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Electronic Steering System - Variable Effort Steering Cadillac STS I

Electronic Steering 4 illustrations ~1042 words

Steering Controls Schematic Icons

Steering Controls Schematic Icons Icon Icon Definition IMPORTANT: Twisted-pair wires provide an effective shield that helps protect sensitive electronic components from electrical interference. If the wires were covered with shielding, install new shielding. In order to prevent electrical interference from degrading the performance of the connected components, you must maintain the proper specification when making any repairs to the twisted-pair wires shown : The wires must be twisted a minimum of 9 turns per 31 cm (12 in) as measured anywhere along the length of the wires The outside diameter of the twisted wires must not exceed 6.0 mm (0.25 in)

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Steering Controls Schematic Icons

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: Steering Controls Schematics

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Steering Controls Component Views
CalloutComponent Name
1Telescoping Drive Wheel
2Steering Angle Sensor
3Turn Signal/Multifunction Switch
4Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch Assembly
5Steering Wheel Controls Seek Button
6Steering Wheel Controls Volume Button
7C277
8Horn Switch Connector
9Steering Wheel Controls Mute/Source Button -or- Heated Steering Wheel Button (KA1)
10Steering Wheel Controls Voice/Preset Button
11Heated Steering Wheel
12Tilt/Telescope Switch
13Tilt Actuator
14C202
15Steering Column Lock Control Module (UA2)

Scheme 4

Scheme 4
CalloutComponent Name
1Power Steering Rack (LHD)
2Variable Effort Steering Actuator (LHD)
3Variable Effort Steering Actuator Wiring Harness

Steering Controls Connector End Views

Steering Angle Sensor Connector End Connector Part Information OEM: 12064978 Service: 12125678 6-Way F Micro-Pack 100 Series (GY) Terminal Part Information Terminal: Terminal Seal: Release Tool: Core Crimp: Insulation Crimp: Test Probe: Pin Wire Color Circuit No. Function 1 GY/BK 1337 5 Volt Reference 2 L-GN/BK 1338 Low Reference 3-4 - - Not Used 5 L-GN 1763 Steering Wheel Position Signal A 6 L-BU 1764 Steering Wheel Position Signal B

Variable Effort Steering Actuator Connector End (w/NV7) Connector Part Information OEM: 963040-1 Service: 2-Way F Junior Power Timer Series (BU) Pin Wire Color Circuit No. Function 1 GY 1787 Variable Effort Steering Actuator High Effort Control 2 WH 345 Variable Effort Steering Actuator Low Effort Control

Variable Effort Steering Actuator Connector End (w/o NV7) Connector Part Information OEM: E3550 Service: 2-Way F Sealed 1.5 mm (BK) Pin Wire Color Circuit No. Function 1 GY 1787 Variable Effort Steering Actuator High Effort Control 2 WH 345 Variable Effort Steering Actuator Low Effort Control

Diagnostic Starting Point - Variable Effort Steering

Begin the system diagnosis with the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information. The Diagnostic System Check will provide the following information

  1. The identification of the control modules which command the system
  2. The ability of the control modules to communicate through the serial data circuit
  3. The identification of any stored diagnostic trouble codes and their status

The use of the Diagnostic System Check will identify the correct procedure for diagnosing the system and where the procedure is located.

Scan Tool Output Controls

Scan Tool Output ControlAdditional Menu SelectionsDescription
VES actuatorVES testThe Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) can be commanded using the scan tool to perform a self-test varying steering effort from more firm, to less firm, to more firm, then back to normal.

Scan Tool Output Controls

Scan Tool Data List

Scan Tool ParameterData ListUnits DisplayedTypical Data Value
Ignition ON/engine ON/ no vehicle speed present
ABS Reference SpeedVES DataMph0
LF Wheel SpeedVES DataMph0
LR Wheel SpeedVES DataMph0
RF Wheel SpeedVES DataMph0
RR Wheel SpeedVES DataMph0
Ignition VoltageVES DataVolts13.25
Switched System Battery VoltageVES DataVolts13.25
VES FailedVES DataYes/NoNo
VES Indicator MessageVES DataOn/OffOff
VES Commanded CurrentVES DataAmps1.00
VES Feedback CurrentVES DataAmps1.00

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit Description

The electronic brake control module (EBCM) commands current from 0-1 amp to the variable effort steering (VES) actuator, depending on vehicle speed. At low speeds, 1 amp of current is commanded to the actuator and the actuator valve is in the retracted position. At high speeds, no current is commanded to the actuator and the valve moves closer to the power steering fluid orifice. The EBCM monitors and compares the VES Commanded Current and VES Feedback Current parameters to detect malfunctions in the VES system.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC

DTC C0450 Steering Assist Control Solenoid/Motor/Actuator Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

  1. Ignition voltage between 10.5-17 volts
  2. Off state test-Initial ignition ON, no engine RPM or vehicle speed present.
  3. On state test-If off state test passes, engine RPM and vehicle speed present.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

An open, short to ground, or short to voltage in the VES actuator or the circuits to the actuator

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

  1. DTC C0450 is stored in memory.
  2. The driver information center (DIC) displays the SERVICE STEERING SYSTEM warning message.
  3. The VES system is disabled for the remainder of the ignition cycle.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

  1. A current DTC will clear when the malfunction is no longer present.
  2. A history DTC will clear after 100 ignition cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

The vehicle may need to be driven to view full VES Actuator Commanded and Actuator Feedback Data parameters.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. 2: This step tests if the Actuator Commanded and Actuator Feedback Current parameters are within specification in their active state.
  2. 3: Perform the VES test located under Special Functions. This test may indicate if the VES actuator is mechanically bound.
  3. 4: This step tests if the resistance of the VES actuator is within specification.
  4. 7: This step tests the control circuit of the VES actuator for a short to ground.
  5. 13: Perform the setup procedure after EBCM replacement.
StepActionValuesYesNo
Schematic Reference: Steering Controls Schematics Connector End View Reference: Steering Controls Connector End Views
1Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?Go to Step 2Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information
2Start the engine. Observe the VES Actuator Commanded Current and VES Actuator Feedback Current Data parameters in the VES data list for the EBCM with a scan tool. Are the VES Actuator Commanded Current and VES Actuator Feedback Current parameters within 0.03 amps of each other and within the specified range?0.9-1 ampGo to Step 3Go to Step 4
3Select F2: VES Test with the scan tool. Does the scan tool indicate Test Passed?Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring SystemsGo to Step 4
4Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the variable effort steering (VES) actuator harness connector. Measure the resistance of the VES actuator. Does the resistance measure within specified range?5.7-7.2 ohmsGo to Step 5Go to Step 12
5Test the VES actuator and actuator harness for a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Was a short to ground located?Go to Step 6Go to Step 7
6Inspect the actuator harness for any cut, chaffed, or damaged wires. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 15Go to Step 14
7Test the control circuit of the VES actuator for a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 15Go to Step 8
8Test the control circuit of the VES actuator for an open or short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 15Go to Step 9
9Test the return circuit of the VES actuator for a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 15Go to Step 10
10Test the return circuit of the VES actuator for an open or a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 15Go to Step 11
11Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the electronic brake control module (EBCM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 15Go to Step 13
12Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the VES actuator. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 15Go to Step 14
13IMPORTANT: Perform the setup procedure for the EBCM. Replace and reprogram the EBCM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems.Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 15
14Replace the VES actuator. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System. Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 15
15Clear the DTCs with the scan tool. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. Does DTC C0450 reset?Go to Step 2System OK
IMPORTANT
Perform the setup procedure for the EBCM.

DTC C0450

Variable Effort Steering System Description and Operation

The variable effort steering (VES) system varies the amount of effort to steer the vehicle as wheel speed changes or lateral acceleration occurs. The electronic brake control module (EBCM) controls an actuator located in the steering rack and pinion. The actuator consists of an electromagnetic coil and a pintle valve which moves in and out of the rack and pinion's input fluid orifice, regulating power steering fluid flow. The EBCM commands current from 0-1 amp to the VES actuator which varies the amount of effort to steer the vehicle. At low speeds, 1 amp of current is commanded to the VES actuator and the pintle valve is fully retracted which provides maximum fluid flow and maximum steering assist for easy turning and parking maneuvers. At high speeds, no current is commanded and the pintle valve moves closer to the orifice, decreasing fluid flow, providing firmer steering, increased road feel, and directional stability. The VES system uses the steering wheel position sensor input to calculate lateral acceleration during abrupt driving maneuvers. The system also uses the antilock brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensor inputs to determine vehicle speed. The EBCM is constantly monitoring these inputs to achieve the desired current to the VES actuator. The EBCM has the ability to detect malfunctions in the VES actuator or the circuits to the actuator. Any malfunctions detected will cause the VES outputs to be disabled and the EBCM will command the driver information center (DIC) to display the SERVICE STEERING SYSTEM warning message via a class 2 serial data circuit.