Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

Special Tools:

Special Tool(s)

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 can result.

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

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the steering system.
^ Check the tire pressure. For additional information, refer to the Vehicle Certification (VC) label.
^ Verify that all tires are sized to specification.
^ Check the tires for damage or uneven wear.





2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.
3. Check the belt and tensioner.
4. Check the fluid level.
^ Verify that the power steering fluid level is within the appropriate hot or cold range on the dipstick. Add MERCON Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or MERCON equivalent.
5. Check for air bleeding.
^ Verify that there is no air in the power steering system. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. Turn the steering wheel to the left and right several times without hitting the stops. If any air bubbles are present, refer to Power Steering System Purging.
6. Check for external leaks.
^ With the ignition switch at OFF, wipe any dirt or debris off of the power steering pump, power steering pressure hose, power steering return hose, power steering fluid cooler and hose assembly and steering gear.

^ CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.

^ With the engine running, turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times. Repair as necessary if leaks are observed.

7. Check turning effort.
8. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported malfunction is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
9. If the concern remains after the inspection, connect the diagnostic tool to the data link connector (DLC) located beneath the instrument panel, and select the vehicle to be tested from the diagnostic tool menu. If the diagnostic tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
^ Check that the program card is correctly installed.
^ Check the connections to the vehicle.
^ Check the ignition switch position.
10. If the diagnostic tool still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the tester manual.
11. Carry out the DATA LINK DIAGNOSTIC TEST. If the diagnostic tool responds with:
^ CKT914, CKT915 or CKT70 = ALL ECUS NO RESP/NOT EQUIP, refer to Module Communication Network.
^ NO RESP/NOT EQUIP for YAPS, refer to Module Communication Network.
^ SYSTEM PASSED, retrieve and record the continuous diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), erase the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the FEM module.
12. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) index to continue diagnostics. If there are FEM DTC's not concerning the VAPS system, refer to Module Communications Network for further diagnostics. Diagnostic Trouble Code Tests and Associated Procedures
13. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, proceed to Symptom Chart to continue diagnostics. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures
14. If the fault is not visually evident, determine the symptom and GO to Symptom Chart.