Power Steering (EPS) Failure

RedViking

RedViking

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Hi guys, vehicles (GWM C10) power steering stopped working (Electric Power Steering) and warning light comes on for EPS. Is almost impossible to turn steering wheel. Is there a way to bypass it so I can at least drive it to a mechanic.
Your advice is appreciated.

P.S. No Chinese jokes please, already had to eat my dog for breakfast because food got so expensive.
 
Check the power steering fuse or relay to see if that hasn't blown. Also you can probably try disconnect the battery negative cable and press on the brake pedal to discharge any current in the electrical system. Reconnect when done. This should clear any fault codes or hiccups in the ECU that could be shutting off power to the EPS system

But definitely check the related fuse first to see if it isn't something simple
 
PhireSide said:
Check the power steering fuse or relay to see if that hasn't blown. Also you can probably try disconnect the battery negative cable and press on the brake pedal to discharge any current in the electrical system. Reconnect when done. This should clear any fault codes or hiccups in the ECU that could be shutting off power to the EPS system

But definitely check the related fuse first to see if it isn't something simple
Click to expand...

Thanks Phire, I will quickly see if I can spot the correct fuse in the booklet and then try resetting.
 
Most cars with EPS have the motors beneath the dashboard above the footwell. You may also check to see if you can see any loose connectors if you are able to fit in underneath the dash. Otherwise, a well placed mirror comes in handy.

If after you reset the car by pulling the battery cable the EPS works, turn it all the way left and all the way right a few times with the car still running. This usually sets the limits for the torque sensor so that the motor 'knows' where the centre is and at what point the motor should disengage when turning full lock
 
Isn't it supposed to have some fail safe mechanism? Maybe remove the fuse totally and see what happens, maybe instead of being confused it will go into manual mode when it does not get current on the motor.
 
PhireSide said:
Most cars with EPS have the motors beneath the dashboard above the footwell. You may also check to see if you can see any loose connectors if you are able to fit in underneath the dash. Otherwise, a well placed mirror comes in handy.

If after you reset the car by pulling the battery cable the EPS works, turn it all the way left and all the way right a few times with the car still running. This usually sets the limits for the torque sensor so that the motor 'knows' where the centre is and at what point the motor should disengage when turning full lock
Click to expand...

Thanks again for the quick help. All is working now. Pulled the fuse and put it back in again, seemed to work, but I also did a reset by unplugging the battery. Took it for a test drive and all seems fine. I'll check tomorrow for a loose cable in the steering column and replace the fuse.

thechamp said:
Isn't it supposed to have some fail safe mechanism? Maybe remove the fuse totally and see what happens, maybe instead of being confused it will go into manual mode when it does not get current on the motor.
Click to expand...

No it doesn't. This now worries me if it happens again. Mom drives the car and the steering wheel immediately stopped turning without warning or fail safe.
 
;)

Glad it is sorted for now! But yeah, check the connections when it is possible just in case. They aren't too complicated to figure out as it basically consists of a torque sensor to sense when the wheel is being turned and which way/how hard, a motor to apply load in the applicable direction and a gear to provide the appropriate ratio and torque to the steering column.

It can be very scary when something like this fails without warning, and the last thing you want is it failing on a relatively straight road and having a suddenly heavy steering wheel catch you off guard when you need to swerve or change direction
 
PhireSide said:
;)

Glad it is sorted for now! But yeah, check the connections when it is possible just in case. They aren't too complicated to figure out as it basically consists of a torque sensor to sense when the wheel is being turned and which way/how hard, a motor to apply load in the applicable direction and a gear to provide the appropriate ratio and torque to the steering column.

It can be very scary when something like this fails without warning, and the last thing you want is it failing on a relatively straight road and having a suddenly heavy steering wheel catch you off guard when you need to swerve or change direction
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's a bit worrying. Wish they would incorporate a fail safe or bypass. I'll do a check and check the sensors, but might be better to send it to an auto electrician to run through the wiring. Will probably cost a bit.
 
The bypass in this case is the EPS turning off and the steering reverting to unassisted mode. But I hear what you say and I can see how a failure could catch someone unawares.

But look on the bright side - at least the steering doesn't freeze up and seize if the system were to fail:wtf:
 
PhireSide said:
The bypass in this case is the EPS turning off and the steering reverting to unassisted mode. But I hear what you say and I can see how a failure could catch someone unawares.

But look on the bright side - at least the steering doesn't freeze up and seize if the system were to fail:wtf:
Click to expand...

This is exactly what happens. You have to literally almost hang on the wheel to turn it. It's not like a vehicle without power steering.
:( :( :( :(
 
That is pretty strange. Are you sure there isn't perhaps a seizure somewhere down the line? How old is the car?

A seize somewhere down the mechanical linkages could cause the motor to overstress itself and shut itself down in order to prevent it from being damaged. This would explain why the steering becomes impossible to turn. My i30 has a similar system and with the EPS off it turns heavily, but it is definitely not impossible to turn when on the move. When at standstill there is quite a bit of resistance due to the wide tyres and relatively heavy curb weight.

I would have a sparky look at the system ASAP as it could cause a serious injury or death if the system were to turn off at a critical moment at speed or at an intersection, for example
 
PhireSide said:
That is pretty strange. Are you sure there isn't perhaps a seizure somewhere down the line? How old is the car?

A seize somewhere down the mechanical linkages could cause the motor to overstress itself and shut itself down in order to prevent it from being damaged. This would explain why the steering becomes impossible to turn. My i30 has a similar system and with the EPS off it turns heavily, but it is definitely not impossible to turn when on the move. When at standstill there is quite a bit of resistance due to the wide tyres and relatively heavy curb weight.

I would have a sparky look at the system ASAP as it could cause a serious injury or death if the system were to turn off at a critical moment at speed or at an intersection, for example
Click to expand...

I think a 2012-2013 model. It is possible to turn wide angles but not easy, especially for a lady (Mom). I'll get it checked out this week.
 
In the mean time, tell your mum to stock up on supplements and work those triceps :p
 
Diagnostic Price

I need some advice again. I want a Diagnostic to be done on the GWM. So far I have been quoted R650 by GWM/Suzuki (Their service is terrible so far) and R850 by an Auto electrician. Are these rates reasonable?
 
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