Possible Source	Action
Fuse(s) Wiring, terminals or connectors HS-CAN concern PSCM	GO to PINPOINT TEST AF

Poor returnability/sticky steering

Poor returnability and sticky steering is used to describe the poor return of the steering wheel to center after a turn or steering correction is completed.

Possible Source	Action
Binding lower steering column shaft coupling/U-joint Loose, damaged or worn inner or outer tie rods Binding suspension components Binding steering gear Binding steering gear bearing(s) Binding steering column shaft dash panel seal Alignment/suspension EPAS column assembly	GO to PINPOINT TEST I

Steering system pull/drift/wander

NOTE: The EPAS system is designed to compensate for some steering issues (drift, pull, wander, etc.).
Drift describes what a vehicle with this condition does with the hands off the steering wheel.
Pull is described as a tugging sensation on the steering wheel felt by the driver, which must be overcome to keep the vehicle going straight.
Wander is the tendency of the vehicle to require frequent, random left and right steering wheel corrections to maintain a straight path down a level road.

A vehicle-related drift or pull, on a flat road, can cause a consistent deviation from the straight-ahead path and require constant steering input in the opposite direction to counteract the effect. Drift or pull can be induced by conditions external to the vehicle, such as wind or road camber

Possible Source	Action
Alignment Tire(s) Suspension Steering gear mounts Steering gear External influences	GO to PINPOINT TEST S

Feedback (rattle, chuckle or knocking noise) - roughness is felt in the steering wheel when driven over rough surfaces

Possible Source	Action
Steering column shaft/coupling bolts are loose	TIGHTEN the bolts to specification. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
Steering column shaft/coupling joints damaged or worn	INSTALL a new steering column intermediate shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
Loose, damaged or worn inner or outer tie rods	GO to PINPOINT TEST Q
Damaged steering gear bellows boots	INSTALL new bellows boot(s) with new clamps as necessary. REFER to Tie Rod .
Steering gear insulators or mounting bolts loose or damaged	TIGHTEN the bolts to specification or INSTALL new bolts as necessary. REFER to Steering Gear . If the steering gear insulators are damaged or missing, INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to Steering Gear .

Shimmy

Possible Source	Action
Loose, damaged or worn inner or outer tie rods	GO to PINPOINT TEST Q

Steering column squeaks, clicks or grinds

Possible Source	Action
Loose or misaligned steering column shrouds	TIGHTEN the steering column shroud screws.
Steering wheel rubbing against steering column shrouds	ALIGN the steering column shrouds.

Steering wheel is off center

Possible Source	Action
Alignment Steering angle sensor calibration	GO to PINPOINT TEST S