Steering Saturn Success: SureTrack Real Fix

by Abagail Lucero

Real Fixes from SureTrack® provides expert-based knowledge captured from millions of documented repairs and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you fix tricky issues that, like this 2009 Saturn Vue, are not easily diagnosed with OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost within ProDemand®.

This fix illustrates the power of the SureTrack community to help a fellow tech solve a tricky diagnosis. SureTrack community member, sleazen, had a 2009 Saturn Vue roll into the shop needing calibration on a recently replaced steering column & module. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of Ericsautomotive and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2009 Saturn Vue Green Line

Engine
2.4L Eng. VIN Z

Title
DTC C0545 (Along with C056E)

Complaint
No steering assist.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
The customer had previously replaced the steering column & module, and then brought the vehicle here, to the shop. They believed only calibration was needed but after bringing it into the bay for a closer look, saw that the steering wheel was off-center by > 100°. This was the first fix performed, making sure the clock spring (aka “contact coil”) was also centered.

Next, the power and ground in the module were verified and then followed the OEM Testing steps under this DTC (C0545) – Steering Column “without HP5 (Steering Gear Replacement).” When testing for resistance, At EACH step, the values were within spec. Then I read, at the end of each test, “If all circuits test normal, replace the power steering control module (PSCM).” After replacing the PSCM, it must be configured with the proper tuning profile using the service programming system (SPS).

Cause
After the customer had replaced the steering column & module, the steering wheel was off-center and the PSCM needed calibration.

Correction
After centering the steering wheel, a sensor calibration was performed with the scanner, and the complaint was fixed. No additional programming for the PSCM was necessary.

SureTrack® adds to the power of ProDemand® with an exclusive combination of real-world knowledge and powerful diagnostic tools, all wrapped in an interactive community of professional technicians. Designed to help automotive shops increase accuracy and efficiency from diagnosis to completed repair, the industry’s most comprehensive repair information resource is just a few clicks away.

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About the Author

Abigail Lucero

Abagail Lucero is the Product Marketing Manager for ProDemand. She joined the company in 2011 as a member of the SocialCRM shop marketing team and has served in many roles at Mitchell1, lastly as Security and Compliance Supervisor. Abagail holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California University of Pennsylvania.