Power steering problem

where is the power steering fluid anyways ? I want to change that too

 

There’s none.

Its Electric .

 

This appears to be a power steering loosing communication with the power steering ECU.

I have had a similar experience with a hybrid Highlander last year. Steering was so had, it took the customer tremendous amount if energy to navigate em.

Long story short, reoakxrd the steering ECU and did a calibration, with tech stream, get it didn't work. Replaced steering rack, after making sure the U,V, and W wires on the electric steering motor connected straight up to the steering ECU had no open circuits. That still didn't fix the problem.

Finally!!! I had to trace the steering DC DC converter, down to the HV pack contractors (unit of HV relays), and realised that the connector was not connected in there.

Connected that back, and got steering assist back.

In your case, might be the same.
1.If you got another steering ECU, try swapping em
2. Do a voltage test on the steering ECU circuitry to the U,V,and W, wires to the electric steering motor.
3. So you hear any cluck noise when you turn the steering? I think there are TSBs or so for some of the problems?
4. Have a the stream handy though.



Let's know how it goes.


Dxta

 

A Highlander Hybrid probably does have a higher-voltage steering motor, with its own converter served from the main battery.

I don't think a Gen 3 Prius II does though. Still 12 volt steering there, I think.

May as well try reoakxring anyway, I guess. What could it hurt?

-Chap

 

Well, that was an experience I shared. Probably, might be similar, I don't know. But its worth nothing