Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

1. Verify the customer's concern by operating the steering system while driving to duplicate the condition.
2. Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply:
Visual Inspection:
Mechanical
^ Tire pressure, loose wheels.
^ Loose tie rod ends, inner ball sockets.
^ Loose suspension retainers.
^ Loose universal joints.
^ Loose connecting bolts on column intermediate shaft.
^ Loose steering gear assembly,
^ Improper drive belt tension.
^ Binding or misaligned steering column.
^ Power steering pump, fluid level, hose leak or line restrictions.

Electrical
^ Open Fuse 8 (5A), 20 (5A) or 23 (5A).
^ Connectors damaged.
^ Vehicle speed sensor damaged.
^ Power steering pump actuator valve damaged.
^ Generic electronic module damaged.

3. If inspection reveals an obvious concern that is repairable, correct the concern before continuing with Inspection and Verification.
4. If the concern remains after the inspection, connect the New Generation Star (NGS) Tester 418-F048 or equivalent scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC) located beneath the instrument panel to perform DATA LINK DIAGNOSTICS test. If the scan tool responds with NO RESPONSE/NOT EQUIPPED for the generic electronic module, go to Pinpoint Test A. A: No Communications With Generic Electronic Module (GEM)
If the DATA LINK DIAGNOSTICS test is passed for the generic electronic module retrieve continuous DTCs and execute self test diagnostic for the generic electronic module to retrieve current DTCs.
5. If DTCs are retrieved, go to the Generic Electronic Module (GEM) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index to continue diagnostics. Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index
6. If self test is passed and no DTCs are retrieved, go to the Symptom Chart to continue diagnostics. Symptom Chart
7. If the generic electronic module cannot be accessed by the scan tool, go to Pinpoint Test A. A: No Communications With Generic Electronic Module (GEM)

Service Bay Diagnostic System (SBDS) 418-F001 may also be used to diagnose this system.