File in Section:

Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.:
Date:

PI0800A
November, 2012

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Subject:

DTC C0544 and/or U0415 Set and Will Not Clear, Malfunction Lamp Indicator (MIL) On

Models:

2013 Buick LaCrosse, Regal
2013 Chevrolet Equinox, Malibu
2013 GMC Terrain
2012 Chevrolet Volt Built After VIN Breakpoint CU119678
2012 Opel Ampera Built After VIN Breakpoint CU119438
2013 Opel Insignia
Equipped with NJ1 Steering
This PI is being revised to add models and DTC U0415. Please discard PI0800.

Condition/Concern
Some customers may comment on a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on and a drop in power steering assistance.
Technicians may find DTC C0544 with fault byte 5A and/or DTC U0415 with fault byte 75 set that does not clear.
DTC C0544 with fault byte 5A and/or DTC U0415 with fault byte 75 sets and does not clear if the Steering Angle
Sensor alignment procedure is performed incorrectly. If the car is driven in this condition, as speed increases the
driver will experience the car attempting to steer to the left or right (depending how which offset to left or right was set
during the alignment procedure).
While steering at low speeds (parking lot), the driver will experience power steering assist for only a fraction of a turn
left or right (dependent on offset) and a drop in power steering assist (full manual steering).

Recommendation/Instructions
To clear the DTC(s), it will be necessary to flash the Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPS) to a different
software.
• Identify DTC C0544 DTC with fault byte 5A and/or DTC U0415 with fault byte 75 is set.
• Try to clear the DTC(s) with the service diagnostic tool.
• Confirm DTC C0544 and/or DTC U0415 is still set as current.
To reprogram the Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPS), follow the procedure below:
1. Verify the battery voltage is more than 12 volts but less than 16 volts before proceeding with reprogramming.
The battery must be fully charged BEFORE reprogramming a control module.
2. During reprogramming, the battery voltage must be maintained within the proper range of 12-15.5 volts.
CONNECT the approved Midtronics ® PSC 550 Battery Maintainer (SPS Programming Support Tool (EL-49642)
to the vehicle or the GR8 (EL50313) in the power supply mode.
Notice: It is essential that the TIS terminal, MDI, Tech 2 ® and/or Scan Tool are updated with the latest
software available.
3. Verify that the devices being used are updated with the latest available software version BEFORE beginning
the reprogramming event.
4. BEFORE beginning reprogramming you MUST refer to Control Module References in SI for the appropriate
Programming and Setup procedures.
5. If a wireless connection will be used for reprogramming, a secure service department connection MUST be
used. DO NOT use any public WiFi connection from the customer lounge.
6. Reprogram the Electric Power Steering Control Module with the special VCI number provided by the Techline
Customer Support Center (TCSC). Contact TCSC for instructions. Use Service Programming System (SPS)
with the latest calibrations available on TIS2WEB. Refer to the SPS procedures in SI.

7. When the Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPS) VCI reprogramming is complete, Key off ignition, open
and close door, allow vehicle’s network bus to go to sleep (wait 3 minutes).
8. Place ignition into Run (engine not running) power mode.
9. Reprogram the Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPS) again using Service Programming System (SPS),
selecting “Replace and Reprogram” then selecting EPS programming in Support Controllers.
10. After reprogramming is completed, key off ignition, open and close door, allow vehicle’s network bus to go to
sleep (wait 3 minutes).
11. Start the car and perform a diagnostics check. The DTC C0544 and/or DTC U0415 should no longer appear.
12. Perform the steering endstop learn procedure. Refer to Software Endstop Learning within Power Steering
Control Module Calibration in SI.
13. Test drive the car and check for codes. There should not be any DTCs set.

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

N9683*

Reprogram Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPS)

0.8 hr

*This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.