Pinpoint Test A: Steering Has Lack Of Assist Or Inconsistent Assist (Early Build Vehicles)

A1 CHECK FOR POWER STEERING FLUID CONTAMINATION
- Check the power steering fluid for contamination.
- Is the power steering fluid contaminated?
  - Yes : FLUSH the power steering system. REFER to POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUSHING . CHECK the system for normal operation. If assist concern still exists, GO to A2.
  - No : GO to A2.
A2 CHECK THE STEERING ASSIST WITH THE ENGINE RPM RAISED
- NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.
  
  Set the engine at 2, 100 rpm and turn the steering wheel fully to the left and right.
- Is steering assist normal with the engine rpm raised?
  - Yes : INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING SYSTEM article.
  - No : GO to A3.
A3 CHECK FOR A CHANGE OF ASSIST ON LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS
- With the engine at idle, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right.
- Does the steering assist change when turning from right to left?
  - Yes : INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING SYSTEM article.
  - No : CARRY OUT the POWER STEERING PRESSURE TEST COMPONENT TEST (EARLY BUILD VEHICLES ONLY) .