Last night when i started my car, a message on the IPC said "power steering" and the car did not have any power steering. It's done this once before about 2 months ago. Restarting the car seems to clear it up. It has not done it while driving, only at start up. It has not triggered a CEL but it did store a code C0550-39.

The reading I have done seems to point the finger at the power steering motor or the PSCM. This motor was already replaced under the recall not too long after we bought the car in 2011. I guess it's possible it could be bad again. But, after researching the trouble code, it points to the EBCM with an internal failure. I do not have an ABS, traction or brake light illuminated either.

All wheel speed sensors are working properly on the scanner. ABS works fine. Just for my own clarity, the EBCM is the module that is mounted to the ABS motor correct? Mine was replaced with a used module and abs pump about 3-4 years ago and programmed at the dealer. Is this the problem?

It has been insanely cold here on the east coast and i'm hoping it's just the car complaining! I'm also trying to be proactive about what's happening and trying to be ahead of the game.

All grounds were checked and cleaned last summer.

 

Code C0550 39 indicates an internal Electronic Control Unit (ECU) failure within the ABS or power steering module, often causing, inter alia, intermittent power steering loss or ABS/traction control failure. Fix it by checking for a weak battery/low voltage, inspecting wiring harnesses for corrosion, and, if necessary, replacing or reprogramming the ABS module.

We’ve dealt with a couple of these ABS modules and they might be cold weather issues, loose pins in the connector or internal problems, a member here just posted he purchased used module and had it vin matched, problem solved. It can affect the eps module or your eps motor might be damaged, it should be still covered.

 

Without looking any deeper, I think that is covered under the extended warranty.