GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2005 🢒 Optra 🢒 Steering 🢒 Variable Effort Steering 🢒 SSPS Warning Lamp Inoperative

Circuit Description

The speed sensitive power steering (SSPS) control module controls the operation of the SSPS warning lamp. When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the SSPS control module turns ON the SSPS warning lamp for 3 seconds for a bulb check. Whenever a malfunction is detected within the variable effort steering (VES) system, the SSPS control module turns ON the SSPS warning lamp, notifying the driver that VES needs to be serviced.

Diagnostic Aids

Thoroughly inspect the wiring and the connectors. An incomplete inspection of the wiring and the connectors may result in a misdiagnosis, causing a part replacement with the reappearance of the malfunction.

The following are possible causes of the malfunction:

    • A open in the SSPS warning lamp control circuit
    • An internal SSPS control module malfunction
    • An internal instrument cluster malfunction
    • An inoperative lamp bulb

If an intermittent malfunction exists, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. Determines if the malfunction is caused by an internal SSPS control module malfunction.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Steering Assist Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Steering Assist Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Variable Effort Steering Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Variable Effort Steering

2

Do any of the other instrument cluster indicators or gages function?

Go to Step 3

Go to Symptoms - Instrument Panel, Gages and Console in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the speed sensitive power steering (SSPS) control module electrical connector.
  3. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the SSPS warning lamp control circuit and ground.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the SSPS warning lamp turn ON?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4

Test the SSPS warning lamp control circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

5
  1. Remove the instrument cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
  2. Inspect the SSPS warning lamp bulb for an open. Replace if necessary.

Did you find and complete the repair?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

Replace the instrument cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 8

--

7

Replace the SSPS control module. Refer to Power Steering Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 8

--

8

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2