POWER STEERING SYSTEM PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE

Tech Tips

Use the table below to help determine the cause of the problem symptom. The potential causes of the symptoms are listed in order of probability in the "Suspected Area" column of the table. Check each symptom by checking the suspected areas in the order they are listed. Replace parts as necessary.
The electrical equipment operation may be limited by the load control of electric power control system. Follow the HOW TO PROCEED WITH TROUBLESHOOTING procedures.

Power steering system:
Symptom	Suspected Area	See page
Steering is heavy.	Front tires (Improperly inflated, unevenly worn)	Click here
	Front wheel alignment (Incorrect)	Click here
	Front suspension (Lower ball joint)	-
	Power steering link assembly (w/ VGRS)	Click here
	Power steering link assembly (w/o VGRS)	Click here
	Steering column assembly	-
	Battery and power source system	Click here
	Power source voltage of power steering ECU	Click here
	Power steering converter assembly	Click here
	Power steering ECU	Click here
	Vehicle condition (The steering wheel is turned from left to right repeatedly with the vehicle stopped or a heavy load is continuously applied to the vehicle)	Click here
Steering effort differs between right and left or is uneven.	Power steering ECU (Steering center point is not recorded correctly)	-
	Front tires (Improperly inflated, unevenly worn)	Click here
	Front wheel alignment (Incorrect)	Click here
	Front suspension (Lower ball joint)	-
	Power steering link assembly (w/ VGRS)	Click here
	Power steering link assembly (w/o VGRS)	Click here
	Steering column assembly	-
	Power steering ECU	Click here
While driving, steering effort does not change in accordance with vehicle speed, or the steering wheel does not return to its centered position easily.	Speed sensor	Click here
	Skid control ECU	Click here
	Power steering link assembly (w/ VGRS)	Click here
	Power steering link assembly (w/o VGRS)	Click here
	Power steering ECU	Click here
Friction sounds occur when turning steering wheel during low speed driving.	Power steering link assembly (w/ VGRS)	Click here
	Power steering link assembly (w/o VGRS)	Click here
	Power steering ECU	Click here
PS warning light remains on.	PS warning light remains on	Click here
Knocking (or cranking) sound occurs when turning steering wheel back and forth while power steering is in operation.	Front suspension (Lower ball joint)	-
	Steering intermediate shaft	-
	Power steering link assembly (w/ VGRS)	Click here
	Power steering link assembly (w/o VGRS)	Click here
Noise occurs when turning the steering wheel during low speed driving.	Power steering link assembly (w/ VGRS)	Click here
	Power steering link assembly (w/o VGRS)	Click here
	Steering column assembly	-
A high-pitched sound (squeaking) occurs when turning the steering wheel slowly with the vehicle stopped.	Power steering link assembly (w/ VGRS)	Click here
	Power steering link assembly (w/o VGRS)	Click here
The steering wheel vibrates and noise occurs when turning the steering wheel from lock to lock.	Power steering link assembly (w/ VGRS)	Click here
	Power steering link assembly (w/o VGRS)	Click here
	Steering column assembly	-