[Cavalier Z24]

I am looking for a fix for a customer that uses his 2008 Cobalt for driver training. There is a lot of lock to lock turn made during there parking and backing courses. As you may know the PS will shut down when overheated. Is there anything that can be done to correct this problem?

 

[GM Tech Mike]

It seems to me you cannot fix this as it's a protection fault for the EPS.

xTooltipElement

Service Information


2008 Chevrolet Cobalt | Cobalt, G5 (VIN A) Service Manual | Document ID: 2096333
#06-02-32-002C: Normal Operating Characteristics of Electric Power Steering (EPS) System During Extended Lock-to-Lock Turns (Maximum Steerign Wheel Rotation) and/or DTCs C0176 and C0476 Set - (Apr 10, 2008)

Subject:Normal Operating Characteristics of Electric Power Steering (EPS) System During Extended Lock-to-Lock Turns (Maximum Steering Wheel Rotation) and/or DTCs C0176 and C0476 Set

Models:2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Malibu Maxx (excluding 2006-2007 SS and 2007 Maxx models)
2005-2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, Equinox
2006-2008 Chevrolet HHR
2005-2008 Pontiac G6 (excluding 2006-2007 GTP, 2006-2008 Convertible and 2007-2008 GT models)
2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada Only)
2006-2008 Pontiac Torrent
2007-2008 Pontiac G5
2002-2008 Saturn VUE
2003-2007 Saturn ION​

This bulletin is being updated with the 2008 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 06-02-32-002B (Section 02 - Steering).
The purpose of this bulletin is to inform technicians of normal operating characteristics of the electric power steering system (EPS) when the steering wheel is turned in either direction for an extended period of time.
When the steering wheel is turned to its maximum rotation, the power steering control module (PSCM) will command the maximum amount of current to the EPS motor. If the steering wheel is held in this position for an extended period of time, the PSCM will go into overload protection mode to avoid system thermal damage. In this mode, the PSCM will limit the amount of current commanded to the EPS motor, which reduces steering assist levels.
If the PSCM detects a high system temperature and the overload protection mode is invoked, DTC C0176 "System Thermal Error" may be set. On some models, DTC C0476 "Electric Steering Motor Circuit Range/Performance" may also be set. These DTCs indicate normal PSCM action (reduced steering assist) to prevent thermal damage to power steering system components.
Refer to Power Steering System Description and Operation in SI or the appropriate Service Manual for more information about this and other vehicle-specific information on electric power steering systems.
For customer inquiries regarding this characteristic, please refer to the Steering section under Driving Your Vehicle in the appropriate Owner Manual (reproduced below for reference).
Owner Manual Information

If you turn the steering wheel in either direction several times until it stops, or hold the steering wheel in the stopped position for an extended amount of time, you may notice a reduced amount of power steering assist. The normal amount of power steering assist should return shortly after a few normal steering movements.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION
​

© 2008 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

 

[drew630]

^I wondering if this also explains what my truck does. Ever since I have owned it has done that. Anytime I am in a tight spot and have to turn the wheel lock-to-lock it gets really hard to turn the wheel, like as if the power steering pump just cuts off. I can get very annoying.

 

[Cavalier Z24]

I seen the PSB and know that is the desgin. I had spoken to someone that installed a cooling fan on the control box next to the motor and that seemed to help with the problem. TAC will be getting back to me on Friday.

The truck is not the same. If you let your foot off of the brake just a bit the wheel will turn without any problems. In short with the brakes locked on you are lifting the truck when you turning the wheels.
Any other ideas

Thanks

 

[russells]

i have a 2005 cobalt and the power steering quits on it going down the road i can stop cut the car off and restart the car and it will stay off for maybe the rest of the day and im not making and lock to lock turns any one have any ideas on this problem i have 43000 miles on it and the warrenty out now it start about a month ago, HELP!

 

[drew630]

I seen the PSB and know that is the desgin. I had spoken to someone that installed a cooling fan on the control box next to the motor and that seemed to help with the problem. TAC will be getting back to me on Friday.

The truck is not the same. If you let your foot off of the brake just a bit the wheel will turn without any problems. In short with the brakes locked on you are lifting the truck when you turning the wheels.
Any other ideas

Thanks

No, It does it with the brakes completely released too. The pump will work for about halfway through the turning of the wheel than gives completely out. I never had this problem on my old truck or my mother's Suburban.

 

[450Z]

I contacted Georgian Bay Motorsports who race a Cobalt SS in the Grand Am series and they had the same problem. Someone at GM suggested that they use the more HD unit from the HHR. It's a direct bolt in and was more robust.

On a different note, I'm trying to install one of these steering systems in my race car. Does anybody know if I need any speed inputs to make the system work. In other words can I make it work as a stand alone without the GM ECM or BCM?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I am looking for a fix for a customer that uses his 2008 Cobalt for driver training. There is a lot of lock to lock turn made during there parking and backing courses. As you may know the PS will shut down when overheated. Is there anything that can be done to correct this problem?