Power Steering Low Voltage Code

[SadRobot]

Just wanted to see if anyone had an thoughts on this.

Last week my Jeep started to drive oddly. It felt a little sluggish and the steering felt slow to respond. Then 2 days later I got off the freeway, came to a stop and the Jeep just turned itself off. After about 10 seconds I was able to start it up again.

I took it a shop and they have not been able to replicate the issue. The only code their reader found was "Power Steering Low Voltage". They checked my batteries and no issues there.

They said without any other codes showing up on the reader they have nothing else to fix.

So I guess I'm looking for any other ideas on what could be wrong? I'm picking it up tomorrow and hoping it doesn't die on me again.

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[mwilk012]

Check the connector to the power steering pump. The EPS pump is a large electrical load, I would also question the integrity of the batteries. How were they tested, and how old are they?

 

[SadRobot]

Check the connector to the power steering pump. The EPS pump is a large electrical load, I would also question the integrity of the batteries. How were they tested, and how old are they?

Not sure how they were tested. Both main and aux are 1 year old.

 

[OminousSkitter]

Check the connector to the power steering pump. The EPS pump is a large electrical load, I would also question the integrity of the batteries. How were they tested, and how old are they?

Unless you have something seriously wrong in your electrical system or some very power hungry additions, shouldn’t the alternator supply all the power while it’s on? Why would shutting itself off while running be a battery issue—especially if it was then able to start 10s later?

Genuinely curious; I know the electrical isn’t that simple in the JLs and computers rule everything.

 

[SadRobot]

Unless you have something seriously wrong in your electrical system or some very power hungry additions, shouldn’t the alternator supply all the power while it’s on? Why would shutting itself off while running be a battery issue—especially if it was then able to start 10s later?

Genuinely curious; I know the electrical isn’t that simple in the JLs and computers rule everything.

I'll let @mwilk012 answer that as I have no idea but I will say I have added electrical accessories but nothing new over the past 8 months. Never had an issue until now.

 

[mwilk012]

The PCM controls the strength of the field windings of the alternator. It takes time for the pcm to raise the alternator output to maintain voltage at a higher current. A shorted battery cell or just a weak old sulfated battery with a low capacity can cause voltage to drop below that required for normal operation when a large load such as the P/S pump is engaged.

Think of the battery as a buffer from voltage fluctuations, not just a generic power supply.

 

[58Willys]

NHTSA is currently investigating Jeeps for an issue with power steering pump electrical connector, could be this. Your shop should be able to check connector and test for correct voltage to pump/connector, with a low volt code showing.

I think another posted here had a steering pump problem that caused Jeep to shut down. As I recall pump was replaced and all was good.

Also, check alternator/charging system for proper function.

 

[SadRobot]

NHTSA is currently investigating Jeeps for an issue with power steering pump electrical connector, could be this. Your shop should be able to check connector and test for correct voltage to pump/connector, with a low volt code showing.

I think another posted here had a steering pump problem that caused Jeep to shut down. As I recall pump was replaced and all was good.

Also, check alternator/charging system for proper function.

Thanks! I will ask about this tomorrow when I pick up the Jeep.

 

[2019JLUS]

It sounds like your Jeep might be dealing with an intermittent electrical issue, which can be tricky to diagnose since it's not consistently throwing codes. The "Power Steering Low Voltage" code suggests the problem may be linked to the electrical system. Here are a few areas to consider checking:

1. **Grounding Issue**: Poor or corroded ground connections can cause intermittent voltage drops, which could affect systems like power steering and cause the engine to stall. It would be worth inspecting all the ground connections, especially near the battery, alternator, and body/frame.

2. **Alternator Output**: Even though the shop checked your batteries, the alternator might not be supplying consistent power under all conditions. A failing alternator could cause voltage drops that trigger issues with electrical systems like power steering or even cause the Jeep to shut off.

3. **Battery Cables and Connections**: Loose or corroded battery terminals or cables can intermittently disrupt the flow of power, causing electrical systems to malfunction. Double-check the connections and ensure they are tight and corrosion-free.

4. **Power Steering System**: Since you got a "Power Steering Low Voltage" code, it's worth investigating the power steering system itself. On newer vehicles with electric power steering, any issue with the power supply to the power steering motor could create noticeable problems with both steering and vehicle operation.

5. **ESS (Engine Start/Stop) System**: If your Jeep has the ESS system, a glitch in the ESS logic could also explain why the Jeep turned off at a stop and restarted after a delay. Try disabling the ESS system temporarily to see if the problem persists.

6. **Wiring Harness or Sensor**: Sometimes, wiring or sensors can have loose connections or intermittent faults that only show up under specific conditions. The steering angle sensor or even a sensor related to engine management might be sending incorrect signals.

Since the issue is sporadic, keep an eye on whether it happens again under similar conditions (speed, road type, etc.). If it happens again, try to see if other systems behave oddly, as this might help narrow down the root cause. If it persists, logging more detailed data using an OBD-II scanner or consulting the dealership might be the next step.

 

[mwilk012]

Thanks, AI

 

[Ratbert]

Thanks, AI

It looks like @2019JLUS frequently copy / pastes from an AI. You can scroll through their posts and quickly tell which are AI or not.

 

[mwilk012]

It looks like @2019JLUS frequently copy / pastes from an AI. You can scroll through their posts and quickly tell which are AI or not.

May or may not even be a real person at all. The internet sucks now.

 

[SadRobot]

It looks like @2019JLUS frequently copy / pastes from an AI. You can scroll through their posts and quickly tell which are AI or not.

Well this is just fascinating.

 

[Terrymo]

It sounds like your Jeep might be dealing with an intermittent electrical issue, which can be tricky to diagnose since it's not consistently throwing codes. The "Power Steering Low Voltage" code suggests the problem may be linked to the electrical system. Here are a few areas to consider checking:

1. **Grounding Issue**: Poor or corroded ground connections can cause intermittent voltage drops, which could affect systems like power steering and cause the engine to stall. It would be worth inspecting all the ground connections, especially near the battery, alternator, and body/frame.

2. **Alternator Output**: Even though the shop checked your batteries, the alternator might not be supplying consistent power under all conditions. A failing alternator could cause voltage drops that trigger issues with electrical systems like power steering or even cause the Jeep to shut off.

3. **Battery Cables and Connections**: Loose or corroded battery terminals or cables can intermittently disrupt the flow of power, causing electrical systems to malfunction. Double-check the connections and ensure they are tight and corrosion-free.

4. **Power Steering System**: Since you got a "Power Steering Low Voltage" code, it's worth investigating the power steering system itself. On newer vehicles with electric power steering, any issue with the power supply to the power steering motor could create noticeable problems with both steering and vehicle operation.

5. **ESS (Engine Start/Stop) System**: If your Jeep has the ESS system, a glitch in the ESS logic could also explain why the Jeep turned off at a stop and restarted after a delay. Try disabling the ESS system temporarily to see if the problem persists.

6. **Wiring Harness or Sensor**: Sometimes, wiring or sensors can have loose connections or intermittent faults that only show up under specific conditions. The steering angle sensor or even a sensor related to engine management might be sending incorrect signals.

Since the issue is sporadic, keep an eye on whether it happens again under similar conditions (speed, road type, etc.). If it happens again, try to see if other systems behave oddly, as this might help narrow down the root cause. If it persists, logging more detailed data using an OBD-II scanner or consulting the dealership might be the next step.

What point do your chat bot responses serve really? At least give credit to your source rather than acting as if you’re coming up with these answers on your own.

 

[Terrymo]

Well this is just fascinating.

Because you know…chat bot answers for sad robot questions.

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