A brief explaination:

My car came equipped with variable assist power steering, much like the SSE's and SSI's of the era. What this means is that the power steering will assist on one of 4 levels, ranging from 'Gramma can 1-finger it in the parking lot' to 'you really have to mean it if you want to turn on the highway'.

I have never had a problem with the system until 2 days ago, when I noticed the car was all over the place, and I felt like I was doing it. Long story short, the car is stuck in 'Gramma can 1-finger it in the parking lot' mode, no matter what speed I am going. Does anyone have any quick information on how the system works, or where I should start? I plan to pull out the FSM's tonight to study up. Nothing else on the vehicle is affected that I have noticed so far.

_________________
~Randall~


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place

I did some reading. It turns out there is a solenoid that boosts the output from the power steering pump to the rack. This solenoid is controlled by the MultiFunction chime module (yes, the door dinger, lol), that gets a speed signal from the PCM. 17-20mph is the magic number. Below that, it energizes the solenoid, and makes for the nice easy steering that makes life in the parking lot easier.

The Electrical Systems FSM actually has 9 pages specifically addressing this system alone, and gives very detailed explanations and troubleshooting information. FSM FTW!!!

On a related and completely annoying note, it was working fine today. Go figure...

_________________
~Randall~


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place