Flushing

Flushing the steering gear is required when installing a repaired power steering pump.
1. Remove the power steering pump and remove the power steering pump rotor.
2. Install the power steering pump rotor on the repaired power steering pump. Install the power steering pump and connect only the power steering pressure hose to the power steering pump.
3. Place the power steering return hose from the steering gear in a suitable container and plug the power steering fluid reservoir return tube.
4. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir with MERCON(R) Power Steering Fluid.
5. Disconnect the ICM connector to prevent the engine from starting and raise the front wheels off the ground.
6. While approximately two quarts of steering gear fluid are being poured into the reservoir, crank the engine using the ignition switch. At the same time, cycle the steering wheel from stop to stop. Do not hold the steering wheel against a stop for more than three to five seconds at a time.
7. As soon as all of the fluid has been poured in, turn the ignition switch off and attach the ICM connector.

NOTE: Be careful to avoid excessive cranking as the battery will be drained and the starter motor damaged.

8. To clear fault codes, disconnect the battery for one minute, and then reconnect the battery.

NOTE: When the battery is disconnected and reconnected some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the powertrain control module (PCM) relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 mi) or more to relearn the strategy.

9. Remove the plug from the power steering oil reservoir return tube, and attach the power steering return hose to the power steering fluid reservoir.
10. Check the power steering fluid reservoir fluid level, add fluid to the proper level.
11. Start the engine and cycle the steering from stop to stop to expel any trapped air from the system.