DESCRIPTION
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
- Power Steering Pump
- Power Steering Gear
- Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
- Power Steering Fluid Pressure Hose
- Power Steering Fluid Return Hose
- Power Steering Fluid Cooler
For information on the first two components, refer to service information. Information on the remaining components can be found in Pump .
OPERATION - GAS ENGINE
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 - DIESEL ENGINE
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 combination water and power steering pump. The belt drives the water pump, onto which the power steering pump is mounted. 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 SWITCH, Multifunction, Left, Removal .
The power steering pump and water pump are part of one assembly, and are not serviced separately. To service the assembly, refer to PUMP, Water, Removal or PUMP, Water, Afterrun, Removal .
The recommended fluid for the power steering system is Mopar® Power Steering fluid + 4 or Mopar® ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Both fluids have the same material standard specifications (MS-9602).
Mopar® ATF+4 (and Mopar® Power Steering fluid + 4), when new, is red in color. ATF+4 is dyed red so it can be identified from other fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid condition. As the vehicle is driven, ATF+4 will begin to look darker in color and may eventually become brown. THIS IS NORMAL. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. Consequently, odor and color cannot be used to indicate the fluid condition or the need for a fluid change.
DESCRIPTION - GAS ENGINE
The power steering fluid reservoir (5) is mounted above the right front inner fender well to a bracket (2).
Scheme 1
The power steering fluid reservoir (2) is mounted behind the radiator support on the left side of the engine bay, next to the battery.