I recently threw a code for a faulty power steering pressure switch. I topped off the fluid and wnet about my business. The code went away for a few days and now it's back and intermittent. When I try to turn my wheel at low speeds, the power steering cuts out for a split second, just enough to annoy the poop out of me. It's really more of an inconvenience than anything else. I'm picking up the new sensor today, but is there any reason why my power steering would be cutting out every now and then like that? The fluid level is still decent as is right now, but I'm just concerned the problem will escalate into something huge.
Neonderthal850
I get the same code. The PS switch has nothing to do with the way the ps works mechanically. The ecu uses the switch to sense when the ps is being used and adjust the spark timing to maintain a smooth rpm. Since timing adjustments technically affects emissions, a bad ps switch or wiring will flip a code.
I know I either have a bad switch or wiring.
The code will only occure when:
The power steering pressure switch remains open for 40 seconds or greater while both the vehicle speed is at 50 MPH (80.5 KMh) and the engine coolant temperature above 20°C (68°F).
Possible casuses:
POWER STEERING PRESSURE SWITCH (Z12) GROUND CIRCUIT OPEN
(K10) PSP SWITCH SIGNAL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND
(K10) PSP SWITCH SIGNAL CIRCUIT OPEN
POWER STEERING PRESSURE SWITCH
PCM
Since you only have mechanical PS problems at low speeds and the code only set at higher speeds(>50mph), I beleive you have two separate issues.
Follow the Service manual's diagnostics to pin down your PS problem
I know I either have a bad switch or wiring.
The code will only occure when:
The power steering pressure switch remains open for 40 seconds or greater while both the vehicle speed is at 50 MPH (80.5 KMh) and the engine coolant temperature above 20°C (68°F).
Possible casuses:
POWER STEERING PRESSURE SWITCH (Z12) GROUND CIRCUIT OPEN
(K10) PSP SWITCH SIGNAL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND
(K10) PSP SWITCH SIGNAL CIRCUIT OPEN
POWER STEERING PRESSURE SWITCH
PCM
Since you only have mechanical PS problems at low speeds and the code only set at higher speeds(>50mph), I beleive you have two separate issues.
Follow the Service manual's diagnostics to pin down your PS problem
Myself and another forum member are going to tackle the problem later on. The switch is definitely bad, so I picked up another one and some power steering fluid as well. While we're blacking out the intercooler, we'll go ahead and start checking on things with the PS system (of course after the painting is done)
Well after checking everything out and replacing the switch, my power steering is still taking a poop. SLOW, steady turns doesn't result in any kind of loss, but as soon as a quick or sharp turn of the wheel happens, the PS dies out. It feels like I hit some type of resistance when I turn the wheel sharply. It comes on smooth, but then it gets hard as hell to turn. We pooped the hood and could hear something like the sound of a faint, but steady rush of air. While turning the wheel with the hood popped, you can hear rushes of air or something to that effect while turning the wheel hard. There's no squealing or squeaking while driving, and the pulley is turning on the pump itself. There's nothing leaking, nothing wet on the rack and pinion itself. So any ideas before I head on out and search for a pump?
Get a copy of the free Service manual PDF from the How TO section,,,it helps out a lot
REMOVAL
NOTE: Before proceeding, (Refer to 19 - STEERING
- WARNING).
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable from the negative
post of the battery. Be sure cable is isolated
from negative post on battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Locate the power steering fluid pressure switch
on the back side of the power steering gear [where the 2 ps lines go into the rack]
(4) Remove the vehicle wiring harness connector
from the power steering fluid pressure switch.
NOTE: When removing and installing the power
steering pressure switch, use a 7/8 inch deep well
socket. The deep well socket will prevent damage
to the plastic electrical connector area of the power
steering fluid pressure switch.
(5) Unscrew and remove the power steering fluid
pressure switch from the power steering gear.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Before proceeding, (Refer to 19 - STEERING
- WARNING).
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable from the negative
post of the battery. Be sure cable is isolated
from negative post on battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Locate the power steering fluid pressure switch
on the back side of the power steering gear [where the 2 ps lines go into the rack]
(4) Remove the vehicle wiring harness connector
from the power steering fluid pressure switch.
NOTE: When removing and installing the power
steering pressure switch, use a 7/8 inch deep well
socket. The deep well socket will prevent damage
to the plastic electrical connector area of the power
steering fluid pressure switch.
(5) Unscrew and remove the power steering fluid
pressure switch from the power steering gear.
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