C0450
DTC C0450
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
DTC Descriptor
DTC C0450 00
- Steering Assist Control Solenoid Valve Circuit Malfunction
DTC C0450 04
- Steering Assist Control Solenoid Valve Circuit Open
DTC C0450 08
- Steering Assist Control Solenoid Valve Circuit Performance - Signal Invalid
DTC C0450 0B
- Steering Assist Control Solenoid Valve Circuit High Current
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The electronic brake control module (EBCM) controls the current through the variable effort steering actuator located on the steering gear. The current used to control the actuator is between 0-1 A. At low speeds and in parking lot maneuvers the current is applied to the actuator causing the orifice to open increasing fluid flow and reducing the steering effort. At high speeds the orifice is commanded closed by reducing current through the actuator and restricting fluid flow increasing steering effort. The EBCM monitors and compares the commanded and feedback current parameters to detect malfunctions in the variable effort steering system.
Conditions for Running the DTC
* Ignition ON.
* Ignition voltage is greater than 8 volts.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
A malfunction, open/high resistance, a invalid signal or a high current is detected on the high control or low control circuit.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
* The driver information center displays SERVICE POWER STEERING SYSTEM.
* The variable effort steering system is disabled for the remainder of the ignition cycle.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
* The condition for setting the DTC is no longer present and the DTC is cleared with a scan tool.
* 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 full actuator commanded and actuator feedback data parameters.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Power Steering Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector End Views By Name)
Description and Operation
Variable Effort Steering System Description and Operation (Variable Effort Steering System)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)
Circuit/System Testing
Note: It is recommended that Component Testing is performed before Circuit/System Testing when diagnosing the actuator because the module will default and does not supply voltage to the sensor when the DTC is set.
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the M72 Variable Power Steering Solenoid Valve.
2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the control circuit terminal A and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition OFF, connect the test lamp between the control circuit terminal A and the control circuit terminal B.
4. Ignition ON, verify the test lamp briefly illuminates for approximately 1 second, then turns OFF.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit terminal B for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K17 Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM).
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit terminal B for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K17 Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM).
5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the M72 Variable Power Steering Solenoid Valve.
Component Testing
Static Test
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the M72 Variable Power Steering Solenoid Valve.
2. Test for 2.5-10 ohm between the control terminals A and B.
• If not within the specified range, replace the M72 Variable Power Steering Solenoid Valve.
3. Test for infinite resistance between each terminal and the M72 Variable Power Steering Solenoid Valve housing/case.
• If not the specified value, replace the M72 Variable Power Steering Solenoid Valve.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests)
* Steering Gear Valve Solenoid Replacement (Steering Gear)
* Steering Gear Replacement (Steering Gear)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)