GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC C1517 00: Overheat Protection Mode Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The power steering control module (PSCM) monitors the temperature of the power steering system. The PSCM uses voltage, current levels and input from an internal temperature sensor to calculate an estimated system temperature. If the PSCM detects a high system temperature event is occurring, the amount of assist is reduced to lower system temperature to prevent thermal damage to the power steering components.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Ignition ON or Engine Running see below.
    • Power steering system voltage is 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    •  The PSCM detects a temperature greater than 122°C (252°F) for at least 0.1 seconds (Ignition ON).
    •  The PSCM detects a temperature greater than 130°C (266°F) for at least 0.1 seconds (Engine Running).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

Steering boost is switched off.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC will clear when the Power Steering System temperature returns to normal.
    • A history DTC will clear after 60 consecutive malfunction-free ignition cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

    •  Overheating of the system caused by overload.
    •  After many steering movements the steering is overheated (for example, parking several times at high outside temperature.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Power Steering Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Power Steering System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Verify the DTC sets outside of the Conditions for Running and Setting. Since most occurrences of this DTC are caused by power steering over temperature condition, review with the customer the conditions under which the DTC set.
  2. If the DTC set within the Conditions for Running and Setting, the power steering system is operating as designed.
  3. Perform the scan tool program Electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) procedure.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the conditions that the customer experienced and verify the DTC does not reset.
  5. If the DTC resets, replace the electro-hydraulic power steering control unit.

Repair Instructions

Important: For any module replacement a set procedure needs to be followed. A "Reset" may need to be performed from the PROGRAMMING menu of the current system with the Tech 2 BEFORE replacing the module.

    • Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.
    •  Power Steering Pump Replacement
    •  Power Steering Pump Wiring Harness Replacement