Date: 2007-04-25
General Motors
, LLC
NHTSA Action Number: PE07023
Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Subject:
LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST
Opened From: 2007-04-25 - 2007-09-25
Summary
DURING THIS INVESTIGATION, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) INDICATED THAT APPROXIMATELY 15,600 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2005 PONTIAC G6 VEHICLES BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 3, 2004 THROUGH JANUARY 5, 2005 MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST DUE TO AN INSUFFICIENT CRIMP AT THE TORQUE AND POSITION SENSOR TRANSDUCER LOCATED IN THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. GM HAS INDICATED THAT IT PLANS TO SEND LETTERS TO THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES TO INFORM THEM THAT IT WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE EPS SYSTEM IN THEIR VEHICLES TO 7 YEARS OR 70,000 MILES.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE FAILURES IN THE POPULATION AFFECTED BY THE WIRING CRIMP PROBLEM INDICATE THAT THE PROBLEM IS AN EARLY LIFE FAILURE THAT SHOULD OCCUR WITHIN THE TERMS OF THE EXTENDED COVERAGE.GM'S INVESTIGATION OF EPS FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM WITH THE CONNECTOR CRIMPS DURING THE TWO MONTH PRODUCTION RANGE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY EXTENSION.DURING THIS PERIOD THE CRIMPS MAY BE ASYMMETRICAL, RESULTING ININADEQUATE PRESSURE ON THE WIRE THAT CAN LEAD TO ELECTRICAL NOISE IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE SENSOR TO THE CONTROLLER.THE CONTROLLER MAY INTERPRET THIS ELECTRICAL NOISE AS A MALFUNCTION OF THE SYSTEM AND DEFAULT TO MANUAL MODE (I.E., TURN OFF THE EPS SYSTEM).IF THE POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) DISPLAYS A POWER STEERING WARNING MESSAGE, A CHIME IS SOUNDED, ANDTHE SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE.IN MANUAL MODE THE STEERING REQUIRES INCREASED EFFORT, ESPECIALLY AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 20 MILES PER HOUR (MPH).ODI'S ANALYSIS OF THE FAILURE DATA SHOW THAT APPROXIMATELY 30 PERCENT OF THE COMPLAINTS AND FIELD REPORTS (569 OF 1913) INVOLVE VEHICLES BUILT IN THE RANGE COVERED BY GM'S EXTENDED POLICY, WHICH ACCOUNT FOR ONLY ABOUT 7 PERCENT OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.THE COMPLAINT RATE FOR THE NON-PEAK MONTHS IS RELATIVELY HIGH, AT 673 PER 100,000 VEHICLES.THE RATE FOR THE PEAK MONTHS IS 5 TIMES HIGHER AT 3,645 PER 100,000 VEHICLES.SIMILAR DIFFERENCES ARE EVIDENT IN THE WARRANTY DATA, WITH APPROXIMATELY 27 PERCENT OF THE EPS WARRANTY CLAIMS (1120 OF 4145) INVOLVING VEHICLES BUILT IN THE PEAK MONTHS.THE WARRANTY RATE FOR THE NON-PEAK MONTHS IS 1.5% AND THE RATE FOR THE PEAK MONTHS IS 7.2%.ODI IDENTIFIED 9 CRASHES THAT ARE POTENTIALLY RELATED TO EPS SYSTEM FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE CRASHES OCCURRED AT LOW SPEEDS, SUCH AS DRIVEWAY AND PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS.THE CRASHES RESULTED IN ONE ALLEGED INJURY, BUT ODI WAS UNABLE TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THE TYPE OR SEVERITY OF THE INJURY.NONE OF THE CRASHES INVOLVE VEHICLES BUILT IN THE TWO MONTH PERIOD COVERED BY GM'S EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES USE THE SAME EPS SYSTEM AS THE MY 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU VEHICLES INVESTIGATED BY ODI IN EA04-018.ALTHOUGH THE FAILURE RATES ARE HIGH IN THIS INVESTIGATION, PARTICULARLY FOR THE PEAK MONTHS, THEY ARE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THAN FOR THE MALIBU VEHICLES INVESTIGATED IN EA04-018.AS IN THOSE VEHICLES, THE EFFECTS ON STEERING EFFORT ARE SMALL AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 15-20 MPH.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.
Investigation Documents
For Latest Documents related to this Investigation, visit the NHTSA Website.
Click the (+) Plus Sign
Then click Associated Document(s).
- Oiojuct heat shrink wire connectors are durable and...
- Easy and Reliable Connection: The wire connector kit...
- Versatile Application: An electrical connectors kit is...
- Secure and Waterproof: The heat shrink crimp connectors...
- Convenient Assortment: The set includes a range of connector...
- [PREMIUM QUALITY] Thick copper barrel ensures strong secure...
- [DURABILITY] Each butt, ring and fork terminal features a...
- [WATERPROOF] Insulation tubing has unique dual-walled...
- [WIDE APPLICATIONS] Compliant with all electrical standards...
- [TYPE and SIZE] The connector assortment includes red, blue...
Search NHTSA Database for Recalls
Search NHTSA Database for (TSB's) Technical Service Bulletins
Technical Service Bulletins TSB's List
Previous Investigation | Next Investigation |
- [Notice] When you receive a used device, it may be a customer return resold by Amazon without inspection. You can exchange it for a new one through Amazon. As this situation is unavoidable, we sincerely apologize. For any issues, contacting us via Amazon's "Messages" is the best way. THINKSCAN 689BT Bidirectional Scan Tool Can Be Used Immediately After It is Turned On, Without Complicated Registration Process, Which is More Convenient & Quick.
- Full Bi-Directional Control & 3000+ Active Tests: Take control and test components like actuators, fuel injectors, relays, and cooling fans in real time. You’ll quickly see if the problem is in the part itself or the control module — saving you hours of guesswork and frustrating trial-and-error.
- Advanced ECU Coding Capabilities: Handle module matching and hidden feature activation with confidence. When you replace an ECU or want to customize settings, this obd2 scanner diagnostic bi directional tool gives you the professional-level capabilities you need without the dealership price tag.
- 34+ Useful Reset and Maintenance Functions: Complete everyday service tasks smoothly with a wide range of helpful reset and maintenance functions. Whether you’re keeping up with regular upkeep or tackling a specific job, this scanner makes maintenance simpler and less stressful for both DIYers and pros.
- Comprehensive Full System Diagnostics: Diagnose every major system — Engine, Transmission, ABS, SRS, TPMS, and more — all in one place. Finally stop wondering if you’re missing something important; get the full picture and clear codes with ease.
- Top Reasons to Choose the D7S OBD2 Scanner: XTOOL D7S car scan tool, an upgrade of XTOOL D7, offers comprehensive features for automotive technicians, workshops, and DIY enthusiasts 1. Upgraded Hardware: 2+64GB memory, rear camera, intuitive interface, foldable bracket 2. Complete Diagnostics: FCA
Autoauth, OE-level all system scan, 39+ maintenance services, 4K+ bidirectional, CANFD/DoIP protocol 3. Advanced Capabilities: ECU c0ding, PMI functions 4. Wide Compatibility: Support 10,000+ models, covering 99% vehicle brands 5. Multi-language: Available in 22+ languages, No IP Restrictions 6. 3-Year Updates: Save 300 bucks on software updates for the latest features and optimizations - 2026 Upgraded D7S Car Scanner Features: The newly 2026 D7S V2.0 scanner for car brings exciting features for advanced vehicle diagnostics and enhanced user experience 1. FCA AutoAuth: Now supports FCA SGW module for Chrysler, for Jeep, for Dodge (2018+), for Fiat (2017+), enabling faster vehicle communication without gateway restrictions 2. PMI (Offline ECU Pr0gramming): Allows for Ford, for Lincoln, and for Mazda ECU pr0gramming for new modules 3. Optimized Diagnostic Report 2.0: Personalized reports with logos and customer info for auto shops. Note: Compatibility varies by cars, please check before order
- 39+ Services/Resets/Adaptations/Relearns/Calibrations: XTOOL D7S full system car scanner diagnostic tool tackles 99% of common car issues through its 36+ special functions, including Oil Reset, EPB, SAS, BMS, Throttle Reset, Injector C0ding, ABS Bleed, TPMS Reset, Power Balance, etc and also covers specific-vehicle functions like Crank Sensor Relearn, ABS Initialization, Cylinder Power Balance, Fuel Trim Reset, Idle Relearn etc. This car diagnostic scanner enhances efficiency, making repairs and maintenance hassle-free. Tip: DO NOT for All vehicles, please check compatibility first
- Cost-effective ECU C0ding Scan Tool for Specific Brands: Enhance your vehicle's performance with XTOOL D7S! This obd2 scanner all systems bidirectional offers advanced capabilities at an affordable price, supports online for BMW, for Benz and offline for BENZ, for MIT, along with PMI functions for Ford, for Mazda, and for Lincoln. Ideal for technicians and DIY enthusiasts, this automotive scanner diagnostic tool optimizes vehicle performance and enhances the driving experience. Note: Not for all cars and modules, please send car VIN to check the compatibility before purchase
- OE All System Diagnostic & 8 Pids Graphing: XTOOL D7S is a comprehensive all system bi directional obd2 scanner that delivers dealer-level diagnostics, completely controlling over your vehicle’s performance and health. This automotive scan tool can read and clear DTCs, view live data and ECU information, retrieve freeze frames, and perform active tests and full obd2 functions. This bi-directional scan tool can can identify your vehicle's make, model, and year information with just one click and show up to 8 PIDs live data with options for CSV viewing, playback, and recording for in-depth analysis. It is easy-to-use for both professionals and beginners, helping pinpoint issues efficiently
- 【✅Compared to BOSSCOMM IF742, IF745 Offers Full-System Diagnostics】The BOSSCOMM IF745 car diagnostic scanner is an upgraded model of IF742. In addition to supporting all OBD2 Code Reader functions and 6 reset options (ABS/EPB/SAS/BMS/Oil/Throttle), it expands diagnostics from 4 systems (Check Engine/ABS/SRS/Transmission) to vehicle All systems, including Steering, Suspension, and Body Electronics. This provides deeper, more comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
- 【✨10 OBD2 Functions】The BOSSCOMM IF745 scan tool’s DTC Lookup instantly translates fault codes into user-friendly explanations, its I/M Readiness feature streamlines emissions testing with a single tap, and Freeze Frame lets you pinpoint the exact moment of a fault for in-depth root-cause diagnosis. Combined with a live data dashboard and advanced diagnostics (O2S, OBMon, EVAP), it delivers comprehensive insights for confident troubleshooting.
- 【✨Deep Diagnostics for All Vehicle System Modules】Beyond code reading/clearing and ECU information retrieval, our all-in-one data stream feature lets you inspect all current fault codes and their locations across the vehicle’s systems. This vehicle code reader helps you turn off dashboard warning lights and perform a comprehensive self-check of your car at home—no more back-and-forth trips to the repair shop or hefty inspection fees.
- 【✨6 Essential Resets: ABS Bleeding, Oil, EPB, SAS, Throttle, BMS】The BOSSCOMM IF745 obd2 scanner diagnostic tool swiftly purges air from brake lines to restore braking sensitivity, fine-tunes maintenance cycles to eliminate false alerts, resolves parking brake issues with one-click control, recalibrates steering sensors for stability, optimizes engine idling/acceleration for smoother performance, and deeply resets battery systems to extend lifespan and range via precise parameter adjustments.❗NOTE: Does NOT support bidirectional control, coding, or programming.
- 【✨10,000+ Car Models, AutoVIN, 13 Languages】The BOSSCOMM IF745 vehicle scanner diagnostic tool covers 73+ global car brands and offers support in 13 languages, making it perfect for DIYers, auto mechanics, or as a thoughtful gift. With a single-click AutoVIN feature, it instantly retrieves vehicle serial numbers, streamlining diagnostics for users globally. This adaptable tool balances user-friendliness with precision, catering to both personal and professional requirements.✅Unsure about compatibility? Compatibility will vary on vehicles' model and year, pls reach us via 📧 [email protected] 📧 before purchase.
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.