Power Steering Light/Issues

Symptoms

• Loss of power steering

• Inconsistent steering

• Cutting in and out

• EPS warning light on the dash illuminated or flashing

• Hard starting of engine

Causes

• Improper front end alignment

• Steering rack binding or failure

• Low battery or stator voltage

• Steering torque sensor signal loss

• Overheating of steering motor

• Blown EPS fuse

• Accessory overload

What to check first

1. If total steering loss, check EPS fuse in fuse box

2. (if available/possible) Charge the battery fully on an external charger

3. Flashing EPS warning light: check battery voltage, must be above 13v

4. Have main battery tested, main battery failure is a common cause of steering issues

5. Remove the upper cowling and check/clean/dielectric grease the large 2 pin (EPS power) connector and the smaller 3 pin (torque sensor) connectors.

6. Remove the steering rack boots and check for missing/damaged end bushings. These generally cause a one-way bind if failed.

7. If you have been driving hard, especially in hot conditions, let the machine cool a bit in case of EPS motor overheating

8. Try turning off any power hungry accessories, or installing a second battery kit and moving accessories to that battery

9. NEW: Perform the steering reset procedure

Excerpt from service manual on motor overcurrent:

RESTRICTION ON POWER ASSIST OPERATION

Repeated extreme steering force, such as turning the steering wheel continuously left and right with the vehicle stopped, causes an increase of power consumption in the EPS motor. The increase of electric current causes the motor to heat up. Because this heat adversely affects the system, the EPS ECU monitors the electric current of the motor. When the EPS ECU detects heat build-up in the motor, it reduces the electric current to the motor gradually to protect the system (motor and EPS ECU), this restricts the power assist operation. The EPS indicator does not come on during this function. When steering torque is not applied to the steering wheel, or when the ignition is turned off, and the system cools, the EPS ECU will gradually restore the power assist.

Active EPS Motor Cooler

After being frustrated myself with the EPS motor experiencing rotor stall from overheating, I started working on an active cooler for the motor. I am currently testing the kit that I've designed. If it works, it will be offered for sale on my custom parts page. The kit consists of a custom printed cooling duct that fits over the EPS motor, with a 44CFM IP67 rated dual ball bearing fan that continually blows air over the motor to keep the temps down. It will only take a few minutes to install, and it just needs a key-on power supply.

RACECO now sells a power steering cooler that can be used on the Talon. The fitment is a little weird (fan on side), but it is inexpensive at around $80.