GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The power steering control module (PSCM) has a discrete battery positive voltage supply circuit. The PSCM monitors the voltage level on this circuit to ensure the electric power steering (EPS) system has adequate voltage levels to perform the system functions.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC C0896 Device Voltage Range/Performance

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The EPS system battery voltage is 9-11 volts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC C0896 is stored in memory.
    • The instrument panel cluster (IPC) displays the SERVICE VEHICLE SOON warning indicator.
    • Steering assist is reduced.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC will clear when EPS system voltage is greater than 11 volts.
    • A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles with EPS system voltage greater than 11 volts.
    • Using a scan tool

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests if the malfunction exists in the vehicles charging system.

  2. This step tests if the malfunction is intermittent.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Power Steering Schematics

Connector End Views Reference: Power Steering Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Battery Voltage parameter in the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) Data List.

Does the scan tool display greater than 11 volts?

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

3

With a scan tool, observe the Battery Voltage parameter in the electric power steering (EPS) Data List.

Does the scan tool display greater than 11 volts?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 4

4

Test the battery positive voltage circuit of the power steering control module (PSCM) for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 5

5

Test the ground circuit of the PSCM for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the underhood fuse block stud terminal. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PSCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect for poor connections at the ground terminal G109 . Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

Replace the EPS assembly. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 10

--

10

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK