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 normally open pintle valve. The gear carrier and the pinion input fluid nozzle can be moved in and out to regulate power steering fluid flow. The EBCM commands current from 0-1 amp to the VES actuator which varies the amount of effort required to steer the vehicle. At low speeds, 1 amp of current is commanded to the VES actuator and the pintle valve is fully closed which provides maximum pressure and maximum steering assist for easy turning and parking maneuvers. At high speeds, the current command disappears, the valve needle moves to nozzle, reduceing fluid flow and providing more tighting turn in order to increase road feeling 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. If any malfunctions is detected, the output of VES will be disconnected, then EBCM will command the driver information center (DIC) to display the SERVICE STEERING SYSTEM warning message via a class 2 serial data circuit.