Steering System: Overview Dodge Caliber I

This vehicle comes with power steering as standard equipment and it is the only steering system available. The power steering system consists of these major components

1. Power Steering Pump
2. Power Steering Gear
3. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
4. Power Steering Fluid Pressure Hose
5. Power Steering Fluid Return Hose
6. Power Steering Fluid Cooler

For information on the first two components, refer to their respective sections within this service information group. Information on the remaining components can be found in Power Steering Pump.

Turning of the steering wheel is converted into linear (side-to-side) travel through the meshing of the helical pinion teeth with the rack teeth within the steering gear. The lateral travel pushes and pulls the tie rods to change the direction of the vehicle's front wheels.

Power assist steering is provided by a belt driven rotary type pump. It directs fluid through power steering fluid hoses to the power steering gear where it is used to assist the driver's turning effort.

Manual steering control of the vehicle can be maintained if power steering assist is lost. However, under this condition, steering effort is significantly increased.

OPERATION

The Steering Control Module (SCM) communicates over the Local Interconnect Network (LIN) data bus with other electronic modules in the vehicle and/or a diagnostic scan tool. The horn switch circuits pass through the clockspring to the Cab Compartment Node (CCN) and the CCN sends a CAN message to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) to control the horn. The CCN stores Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) for the SCM. The right (wiper) multi-function switch has several inputs to the CCN.

The SCM is connected to a fused B(+) circuit and receives a path to ground at all times. These connections allow it to remain functional regardless of the ignition switch position. The driver airbag squib circuits of the clockspring, the horn, and the speed control switch circuits pass through the SCM, but the SCM does not monitor, and has no control outputs related to these circuits. Any other input to the SCM that would cause a vehicle system to function but does not require that the ignition switch be in the On position, such as turning on the lights or sounding the horn, prompts the SCM to wake up and transmit on the CAN data bus.

The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the SCM, the CAN data bus, the hard wired inputs or the electronic communication related to SCM operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

The integral SCM is not available for separate service replacement. If found inoperative or defective, the entire left (lighting) multi-function switch must be replaced. Refer to REMOVAL .

Scheme 9

1. Place the front road wheels in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
2. Open hood.
3. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. WARNING: Wait two minutes for the airbag system reserve capacitor to discharge before beginning any airbag system or component service. Failure to do so may result in accidental airbag deployment, personal injury or death.
4. Remove steering wheel. See «REMOVAL»(ref-284867-S22579124912008051600000) .
5. Remove upper and lower steering column shrouds to gain access to the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM). See «REMOVAL»(ref-284867-S34843196052008051600000) .
6. Lock the clockspring rotor in the center position as follows: Insert a grenade pin through the hole in the rotor at the 10 o'clock position.
7. Remove the three screws (1) to the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) (3).
8. Disconnect the electrical connectors (2) between the SCCM (1) and the instrument panel wiring harness at the base of the SCCM and remove from column.

Note. If only removing the SCCM from column, there is no need to continue to next step.

Scheme 10

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Scheme 13

1. Remove the left multi-function switch stalk retaining screw (2).
2. Pull the left stalk out of the SCCM.
3. Disconnect the left stalk electrical connector.
4. Separate the left switch from the SCCM.
5. Remove the one right multi-function switch retaining screw.
6. Pull right switch out of SCCM.
7. Disconnect the right switch electrical connector.