Power steering
 

I pulled into the gas station, filled up with gas. Started the car and immediately it shows POWER STEERING on the DIC. Sure enough, I do not have power steering anymore. I have never jump started anyone. I removed and tested the big yellow 60A fuse #1, it is good. I checked the connection of the red wire at the top back of the fuse box it is good. Do I have a bad power steering motor?

I have been smelling something burning for a couple weeks, crawled under the car and saw some melted plastic on the exhaust pipe about middle of the car, was gonna clean that off next time I get time, maybe the smell was not that wad of plastic?

Take it to a GM dealer. Ask them about the power steering motor extended warranty coverage.

X2 on the extended warranty.... Don't use the word "recall"

I took it to the dealer and they said that my 2008 with 83K miles is covered. They replaced the power steering motor, but the problem still exists. The dealer says it is the steering column and elctronics .. blah blah $1400. Before I go thru the trouble of finding another steering column at a junkyard, has anyone even heard of this? It just dont seem to make sense, but I have not tore a HHR steering column apart either.

Yes, they should have tested before they replaced the motor. There was another thing about that somewhere; there are codes in the computer that a Tech2 can read.

The column is "serviced as an assembly". A smart person would send a PM to Hellshotrod for a good deal on a used part.

I did not pull codes before taking to the dealer, I had just assumed that this would be a real easy open and shut case. When I picked up the car, I asked the service rep if there were any codes set. She said yes, there were two codes, one pertaining to the power steering. She did not write them down. I stopped off at autozone on the way home and they checked for codes and said that there were none. I only have the words "POWER STEERING" on the dash and no power steering. I will need to do a little more investigating before I get too serious about swapping out a steering column. I did call one local junkyard and he said $80 for the column. A mechanic friend of mine told me to replace the power steering assist motor again.

Did you read my reply?

THEY should have read the codes with a Tech2.

Hellshorod has a bunch of HHR in his lot, he probably will give you a better deal.

If they replaced the motor, why assume it is bad? It should be under warranty anyway.

The unknown codes would tell what is wrong. If there is a message there are codes.

Why did you accept the repair?

I called my local chevy dealer (Vandergriff Chevrolet here in Arlington nearest me) and asked them about the extended warranty. They jotted down my vin number and mileage and set me up an appointment. They then explained that if it is the power steering issue as described in the warranty that the dealer pays all of it, however if it turns out to not be the warranty item, then I pay $109.95 for troubleshooting. I called another dealer a little further away ( Classic GMC in Arlington Tx) they did the samething except, their troubleshooting fee would be $95. I called Graff Chevrolet in the next town over, the said it was completely covered and no out of pocket expense, if it is not the warranty problem, then they would call me and give me a quote. I drove the extra distance to Graff just in case. Being that they changed it for free, I dont think I can say that I do not accept it, it very well could be something else that is not part of thei power assist warranty. I am thinking it might be the EPS module on the steering column. I still have not dug into it very hard yet. I will definitely keep you guys updated as to what I find.

My friend borrowed my Tech2, I'll get it tomorrow and post DTC's tomorrow night.

C0475 is the motor, C0545 is the torque sensor.

That is what I mean by getting the codes. Part of the Procedure is to find out if C0475 is set

Here a the TSB they should have looked at..
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...f8df99945c.png

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...eb6ebd89ae.jpg

Is the ECU the one under the hood directly in front of the fuse box with the three connectors on it?

C0550 is Electronic Control Unit 39 is Internal malfunction and the Tech2 states it is the ECU.

I don't see any reference to ABS.

Yes. Read Don's post regarding C0550.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...ef76cda8ea.png

Now I am lookng at a different year for the c0550 code, completely different. evidently when it says control unit they mean any control unit. C0550 39 means a checksum mismatch in the EEPROM

The 2009 page says it is a EBCM error involving the Power steering control module. It would cause ABS light, TC light, BRAKE light, pwr steering on DIC.

The PSCM inputs to the EBCM to do the TC and ESC and ABS stuff.

Soooo. Sounds like I need a PSCM (steering column)?

Seems like it, since the shop said it and the TSB said it. Give hellshotrod a PM, he has a bunch of them.

So apparently it makes a difference if I have active brake control (option JL4). I assume mine does not?


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...fdbfb93d87.jpg

You don't have JL9 or JM4 ABS either, so I'm guessing it is included in 1LT. You have a ESC or Traction Control button?

Where did you see that?

J41 seems to be non-ABS brakes.

ABS is standard 2009 onward. AHA, your VIN says the car is a 2008!

However, the TSB still applies.

Part number seems to be the same.

I found a couple steering columns at a junkyard ($80). They are missing the key, which I think will be fine, since I have about three spares already made up for my car. How hard is it to change the ignition switch (No key)? The junkyard does have one column with a single key, but I will definately have to change the airbag and possibley the steering wheel. These columns come with steering wheel, PSCM and power assist motor. I am actually kind of excited about getting all the spare parts. Should the ignition switch pose any issue or is it just screwed on?

You need the key to remove the cylinder to transfer it (Or makes it a lot easier). You will also need to transfer your security module.

No reason to need a new airbag or steering wheel.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...cb96a4f37c.png

So I want to remove ignition/security module and throw it in the trash. Then remove the ignition and security module from my HHR that has a key and out onto junkyard csteering column. Can I remove the igniton/security module off the junkyard keyless steering column?

You said they had one with the key.

Transfer your old cylinder and security module to your junkyard column.

The alternative is to get the VIN of the donor car and have a key cut. You need to have the key turned to RUN to remove the cylinder.

Othewise you have to remove the entire steering lock and that gets a little involved.

I am going by what the book says, I have no direct knowledge. I can send you a pdf of the procedure.

So I picked up a steering column from the junkyard today for $80. I think this is a 2010 (VIN 3GNDA13D56S677766). It is complete with steering wheel, air bag and power assist motor. It did not come with a key. The steering column with the key had active brake control, so I dont think it will work. I'll tear into it and see if I can remove the ignition module without a key, if so this might be pretty straight forward. I called a local locksmith and he said worst case bring the steering column and he could make a key for under $50. The locksmith says that if he has to call GM with the vin number, that GM charges $30 for the key code. He says he can do it without the key code. I do not understand this clockspring thing. This steering wheel is turned so , do I need to turn my wheels to match before I install the steering column or can I straighten the steering wheel while it is powered down?


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...b73a44ab9f.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...9e397cb200.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...e46a46c7b3.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...cf52c2cc8f.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...8646d73229.jpg

Call your local GM parts department and ask how much for a key made to VIN. Last time I asked it was around $15.

"do I need to turn my wheels to match before I install the steering column or can I straighten the steering wheel while it is powered down?" - What steering wheel are you referring to?

Re: clock spring - In my mind, the best procedure to do would be to:
1) use the existing steering wheel to center the wheels
2) before installing the new steering column, complete with steering wheel, you will need to verify that the clockspring is at the middle position when the steering wheel is horizontal.
- this link might help - https://www.autozone.com/repairguide...96b43f80cb2e11
3) remove existing steering column, and install the replacement, making sure not to disturb the steering wheel and the clock spring alignment

Note: turning the steering wheel right now on the replacement column can likely break the clock spring, as there is likely nothing to stop the wheel at the end of it's designed limit

I called Vandergrif Chevrolet here in Arlington Tx, $104!! It is late, I'll call some more dealers tomorrow.

Looks like it's from a 2006, not 2010.

guppy's is a 2008, no matter what he thinks. in 2008 stability control was not standard. I thought that ABS was, 2006 ABS was optional, not sure about traction control.