Variable Effort Steering Diagnostic System Check
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am and 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
The presence of DTCs which begin with "U" indicate some other module on Class 2 serial data line is not communicating.
- Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). DLC is located under driver side of instrument panel. If scan tool powers up, go to next step. If scan tool does not power up, go to TEST A: SCAN TOOL DOES NOT POWER UP under SYSTEM TESTS.
- Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Attempt to establish communication with Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). If scan tool communicates with EBCM, go to next step. If scan tool does not communicate with EBCM, go to TEST B: SCAN TOOL DOES NOT COMMUNICATE WITH CLASS 2 DEVICE under SYSTEM TESTS.
- Using scan tool, select VES display DTCS function and retrieve any DTCs. If scan tool does not display any EBCM or TCS DTCs, go to next step. If scan tool displays any EBCM or TCS DTCs, perform anti-lock brake system diagnostic systems check. See ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK .
- If scan tool does not display any DTCs that start with a "U", go to next step. If scan tool displays any DTCs that start with a "U", go to TEST B: SCAN TOOL DOES NOT COMMUNICATE WITH CLASS 2 DEVICE under SYSTEM TESTS.
- If scan tool displays DTC C1241, perform appropriate test. If no codes are displayed, repair electronic steering by symptom. See ELECTRONIC - VARIABLE EFFORT STEERING - ALERO & GRAND AM article in STEERING.