Symptom Chart: Notes

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
No communication with the variable assist power steering (VAPS) module	Circuit VAPS module	GO to PINPOINT TEST A .
Unable to enter self-test	Variable assist power steering (VAPS) module Diagnostic tool	GO to PINPOINT TEST A .
Hard steering or lack of assist (no DTCs present)	Seized lower steering column shaft U-joints Damaged or fractured steering column bearing(s) Power steering pump Suspension components Steering gear internal leakage	INSTALL a new lower steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN . INSTALL a new steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN . INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING . REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for suspension system diagnosis and testing. INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING .
Steering system noise	Low fluid level Fluid aeration Steering gear Power steering pump Loose or damaged steering linkage Loose or damaged suspension component(s) Steering column Steering column boot bearing Intermediate shaft Loose dash boot seal	GO to PINPOINT TEST E .
Steering is very difficult/very easy	Seized intermediate shaft U-joints Damaged or fractured steering column bearing(s) Steering gear Power steering pump Power steering hoses Binding dash boot seal	GO to PINPOINT TEST F
Excessive steering wheel play	Steering gear Steering column Steering column intermediate shaft Steering linkage Ball joints	GO to PINPOINT TEST G .
Steering system drift/pull/wander	Tire pressure Wheel alignment Steering gear Unevenly loaded vehicle Steering column intermediate shaft Frame alignment	CORRECT the vehicle loading as necessary. GO to PINPOINT TEST H .
Feedback	Loose, worn, or damaged tie-rod Loose, worn, or damaged tie-rod ends Loose or damaged steering gear insulators or bolts Loose lower steering column shaft U-joint or pinch bolts Loose suspension bushings, fasteners, ball joints, or strut bearing plate (if applicable) Worn or damaged steering column bearing(s)	GO to COMPONENT TEST , TIE-ROD ARTICULATION TORQUE . GO to COMPONENT TESTS , STEERING LINKAGE . INSTALL new steering gear insulators or bolts if necessary, or TIGHTEN the bolts as needed. INSTALL new lower steering column shaft and bolts or TIGHTEN the bolts. REFER to STEERING COLUMN . INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X2 or FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X4 . INSTAL a new steering column REFER to STEERING COLUMN
Poor returnability/sticky steering	Binding lower steering column shaft U-joints Loose, worn, or damaged front wheel knuckle tie-rod(s) Loose, worn, or damaged tie-rod ends Suspension components Binding steering column bearing(s) Binding dash boot seal	INSTALL a new lower steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN . GO to COMPONENT TESTS , TIE-ROD ARTICULATION TORQUE . GO to COMPONENT TESTS , STEERING LINKAGE . REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for the suspension diagnosis and testing. INSTALL a new steering column REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
Shimmy	Loose, worn, or damaged tie-rod ends(s) Loose, worn, or damaged tie-rod ends(s) Suspension components	GO to COMPONENT TESTS , STEERING LINKAGE . GO to COMPONENT TESTS , TIE-ROD ARTICULATION TORQUE . REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for the suspension diagnosis and testing.