GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC C0176 without HP5

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 C0176 54: System Thermal Error Temperature High

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

    • The ignition is ON, with the engine ON.
    • Power Steering System voltage is 9-16 volts.
    • Repetitive steering input is present.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PSCM detects a high system temperature.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC C0176 54 is stored in memory.
    • Steering assist is reduced.

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 100 consecutive malfunction-free ignition cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

    • DTC C0176 54 does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred. Rather that the PSCM had to limit current to the power steering motor to avoid thermal damage to the Power Steering System components. Discuss with the customer about driving conditions when the steering assist was reduced.
    • Inspect the under dash area around the steering column assembly. Ensure that no other components have come in contact with the power steering motor and module assembly, such as under dash insulation, or other electrical components.
    • Ensure that no steering components down stream of the power steering column assembly, such as ball joints, tie rod ends, universal joints, or the steering gear assembly, are mechanically binding. Refer to Increase in Effort While Turning Steering Wheel.

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 that the DTC sets outside of the Conditions for Running and Setting. Since most occurrences of this DTC are caused by excessive driver inputs, 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 is operating as designed.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the conditions that the customer experienced and verify the DTC does not reset.
  4. If the DTC resets, replace the PSCM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for PSCM replacement, setup, and programming

DTC C0176 with HP5

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 C0176 54: System Thermal Error Temperature High

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

    • The ignition is ON, with the engine ON.
    • Power Steering System voltage is 9-16 volts.
    • Repetitive steering input is present.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PSCM detects a high system temperature.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC C0176 54 is stored in memory.
    • Steering assist is reduced.

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 40 consecutive malfunction-free ignition cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

    • DTC C0176 54 does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred. Rather that the PSCM had to limit current to the power steering motor to avoid thermal damage to the Power Steering System components. Discuss with the customer about driving conditions when the steering assist was reduced.
    • Ensure that no steering components down stream of the power steering column assembly, such as ball joints, tie rod ends, universal joints, or the steering gear assembly, are mechanically binding. Refer to Increase in Effort While Turning Steering Wheel.

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 that the DTC sets outside of the Conditions for Running and Setting. Since most occurrences of this DTC are caused by excessive driver inputs, 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 is operating as designed.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the conditions that the customer experienced and verify the DTC does not reset.
  4. If the DTC resets, replace the PSCM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for PSCM replacement, setup, and programming