Wow Mikey, Thanks for the great reply! That's really informative. If you think it's a connection issue, is there a connection that would be effected by heat? I'm 99% sure that this problem is directly related to the temperatures outside. I've visually inspected some of the connections and nothing is blatantly out of place, however i'm not exactly sure what I'm looking for. Thanks again for the help! I think I'm gonna take another look at my connections.

 

I hate dealers. I just took my car into the dealership and asked them about the power steering. They said that they've never seen any problems with the power steering on cobalts before, which is probably a bunch of BS. I asked them if it would be covered by my 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. They said I don't have a 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. I told them that I know I in fact do have a 60,000 mile warranty. The stupid service rep 'checked' and found out that I was right, what a surprise. He said he wouldn't be able to do anything about it until monday.

My question is, is my power steering covered under powertrain? I know nothing that has to do with regular wear and tear, or maintenance such as break pads, tires, etc is covered. But I can't find anything saying that power steering is or is not covered. Is there somewhere I can get a full list of what's covered and not? I know these jerk offs are gonna try to tell m that my power steering isn't covered, and if it is I want to be able to prove it. And if it's not covered, I'd still like to get them to fix it for free, any advice on that? Thanks!

 

theres a tsb on the bcm which effects your power steering..i just had mine replace todayf or the same ****

 

Where did you find this TSB? I'd like to print it out so I can show the dealer.

 

just tell them they have too

 

I *think* powertrain is generally just engine and transmission, but don't let that stop you from arguing your case. Hopefully they can get that fixed without hitting your wallet.

 

please Someone where can you find that TSB, mine seams to be getting worse

 

And you also have to turst the electric throttle.

 

Just a month ago I had the loss of power steering and it would also come up on my display. Brought it to the dealer and they said it was a loose battery connection and said that it is a common occurance. Has been fine ever sice.

 

Big difference between the two, though. The steering wheel is still mechanically linked to the wheels.

 

Yep, it's not drive by wire, it's electric assist via an electric motor.

 

Well I took it into the dealer yesterday. They said my steering column needs to be replaced. The guy was telling me that the power steering unit is connected to the column and so you have to replace the whole thing. I've looked at it, and it didn't look like that to me, but I guess I could be wrong. He also said it would not be covered under warranty, and would cost 1100, just for the part. So I said screw that....I'm going to be contacting GM. I bought this car because I wanted something cheap and reliable. A car with 50,000 miles on it should not be having these problems, and chevy needs to fix it.

 

**** that. If you're out of warranty, take it to a trusted mechanic. If you don't know one, I can give you the guys that worked on my last car. Always did good repairs, and more often than not, ended up charging me less than quoted, with explanations why.

 

I was looking under the dash, and I noticed the the cylinder attached to the column had a small leak( not dripping, but if I put my finger on it I'd get oil on it.)
Mev at JBP looked at it too, and seems to think only that needs to be replaced.
do you have the same thing?

 

Edit: This is from a TSB about electronic power steering; When the steering wheel is turned to its maximum rotation, the power steering control module (PSCM) will command the maximum amount of current to the EPS motor. If the steering wheel is held in this position for an extended period of time, the PSCM will go into overload protection mode to avoid system thermal damage. In this mode, the PSCM will limit the amount of current commanded to the EPS motor, which reduces steering assist levels.

I think this may be your problem right here, but it could be anything.



Here is a part blow up of the steering column. #9 is the motor. I would definately get a second opinion before dropping the money or hopefully you can get GM to fix it for you:

[IMG][/IMG]

It is $775.00 for the column according to alldata and 2 hours standard time to replace it. So I guess there labor rate is $150.00, wow.

 

that's awsome info thanks, the number 9 motors is exacctly what is leaking right now.
any idea of what the replacement motor costs, I don't see why we should have to replace the whole steering column when it's just the motor that is an issue.

the strange thing is it turns itself off at random I could be driving in a straight line, when it shuts down

 

yeah same happen to me about 20 min ago...i was parking my car and when i went to pull out to repark it my power steering went out?...its to dark to check the fuse..also my coolant temp was like 205 could this be a prob...ill check it in the morning around 5am to see if i should bring it to dealer or not...car is brand new with 8800 miles on it..i turned the car off for like 10 seconds and still no power steering...what you think is wrong?



EDIT: i just checked it and it seems to be working fine...i did have it turned all the way for while...maybe thats what cut off the power steering to save the eps from overheating/ stress damage...thank fyi

 

nope mine will shut of while I'm driving, even on a high way it's pretty random when but it alway s goes. I just restart and I get it back.
this sucks

 

Do you have a upgraded stereo installed in the car,or maybe a aftermarket alarm system?

 

My motor also leaks slightly. It never actually drips, it just has a small amount of oil on the bottom of it. So Mikey are you saying that the entire column costs 775? Cause my dealer quoted 1100 just for the part. I just sent a letter to GM to complain about the issue. If more people are having the problem they should do a recall, but I doubt they will. I really want GM to fix my problem for free, if they can't, I'll be driving without power steering until May when I graduate.

 

Mine never actually drips either, just gathers at the bottom.
everyone elses is bone dry

 

I'm still unsure that it's a bad motor though. If I sit in my driveway I turn the wheel forever, lock to lock, or even hold it at maximum rotation it will not fail. I just did it for about 10 minutes straight. The power steering worked the entire time, immediately afterwards, I drove it. Within 10 seconds of actually moving, the power steering error on the DIC came up, and the power went off. If the motor is overheating, it would overheat regardless of whether or not the car is moving. I was being alot harder on the power steering sitting in my driveway cranking it lock to lock and holding it at maximum rotation for minutes at a time than I would be under normal driving situations. It makes me think it's some sort of strange electrical issue. This really pisses me off. Stupid Cobalt. I'm really tired of driving without power steering. That one guy posted about having the same problem, and it was the BCM, anyone else heard anything about this? If that's the case, I could try replacing that if it's not too expensive.

 

its called "drive by wire" and most new cars are like that

 

Hey Joel, any news on your car yet. is GM going to fix yours?

 

Don't know. I sent a letter to GM, I got a call today and they said they might be able to do some "repair assistance." I have to take it back to the dealer and talk to the service manager, then someone from GM is going to call the service manager and talk to them about it. I filed a complaint on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website too, I really want the power steering to get recalled, that would solve our problems...You should file a complaint as well. Cause honestly, it's a bit of a safety hazard.