Random loss pf power steering

[gerky18]

So it has happened twice in two days that I was driving and the steering felt heavy. After a little more driving I figured the power steering stopped working. I pulled over and as soon as it jarred off the road it was normal. Basically the same story for both times.

Anyone have this happen or have an idea?

I haven't changed any components, tires, or anything other than a tire rotation maybe 1800 miles ago. I have about 41k miles now on a 2020 Sport S.

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[Hootbro]

I do not think there is a one size fits all solution. I have seen reports of loose grounds, loose connection of the Power Steering Pump Motor and even pulled pins at the motor.

There is also a TSB out to replace the steering gear to a steel one for the 2020 models that also updates the Power Steering Pump Module software.

 

[kevman65]

From your description, I'm going to tell you what we've told new buyers from almost the beginning.
Take the cover off the power distribution center and make sure all fuses and relays are properly seated. Also once the cover is off, there is a row of connections on the engine side, make sure they're all tight.

Reason for this, sounds like a loose electrical connection somewhere and that's as good as anywhere to start.

 

[kevman65]

I do not think there is a one size fits all solution. I have seen reports of loose grounds, loose connection of the Power Steering Pump Motor and even pulled pins at the motor.

There is also a TSB out to replace the steering gear to a steel one for the 2020 models that also updates the Power Steering Pump Module software.

You can see my reply, bet it's either in there or he has a wire somewhere in the steering loop that's broken/chafing.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

There are TSBs for ground problems related to power steering.
The EHPS pump itself goes through the high current fuse.
F34 is for EHPS module wake-up among a couple of other modules.

 

[gerky18]

I appreciate the quick responses and direction to start looking. I will dive into those to see what I find.

 

[Jems007]

Same here yesterday. steering has felt a bit grabby in the morning since winter started—which I just attributed to the hydrolic fluid getting in position, but yesterday morning in Moab it was cold—it didn’t feel like I lost power steering. As in, I should be able to steer when moving. It felt like something was “caught” annd “grabbing” and I could break it loose only by a hard yank of the wheel. The more I drove the better it got. I topped off fluid and today no issues. Going to go check the fuses and ground right now.

 

[chr15m]

@gerky18

Any recurrence of this issue?

I had what would probably be a near worst case scenario with this today. Driving a gorge hwy and overtook a Subi doing ~20 under the limit and randomly drifting/braking. Overtook them, got up to 65, near full throttle and as soon as I slipped back into the lane the steering lost all assist. This area is very curvy and about 200ft down the road I went into a gradual turn and realized I was still drifiting toward the guard rail. I ended up driving close to 20 under the limit myself and pulled off at a gas station. As soon as I was under 30 mph the truck drove normal.

Checked the ground and fuses today, nothing abnormal there. PS fluid is right at the min cold line, with the truck cold (checked later).

Seems like people post this issue in a rash of occurrences and then kind of disappear. Hoping its just that intermittent.

 

[Camaroboi13]

Had this happen a couple weeks ago, traffic came to a sudden stop on the freeway and I dove to the slow lane and that’s when I lost steering. I pedaled down to 25mph on the shoulder and steering came back. First and only time it’s happened, roughly 65 degrees outside that day.

 

[chr15m]

Had this happen a couple weeks ago, traffic came to a sudden stop on the freeway and I dove to the slow lane and that’s when I lost steering. I pedaled down to 25mph on the shoulder and steering came back. First and only time it’s happened, roughly 65 degrees outside that day.

Bet that was fun with 37s, Im on 35s and thought, man that would have sucked with 37s.

 

[Camaroboi13]

Bet that was fun with 37s, Im on 35s and thought, man that would have sucked with 37s.

It was interesting to say the least. As an ASE certified mechanic, I’m probably not gonna do a single thing about it ?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Checked the ground and fuses today, nothing abnormal there. PS fluid is right at the min cold line, with the truck cold (checked later).

How did you check the ground - remove, clean, and reattach?

 

[gerky18]

@chr15m

Some of the mentions for me revolved around electrical or power and I was having battery issues anyway (after sitting a few days it would need to be jumped or I would have to have a charger on it). I eventually got around to replacing both batteries. Since then I have not had the issue anymore.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

@chr15m

Some of the mentions for me revolved around electrical or power and I was having battery issues anyway (after sitting a few days it would need to be jumped or I would have to have a charger on it). I eventually got around to replacing both batteries. Since then I have not had the issue anymore.

The EHPS pump itself is powered via N6 in the high current fuse array. As long as the alternator is working, and that fuse is good, the pump is powered.
One can always monitor pump operation with something like JSCAN if it happens often enough to catch it in the act.

 

[chr15m]

No known battery issues, although I did not check the voltage at the time, it read 14.3 to 14.7 later, so at least later in the day the alt. was working.

I'll check the fuse/relay.

I checked the TSB ground, it's painted as they are, but has bare metal on the threads and strap. Could clean it fully as well and see if any recurrent issues.

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