GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) system uses the phase A and phase B signal inputs from the steering wheel sensor for proper operation. The steering wheel sensor outputs phase A and phase B signals to the EHPS system that are 90 degrees out of phase to provide quadrature pulsed data corresponding to steering shaft rotational displacement and direction. The signal is resolved to within 1 mechanical degree of resolution. The EHPS system monitors the steering wheel rate information from the steering wheel sensor every 5 milliseconds (200 Hz) for proper operation.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC C0511 Steering Position and Rate of Change Sensor Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The EHPS module is in RUN mode.
    • The ignition switch is in the ACC or ON position.
    • Battery voltage id between 12-58 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The steering wheel sensor rate information calculated from the sensor is greater than 2,200 degrees per second (sensor phase A jitter).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • System operation is reduced.
    • The SERVICE STEER SYSTEM message will be displayed.
    • Ramp the motor speed input to the commanded flow resolved from a default steering wheel rate.
    • Stores a DTC C0511 in the powertrain control module (PCM).
    • History DTC C0511 will be set in the PCM.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The steering wheel rate information calculated from the sensor is greater than 2,200 degrees.
    • Using the scan tool
    • A history DTC will clear after 255 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.

Diagnostic Aids

Ignition cycling is not necessary for reallowing the EHPS system to operate normally.

It may be necessary to check Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Test for the proper operation of phase A circuit.

  2. Test for the proper operation of the phase B circuit.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Power Steering Schematics

Connector End Views Reference: Power Steering Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, with the engine ON.
  2. With a scan tool, observe the steering wheel sensor phase A and phase B parameters while slowly turning the steering wheel to the left and to the right?

Do the parameters display steering wheel phases alternate as indicated?

high/low

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

With a scan tool, observe the Phase A parameter, while turning the steering wheel.

Does the Phase A Data parameter change state?

high/low

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Does the scan tool indicate that the Phase A Data parameter is always high?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

5

With a scan tool, observe the Phase B parameter, while turning the steering wheel.

Does the Phase B Parameter change state?

high/low

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 6

6

Does the scan tool indicate that the Phase B parameter is always high?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

Test the steering wheel position sensor phase A or phase B circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems?

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

8

Test the steering wheel position sensor phase A or phase B circuit for an open or short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the steering wheel position sensor connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

10

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) module connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

11

Important: Perform the Learn Alignment procedure. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.

Replace the steering wheel position sensor. Refer to Steering Wheel Position Sensor or Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

Important: Always perform the calibration procedure for the brake pedal position (BPP) sensor. Refer to Brake Pedal Position Sensor Calibration Description and Operation .

Replace the EHPS powerpack. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

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13

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK