The Variable Effort Steering (VES) System varies the amount of effort to steer the vehicle as wheel speed changes or lateral acceleration occurs. The electronic brake control module (EBCM) controls an actuator located in the steering rack and pinion. The actuator consists of an electromagnetic coil and a pintle valve which moves in and out of the rack and pinion's input fluid orifice, regulating power steering fluid flow. The EBCM commands current from 0-3 amps to the VES actuator which varies the amount of effort to steer the vehicle. At low speeds, 0 amps of current is commanded to the VES solenoid and the steering gear receives maximum fluid flow and maximum steering assist for easy turning and parking maneuvers. As speed increases, the amount of current increases to the VES actuator. The VES actuator decreases fluid flow which provides firmer steering, increased road feel, and directional stability. The VES system uses the steering wheel position sensor input to calculate lateral acceleration during abrupt driving maneuvers. The system also uses the Antilock Brake System (ABS) wheel speed sensor inputs to determine vehicle speed. The EBCM is constantly monitoring these inputs to achieve the desired current to the VES actuator. The EBCM has the ability to detect malfunctions in the VES actuator or the circuits to the actuator. Any malfunctions detected will cause the VES outputs to be disabled and the EBCM will command the driver information center (DIC) to display the SERVICE STEERING SYSTEM warning message via a class 2 serial data circuit.