Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

STEERING SYSTEM

Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer concern.

2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart





3. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

4. If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the data link connector (DLC).


NOTE: Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.

5. If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM:

- check the VCM connection to the vehicle.
- check the scan tool connection to the VCM.
- see Symptom Troubleshooting Chart, No Power To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no communication with the scan tool.


NOTE: The vehicle communication module (VCM) LED prove out confirms power and ground from the DLC are provided to the VCM.

6. If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:

- verify the ignition key is in the ON position.
- verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.
- see Pinpoint Test 1: The PCM Does Not Respond To The Scan Tool Or No High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN) Communication to diagnose no response from the PCM.

7. Carry out the network test.

- If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, see - Communications Network - Troubleshooting.
- If the network test passes, retrieve and record continuous memory DTCs.

8. Clear the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the power steering control module and the ABS module.

9. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, see - DTC Chart - Steering System or - Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures. For all other DTCs, see - Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Chart - B, C, P And U Codes

10. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, see - Symptom Troubleshooting Chart - Steering System or - Symptom Troubleshooting Chart - Noise, Vibration And Harshness (NVH).