Power Steering System: Diagnosis Dodge Dakota III

FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST

1. Check the power steering belt to ensure it is in good condition and adjusted properly.
2. Connect pressure gauge hose from the Power Steering Analyzer to Tube 6825A.
3. Connect Adapter 6826 to Power Steering Analyzer test valve end.
4. Disconnect the high pressure hose from the power steering pump.
5. Connect the tube to the pump hose fitting.
6. Connect the power steering hose from the steering gear to the adapter.
7. Open the test valve completely.
8. Start engine and let idle long enough to circulate power steering fluid through flow/pressure test gauge and to get air out of the fluid. Then shut off engine.
9. Check fluid level, add fluid as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.
10. Gauge should read below 862 kPa (125 psi), if above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as necessary. The initial pressure reading should be in the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi).
11. Increase the engine speed to 1500 RPM and read the flow meter. If the flow rate (GPM) is below specification, (refer to «PUMP SPECIFICATION»(ref-247608-S36580234112007020100000) chart for GPM) the pump should be replaced. CAUTION: The following test procedure involves testing maximum pump pressure output and flow control valve operation. Do not leave valve closed for more than three seconds as the pump could be damaged.
12. Close valve fully three times and record highest pressure indicated each time. All three readings must be above specifications and within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other. Pressures above specifications but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, replace pump. Pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other but below specifications, replace pump.
13. Open the test valve and turn the steering wheel to the extreme left and right positions three times against the stops. Record the highest pressure reading at each position. Compare readings to the pump specifications chart. If pressures readings are not within 50 psi of each other, the gear is leaking internally and must be replaced. CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate against the stops for more than 2 to 3 seconds at a time because, pump damage will result.

PUMP SPECIFICATION

Scheme 8

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Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Note. The steering column on vehicles with an automatic transmission may not be equipped with an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative methods of locking the steering wheel for service will have to be used.

The tilt and standard column (4) has been designed to be serviced as an assembly; less wiring, switches, shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most steering column components can be serviced without removing the steering column from the vehicle. (Scheme 13)

To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag, refer to RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION and follow all WARNINGS and CAUTIONS.

Note. When servicing the steering wheel after removing the old bolt a new bolt must be used when installing.

Note. When servicing the coupler a new bolt must be used when installing.

TEST AND REPAIR

If the key removal effort is excessive on a vehicle with a automatic transmission first adjust the shift linkage.

If the ignition switch effort is excessive remove the ignition key cylinder from the steering column. Check the turning effort of the key cylinder. If the ignition key cylinder effort is excessive replace the key cylinder. If the ignition key cylinder operates properly look for the following conditions.

Scheme 14

Note. The steering column on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission is not equipped with an internal locking shaft with the ignition cylinder. Alternative methods of locking the steering wheel for service will have to be used.

The tilt and standard column (4) have been designed to be serviced as an assembly; without wiring, switches, shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most steering column components can be serviced without removing the steering column from the vehicle. (Scheme 14)

Safety goggles should be worn at all times when working on steering columns.

To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag, refer to RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION and follow all WARNINGS and CAUTIONS.

The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed first before removing ignition switch.

Scheme 15

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Scheme 17

1. Remove the negative (ground) cable from the battery.
2. Disable the airbag, «(Refer to REMOVAL)»(ref-247645-S39386279482007020100000).
3. Remove the lower and upper shrouds.
4. Remove key cylinder.
5. Disconnect the lower clockspring connectors.
6. Remove the wire retainer from the tilt lever bracket. 1 - IGNITION SWITCH 2 - TILT LEVER MECHANISM
7. Remove the tilt lever mounting screws to gain access to the ignition switch (1) mounting screws. (Scheme 15) 1 - Ignition Switch Mounting Screws 2 - Non-Tilt Mounting Bracket Screws
8. For columns without tilt remove the bracket (2) to gain access to the ignition switch mounting screws (2). (Scheme 16) 1 - Ignition Switch 2 - Ignition Switch Mounting Screws
9. Disconnect the electrical connector at rear of ignition switch (1). (Scheme 17)
10. Remove ignition switch mounting screw (2).
11. Using a small screwdriver, push on locking tab and remove switch from steering column.

ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS

For ignition switch electrical schematics, refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS .

MECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS (KEY DIFFICULT TO ROTATE)

(Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) .

Scheme 18

The ignition key (1) must be in the key cylinder (2) for cylinder removal.

Scheme 19

1. Disconnect negative cable from battery.
2. Remove upper and lower covers (shrouds) from steering column.
3. Place shifter in PARK position.
4. A retaining pin is located at side of key cylinder assembly (2). (Scheme 18) 1 - KEY CYLINDER 2 - PUNCH Rotate key to RUN position. Press in on retaining pin while pulling key cylinder (1) from ignition switch. (Scheme 19)

Scheme 20

The ignition key (1) must be in the key cylinder (2) for cylinder installation.

1. Install the key cylinder into the housing using care to align the end of the key cylinder (2) with the ignition switch.
2. Push the key cylinder (2) in until it clicks.
3. Replace the upper and lower shrouds.
4. Reconnect the battery.

Scheme 21

1. Remove the kneeblocker.
2. Remove the upper and lower column shroud.
3. Remove and discard the brake light switch.
4. Loosen the column bolts and lower the column enough to allow clearance for the gear shift lever removal.
5. Disconnect the overdrive switch harness (if equipped).
6. Disconnect the shift cable from the shift lever.
7. Remove the SKIM. 1 - PARK INHIBIT BLOCKER SPRING 2 - GEAR SHIFT LEVER
8. Remove the gear shift lever mounting screws and remove the lever (2). (Scheme 21)
9. Remove the blocker pin from the inhibit link slot (1). (Scheme 21)

Scheme 22

1. Install the lever assembly (2) using care to install the pin in the blocker to slider slot (1) and install the mounting screws and tighten to 12 N.m (105 in. lbs.). (Scheme 22)
2. Cycle the key from ACC to RUN and ensure that the blocker does not stick or bind.
3. Turn the key to the OFF position and ensure that the shifter will not pull from the PARK position.
4. Connect the over drive switch harness (if equipped). NOTE: Route and tie off harness to original location.
5. Connect the shift cable to the lever (2).
6. Ensure the gear shift lever and transmission are in the PARK position and snap the cable adjust clip in place.
7. Install a new brake light switch «(Refer to INSTALLATION)»(ref-247634-S11857913462007020100000).
8. Install the SKIM and halo.
9. Install the upper and lower column shroud.
10. Install the column back into place and tighten.
11. Install the kneeblocker.

Scheme 23

1. Disable and remove the driver's side airbag (3). «(Refer to REMOVAL)»(ref-247645-S39386279482007020100000) .
2. Partially remove the steering wheel bolt (2) and leave the bolt in the column.
3. Install puller CJ98-1 (2) or equivalent using the top of the bolt to push on.
4. Remove and discard the steering wheel bolt (4).
5. Remove the steering wheel (3).