My wifes 2006 Malibu max is biting me in the ass. The other day in the cold, she gets in the car and the power steering light is flashing on the dash. starts and drives OK, but NO power steering. Its been intermittently working over the last week or so. Granted, its been very cold here (Nebraska). This model has been recalled, but for whatever wisdom my VIN is NOT included in the recall. It never starts or stops working while driving, the go/no go event always happens at key start.
The recalls supposedly replaces the steering column to change the Torque sensor assembly. Hell, dorman sells one and has a FAQ on how to take the column apart. Hell of a lot cheaper than paying GM a $1000 for a new complete column.
I wonder what the issue really is? Its smells to me more like electrical connections or such rather than a bad rack or sensor.
the issue sets no codes for my OBD2 scanner. I got as far in research that it cold be a power issues at start up or data transmission issue. (which causes it to go into limp mode for the steering). Unfortunately, to look at these parameters requires a Tech2 or other dealer level tool that is beyond what i have right now.
Anybody have any ideas on this? The car has already had the brake light recall that put the dialectic grease on the BCM module.