Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Manual & Power Steering All sections

Power Steering System: Other Chevrolet Sonic I

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Power Steering Schematics

Connector End View Reference

COMPONENT CONNECTOR END VIEWS - INDEX

Description and Operation

Power Steering System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

  1. «Circuit Testing»(ref-542498-S42729642072013041600000)
  2. «Connector Repairs»(ref-542498-S10348064002013041600000)
  3. «Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections»(ref-542498-S27468711012013041600000)
  4. «Wiring Repairs»(ref-542498-S06256207262013041600000)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Note. Since most occurrences of this DTC are caused by excessive driver inputs, review the conditions under which the DTC sets with the customer.

  1. Verify the DTC sets outside the conditions for running and setting the DTC. If the DTC sets within the conditions for running and setting the DTC The power steering system is operating as designed If the DTC sets outside the conditions for running and setting the DTC
  2. Operate the vehicle within the conditions that the customer experienced.
  3. Verify that the DTC does not set. If the DTC sets Replace the K43 Power Steering Control Module If the DTC does not set
  4. All OK.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

  1. «Steering Gear Replacement»(ref-542506-S14854649392013041600000)
  2. «Control Module References»(ref-542499-S01936129122013041600000) for power steering control module replacement, programming and setup.

Schematic Reference

Power Steering Schematics

Connector End View Reference

COMPONENT CONNECTOR END VIEWS - INDEX

Description and Operation

Power Steering System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

  1. «Circuit Testing»(ref-542498-S42729642072013041600000)
  2. «Connector Repairs»(ref-542498-S10348064002013041600000)
  3. «Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections»(ref-542498-S27468711012013041600000)
  4. «Wiring Repairs»(ref-542498-S06256207262013041600000)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

  1. Ignition ON
  2. Verify with a scan tool that DTC C0475 57 is not set. If the DTC is set Replace the steering column. If the DTC is not set
  3. All OK.

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

  1. «Steering Column Replacement»(ref-542491-S15816151792013041600000)
  2. «Control Module References»(ref-542499-S01936129122013041600000) for power steering control module replacement, programming and setup.

Schematic Reference

Power Steering Schematics

Connector End View Reference

COMPONENT CONNECTOR END VIEWS - INDEX

Description and Operation

Power Steering System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

  1. «Circuit Testing»(ref-542498-S42729642072013041600000)
  2. «Connector Repairs»(ref-542498-S10348064002013041600000)
  3. «Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections»(ref-542498-S27468711012013041600000)
  4. «Wiring Repairs»(ref-542498-S06256207262013041600000)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

  1. Ignition ON.
  2. Verify with a scan tool that DTC C0545 is not set. If the DTC is set Replace the steering column. If the DTC is not set
  3. All OK.

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

  1. «Steering Column Replacement»(ref-542491-S15816151792013041600000)
  2. «Control Module References»(ref-542499-S01936129122013041600000) for power steering control module replacement, programming and setup.

Schematic Reference

  1. «Data Communication Schematics»(ref-542516-S26554268112013041600000)
  2. «Control Module References»(ref-542499-S01936129122013041600000)

Connector End View Reference

COMPONENT CONNECTOR END VIEWS - INDEX

Description and Operation

Data Link Communications Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

  1. «Circuit Testing»(ref-542498-S42729642072013041600000)
  2. «Connector Repairs»(ref-542498-S10348064002013041600000)
  3. «Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections»(ref-542498-S27468711012013041600000)
  4. «Wiring Repairs»(ref-542498-S06256207262013041600000)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

  1. Ignition ON.
  2. Verify DTC C056D is not set. If DTC C056D is set in a device that can be programmed Program the device that set the DTC. Verify the DTC does not set. If the DTC sets, replace the device that set the DTC. If the DTC does not set All OK. If DTC C056D is set in a device that cannot be programmed Replace the device that set the DTC. If DTC C056D is not set
  3. All OK

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

Control Module References for device replacement, programming and setup

Note. Review the system description and operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to Power Steering System Description and Operation .

Increase in Effort While Turning Steering Wheel

StepActionYesNo
1Did you review the Power Steering System Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System
2Verify that there is an increase in effort while turning is present. Does the system operate normally?System OKGo to Step 3
3Check for the following tire related conditions: Incorrect tire inflation-Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label . Improper tire size Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 10Go to Step 4
4Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Check for a binding or worn tie rod end. Is the tie rod binding or worn?Go to Step 7Go to Step 5
5Check for a worn or binding intermediate shaft. Is the intermediate shaft worn or binding?Go to Step 8Go to Step 6
6Check for a worn or binding steering gear. Is the steering gear worn or binding?Go to Step 9System OK
7Replace the outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 10
8Replace the intermediate shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 10
9Replace the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 10
10Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OK

Increase in Effort While Turning Steering Wheel

Poor Return of Steering Wheel

StepActionYesNo
DEFINITION: After completing a turn, extra steering input is required for the steering wheel to return to center.
1Did you review the Power Steering System Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System
2Verify that poor return of the steering wheel is present. Does the system operate normally?System OKGo to Step 3
3Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Lubricate the tie rod ends and ball joints, if applicable. Inspect the suspension system for worn or damaged components. Repair as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 12Go to Step 4
4Rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in both directions. Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position. Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction?Go to Step 5Go to Step 10
5NOTE: Position the wheels straight ahead. Do NOT rotate the steering wheel more than one complete revolution from center. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering column. Note the position of the steering wheel and rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in both directions. Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position. Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction?Go to Step 11Go to Step 6
6Inspect the intermediate shaft for stiff or loose joints. Repair or replace as necessary. Did you find and complete the repair?Go to Step 12Go to Step 7
7Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation . Disconnect both outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Use your hands in order to move the tie rod end studs. If abnormally difficult to move, replace the tie rod end. If equipped with recirculating ball steering, ensure that idler and pitman arm joints are not to stiff. Repair as necessary. Did you find and complete the repair?Go to Step 12Go to Step 8
8Use your hands to rotate the steering knuckle inboard and outboard in order to inspect for a binding strut bearings, ball joints, or axle. Repair or replace any abnormally stiff or loose components. Did you find and complete the repair?Go to Step 12Go to Step 9
9Inspect for binding in the steering gear. If a binding is present, repair or replace the steering gear. Did you find and complete the repair?Go to Step 12Go to Step 10
10Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement . Did you find and complete the repair?Go to Step 12
11Inspect the steering column for a binding. If a binding is present, repair or replace the steering column as necessary. Did you find and complete the repair?Go to Step 12
12Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OK
NOTE
Position the wheels straight ahead. Do NOT rotate the steering wheel more than one complete revolution from center.

Poor Return of Steering Wheel

Steering Wheel Surges/Jerks While Turning

StepActionYesNo
1Did you review the Power Steering System Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System
2Verify that the steering wheel surges or jerks while turning. Does the system operate normally?System OKGo to Step 3
3Inspect the front suspension for worn or binding components. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 14Go to Step 4
4Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Inspect the steering linkage outer tie rod for wear or a binding condition. Is the steering linkage outer tie rod worn or binding?Go to Step 10Go to Step 5
5Inspect the intermediate steering shaft for wear or a binding condition. Is the intermediate steering shaft worn or binding?Go to Step 11Go to Step 6
6Inspect the steering gear for wear or a binding condition. Is the steering gear worn or binding?Go to Step 12Go to Step 7
7Inspect the steering column for wear or a binding condition. Is the steering column worn or binding?Go to Step 13Go to Step 8
8Inspect the power steering assist motor for an indication of excessive heat. Does the power steering assist motor appear to be overheated?Go to Step 9Go to Step 13
9NOTE: Do not perform excessive parking lot maneuvers during testing. Excessive parking lot maneuvers can cause the power steering assist motor to heat up. Allow the power steering assist motor to cool and retest the system.Did you correct the condition?Go to Step 14Go to Step 13
10Replace the steering linkage outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 14
11Replace the intermediate steering shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 14
12Replace the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 14
13Replace the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 14
14Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3
NOTE
Do not perform excessive parking lot maneuvers during testing. Excessive parking lot maneuvers can cause the power steering assist motor to heat up.

Steering Wheel Surges/Jerks While Turning

Steering Wheel Kickback

ConditionAction
The steering column mounting bolts are loose.Tighten the pivot bolt and the mounting bolts to specification.
The steering gear is loosely mounted.Tighten the steering gear mounting bolts to specification.
The steering linkage tie rods are loose or damaged.Inspect the steering linkage tie rods. If necessary, replace the steering linkage tie rods. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement , or to Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement .

Steering Wheel Kickback

Steering Effort Hard or Too Easy in One or Both Directions

ConditionAction
The battery power is low.Confirm proper battery voltage.
The intermediate shaft dash seal is binding.Adjust the dash seal, or replace the intermediate shaft assembly if necessary. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
The intermediate shaft joints are loose or worn.Inspect the joints and the pinch bolts for damage, and replace the intermediate shaft if necessary. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
The steering gear is binding.If necessary, inspect and replace the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .
The upper steering shaft is bent.If necessary, replace the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .
The assist mechanism hub gear is misaligned or damaged.Replace the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .
The sensor wire is damaged.Replace the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .
The controller is malfunctioning.Confirm the DTC. If necessary, replace the steering column, which includes the motor and module assembly. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .
The motor shaft is binding.Confirm the DTC. If necessary, replace the steering column, which includes the motor and module assembly. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .

Steering Effort Hard or Too Easy in One or Both Directions

Steering Wheel Position Sensor

The power steering control module (PSCM) uses the steering position sensor to determine the steering system on center position. Since the power steering motor provides a slight amount of return to center assist, the PSCM will command the power steering motor to the steering system center position and not beyond. The sensor is a 5-volt dual analog triangle signal device with a valid signal voltage range of 0-5 volts. The sensors signal 1 and signal 2 voltage values will increase and decrease within the valid voltage range, and stay within 2.5-2.8 volts of each other as the steering wheel is turned.

Power Steering Motor

The power steering motor is a 12-volt brushless DC reversible motor with a 65-amp rating. The motor assists steering through a worm gear and reduction gear located in the steering column housing.

Power Steering Control Module (PSCM)

The power steering control module (PSCM) uses a combination of steering shaft torque sensor input, vehicle speed, calculated system temperature and steering tuning to determine the amount of steering assist. When the steering wheel is turned, the PSCM uses signal voltage from the steering shaft torque sensor to detect the amount of torque and steering direction being applied to the steering column shaft and then command the proper amount of current to the power steering motor. The PSCM receives a vehicle speed message from the powertrain control module (PCM) via the serial data circuit. At low speeds more assist is provided for easy turning during parking maneuvers. At high speeds, less assist is provided for improved road feel and directional stability. The PSCM nor the power steering motor are designed to handle 65 amps continuously. If the power steering system is exposed to excessive amounts of static steering conditions, the PSCM will go into a protection mode to avoid thermal damage to the power steering components. In this mode the PSCM will limit the amount of current commanded to the power steering motor which reduces system temperature and steering assist levels. The PSCM must also be setup with the correct steering tuning which are different in relation to the vehicles powertrain configuration, sedan, coupe, tire and wheel size etc. The PSCM has the ability to detect malfunctions within the power steering system. Any malfunction detected will cause the driver information center (DIC) to turn ON a warning indicator.