Inspection and Verification

Inspection and Verification

CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump may result.

NOTE: The FEPS system does not affect power steering system noise or leaks.

NOTE: Make the following preliminary checks before repairing the steering system:

1. Verify the customer concern.
2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart

Visual Inspection Chart:

3. Inspect the power steering fluid for the following conditions:
^ Aeration or foam: Purge the power steering system.
^ Overheating or contamination: Flush the power steering system.

4. NOTE: It may be necessary to add power steering fluid to achieve the correct level.

Check the fluid level and clean the power steering components.
With the ignition OFF:
^ check the power steering fluid level and add fluid as necessary.
^ wipe off any visible signs of fluid or residue build up.

^ CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.

Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times.
5. Visually inspect the power steering hydraulic line/hose connections for leaks.
^ If a leak is detected at a threaded fitting, clamp plate joint or banjo bolt fitting, tighten to specification. If the leak is still evident, visually inspect the 0-rings, Teflon(R) seals or banjo bolt washer seals. Install new 0-rings, Teflon(R) seals or banjo bolt washer seals as necessary.
^ If a leak is detected at a constant tension spring clamp, verify that the hose is not damaged and fully installed on the hose fitting. Make sure that the constant tension spring clamp is correctly positioned. If the leak remains, install a new constant tension spring clamp.
^ If a leak is detected at a screw clamp joint, verify that the hose is fully installed on the hose fitting before tightening the screw clamp. If the leak remains, install a new screw clamp.
^ If a leak is detected at the power steering pressure switch, install a new switch. Refer to the appropriate procedure.
6. Visually inspect the power steering components for leaks.
^ If a leak is detected in the power steering pressure line or return hose, install a new hose.
^ If a leak is detected in the power steering pump, install a new power steering pump.

^ NOTE: On vehicles with rack and pinion steering gear, it may be necessary to remove the bellows boot clamp from the steering gear bellows boot to inspect for internal steering gear leaks.

If a leak is detected in the steering gear, install a new steering gear.
^ If a leak is detected in the power steering reservoir, install a new reservoir.
7. For information on power steering leak detection, refer to Component Tests. Component Tests and General Diagnostics
8. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

9. NOTE: Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.

If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the data link connector (DLC).

10. NOTE: The vehicle communication module (VCM) LED prove out confirms power and ground from the DLC are provided to the VCM.

If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM:
^ check the VCM connection to the vehicle.
^ check the scan tool connection to the VCM.
^ refer to Information Bus (Module Communications Network), No Power To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no communication with the scan tool.
11. If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
^ verify the ignition key is in the ON position.
^ verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.
^ refer to Information Bus (Module Configuration) to diagnose no response from the PCM.
12. Carry out the network test.
^ If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, refer to Information Bus (Multiplex Communications Network).
^ If the network test passes, retrieve and record continuous memory DTCs.
13. Clear the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the SECM.
14. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to the Steering Effort Control Module (SECM) DTC Chart. For all other DTCs, refer to Body Control Systems (Multifunction Electronic Control Module). Diagnostic Trouble Code Tests and Associated Procedures
15. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart - Steering System or GO to Symptom Chart - Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH). Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures Symptom Chart - Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)