Inspection and Verification

Inspection and Verification

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

Visual Inspection Chart:

3. NOTE: The 2 areas that should be inspected for possible contamination are the power steering reservoir filter, and the check valve in the inlet port on the power steering gear (if equipped).

Inspect the power steering fluid for the following conditions:
^ Aerated or foamy: 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 power steering system for fluid leaks.
^ Check the power steering fluid level.
^ With the ignition ON:
- Wipe off the power steering pump, power steering pressure hose, power steering return hose, power steering fluid cooler, hose assembly and steering gear.

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

Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times and check for leaks.

5. Inspect the power steering pressure and return hoses, fittings and O-rings for leaks.
^ If a leak is detected at a fitting or clamp plate, tighten to specification. If the leak is still evident, visually inspect the fittings, clamp plate, O-rings, and Teflon seals. Install new as necessary.
^ If a leak is detected at a constant tension spring clamp, verify that the hose is fully installed on the fitting and that the hose 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, tighten the screw clamp. If the leak remains, inspect the tube end and install a new hose.
^ If a leak is detected at the power steering reservoir, install a new reservoir.
^ If a leak is detected at a power steering pressure or return hose, install a new hose.
^ If a leak is detected between a fitting nut, install a new fitting nut.
^ If a leak is detected at the power steering pump, install a new power steering pump.

External Leak Check - Potential Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering Gear Leak Points:

6. NOTE: To inspect for leaks it may be necessary to remove the squeeze-type clamp from the steering gear boots.

Inspect the power steering gear for leaks. If a leak is detected at the power steering gear, install a new power steering gear.

7. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause before proceeding to the next step.
8. 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.

9. If the diagnostic tool still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the diagnostic tool manual.
10. Carry out the diagnostic tool data link test. If the diagnostic tool responds with:
SCP, CAN or ISO; all electronic control units no response/not equipped, refer to Information Bus (Module Communications Network).
^ No response/not equipped for FEM, refer to Body Control Systems (Multifunction Electronic Control Modules).
^ 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.

11. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to the Front Electronic Module (FEM) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index to continue diagnosis. Diagnostic Trouble Code Tests and Associated Procedures
12. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, proceed to next step to continue diagnosis.
13. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause before proceeding to the next step.
14. If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and GO to Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures