2005 Cadillac Deville - Steering & OnStar?

Specific repair issues for all GM cars + FWD vans
Post Reply
92zman
200 Club: Major Contributor
200 Club: Major Contributor
Posts: 259
Joined: Thu Oct 21, 2010 6:09 am
Location: DesMoines IA

2005 Cadillac Deville - Steering & OnStar?

Post by 92zman »

Was brought in with the steering locking up. Put in a rack since it was leaking.

Came back in doing the same thing, but this time it turned on the OnStar..?
User avatar
steven kiser
5K Holy Smokes Contributor
5K Holy Smokes Contributor
Posts: 6184
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:58 am
Location: eastern ma.

Re: 2005 Cadillac Deville - Steering & OnStar?

Post by steven kiser »

On Star will automatically turn on under certain circumstances. There is a recall for on star about improper activation. If you can get information from customer about what happens right before p/s fails it may help. The pressure release valves can stick open and cause the steering to fail. An example would be if the customer yanks the wheel all the way to one side and raises the idle enough this will cause the valve to open to relieve strain. It's designed to close when pressure drops off, sometimes it hangs up and the steering fails.
never argue with a fool, they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience
92zman
200 Club: Major Contributor
200 Club: Major Contributor
Posts: 259
Joined: Thu Oct 21, 2010 6:09 am
Location: DesMoines IA

Re: 2005 Cadillac Deville - Steering & OnStar?

Post by 92zman »

The owener told me then it has happened in parking lots at low speed. Said it has happened about 3 times since i replaced the rack..
User avatar
steven kiser
5K Holy Smokes Contributor
5K Holy Smokes Contributor
Posts: 6184
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:58 am
Location: eastern ma.

Re: 2005 Cadillac Deville - Steering & OnStar?

Post by steven kiser »

check pump pressure at an idle then with foot on brake in drive. Computer should step up idle to maintain proper pressure. There is a sensor in the p/s line to read pressure and send info to pcm.
Last edited by steven kiser on Wed Nov 06, 2013 2:12 am, edited 1 time in total.
never argue with a fool, they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience
User avatar
brianp87
3K Time Lord Contributor
3K Time Lord Contributor
Posts: 3133
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 6:11 am
Location: Arizona
Contact:

Re: 2005 Cadillac Deville - Steering & OnStar?

Post by brianp87 »

Some caddys have tsb for ps pressure line problems If I recall
User avatar
steven kiser
5K Holy Smokes Contributor
5K Holy Smokes Contributor
Posts: 6184
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:58 am
Location: eastern ma.

Re: 2005 Cadillac Deville - Steering & OnStar?

Post by steven kiser »

Put your scanner on and pin the wheel. See if there is an increase in the idle or a call for one. The other issue may be a performance issue. There may be a small vac leak that the pcm can compensate for to a point but can't under a strain. You've got a vehicle that probably is running with the a/c compressor cycling on and off all the time because of climate control. Combine that with low speed and pump strain it's possible the engine is stumbling a bit and not spinning the pump fast enough. I didn't see a tsb about this issue. It may be a pump issue, pressure needs to be checked. Before I do that I would watch the idler through my scanner. Make sure it maintains minimum idle under a strain. I have seen improper fluid cause issues but usually a pump whine. Another issue may be the tensioner for the serpentine belt. Not on this particular vehicle but I've run across it before. Release the tension and see if the tensioner returns with strength. If it returns slowly and not deliberately this may be your issue. Another key point and I know it can be a pain is a road test to duplicate the issue. I really dislike long road tests but they are necessary at times.
never argue with a fool, they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience
Post Reply

Return to “GM Cars”