Hydraulic Power Steering
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
- Do not hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points for more than three to five seconds when the engine is running.
- Avoid continuously steering back and forth with elevated engine RPM as this may overheat the system. If trying to free a stuck vehicle, pause between attempts to allow the power steering system to cool or seek assistance. Typical steering and driving maneuvers allow the system to cool.
- Do not operate the vehicle if the power steering pump fluid level is below the MIN mark on the reservoir.
- Some noise is normal during operation. If excessive, check for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your dealer.
- Heavy or uneven efforts may be caused by low power steering fluid. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your dealer.
- Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down or if you switch the engine off, you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If you have any steering components serviced or replaced, install new fasteners. Many fasteners have coatings with thread adhesive, or have prevailing torque features you cannot reuse. Do not reuse a bolt or nut. Torque fasteners to specifications.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
- An improperly inflated tire.
- Uneven tire wear.
- Loose or worn suspension components.
- Loose or worn steering components.
- Improper vehicle alignment.
Note:
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering seem to wander or pull.
Electronic Torque Overlay Steering (If Equipped)
WARNING:
The electric power steering system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the system. If a fault is detected, a message displays in the information display. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Switch the ignition off. After at least 10 seconds, switch the ignition on and watch the information display for a steering system warning message. If a steering system warning message returns, have the system checked as soon as possible.
WARNING:
If the system detects an error, you may not feel a difference in the steering, however a serious condition may exist. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in loss of steering control. |
The electronic torque overlay steering system adds supplemental steering assist to the hydraulic gear when needed, dependent on vehicle conditions such as vehicle speed, steering wheel angle, and steering wheel torque. The hydraulic steering system provides the majority of steering assistance. The electronic torque overlay enables features such as pro trailer backup assistance and lane departure warning.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving, your vehicle loses electric power steering assistance. The steering system still operates, and you can steer your vehicle with hydraulic assist. Steering your vehicle with only hydraulic assist requires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort required for you to steer your vehicle. This increased effort prevents overheating and permanent damage to the steering system. You do not lose the ability to steer your vehicle manually. Typical steering and driving maneuvers allow the system to cool and return to normal operation.
Adaptive Learning (If Equipped)
The electronic power steering system adaptive learning helps correct road irregularities and improves overall handling and steering feel. It communicates with the brake system to help operate advanced stability control and accident avoidance systems. Whenever the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, you must drive your vehicle a short distance before the system relearns the strategy and reactivates all systems.
Adaptive Steering (If Equipped)
Note:
The adaptive steering system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the system. If the system detects a fault, a message displays in the information display. If a red warning message displays, stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. The message may clear if the fault is no longer present. If an adaptive steering system warning message appears each time you start your vehicle, have the system checked as soon as possible.
The adaptive steering system continually changes the steering ratio with changes to vehicle speed, optimizing the steering response in all conditions. The system also changes when you switch on the transmission tow/haul feature. When you select the tow/haul button, the adaptive steering system reduces vehicle sensitivity to steering inputs at higher vehicle speeds, while maintaining the ease of parking and maneuverability at low speeds.
Note:
The adaptive steering system is designed with a locking device. With the lock engaged, the adaptive steering system remains mechanically locked at a fixed steering ratio. You may also notice a click when you switch the vehicle on or after you switch it off, as the lock disengages or engages.
Note:
If your vehicle loses electrical power or detects a fault when you are driving, the system automatically shuts down and you retain normal steering function with a fixed steering ratio. During this time it is possible that the steering wheel may not be straight when the vehicle is driving straight ahead. In addition, the driver may notice that the steering wheel angle required to steer the vehicle may be different.
Note:
During parking maneuvers, the adaptive steering system balances the driver work load for various steering wheel inputs and vehicle loading conditions. Under extreme operating conditions the system locking device may engage. This strategy prevents overheating and permanent damage to the adaptive steering system. Typical steering and driving maneuvers allow the system to cool and return to normal operation.