GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) Replacement and Setup

Important:  The power steering control module is serviced separately from the steering column assembly.

If the power steering control module (PSCM) is replaced, the following procedures must be performed in the following order:

  1. PSCM reprogramming. Refer to Service Programming System (SPS) .
  2. Steering Position/Torque Sensor Calibration.

Power Steering Motor or Torque Sensor Replacement

Important:  The power steering control module is serviced separately from the steering column assembly. However, the torque sensor is serviced as part of the steering column assembly.

After replacing either the steering column assembly or the power steering motor only the Steering Position/Torque Sensor Calibration procedure must be performed. Certain steering symptoms can be corrected by performing the Steering Position/Torque Sensor Calibration procedure such as:

    • Poor, or uneven return to center
    • Poor, or uneven on center feel

Steering Position/Torque Sensor Calibration

Important: Since there is no steering assist while performing this procedure, the procedure might be easier to accomplish if the vehicle is raised slightly off the ground using a hoist.

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine ON.
  3. Select Special Functions on the scan tool.
  4. Select Steering Position/Torque Sensor Calibration and press the Enter key.
  5. Center the steering wheel.
  6. Turn OFF the ignition and remove the key from the ignition cylinder.
  7. Wait 20 seconds and turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  8. Turn the steering wheel 180 degrees to the left of center and hold.
  9. Turn the steering wheel 180 degrees to the right of center and hold.
  10. Important: After centering the steering wheel, remove hands and other objects from the steering wheel and ensure the suspension is relaxed and that no bias, or uneven force is being applied to the steering system.

  11. Center the steering wheel.
  12. Wait until the scan tool displays 'Calibration Complete'. Verify visually the steering wheel is centered by confirming the Steering Wheel Position data parameter reads 0 +/-5 degrees when the steering wheel is centered. If the Steering Wheel Position data parameter reads outside 0 +/-5 degree range or the scan tool displays 'Procedure Failed', repeat the calibration procedure.
  13. Press the Exit key. Verify there is no uneven steering feel by turning the steering wheel from left to right. If the steering feel seems uneven as the steering wheel is turned in either direction, repeat the calibration procedure.
  14. Clear any PSCM DTCs with the scan tool.
  15. Important: Do not disconnect the battery for at least 25 seconds after turning the ignition OFF, or module memory loss may occur.

  16. Turn the ignition OFF.
  17. The steering angle sensor centering procedure also needs to be performed within the electronic brake control module (EBCM) after completing this procedure. Refer to Steering Angle Sensor Centering .