2009 Vibe Speed Sensitive Power Steering Failure

[robcalgary]

Have a 2009 Vibe, 2.4L engine, 5 speed auto trans with about 72,000km. Last month my speed sensitive power steering failed intermitently. The problem had "fixed itself" when I got in for the service appointment. The dealership found some trouble codes in the computer (U0100, C1541, C1528) but couldn't replicate the problem. The problem has come and gone a few times since then and has failed for the last few days now and have another service appt next week. Has anyone experienced this issue? I've done some internet searches but haven't yet found many comments about this issue. Thanks.

[j42.snyder]

I don't recall seeing this posted previously either. Does the steering light come on when the failure occurs?

Please keep us updated, as it's good info for future reference. Hopefully the fix doesn't end up being too expensive! At least there should potentially be a number of used parts available if needed by now if new are overly pricey. As they appear to typically be quite reliable, a used one would probably be a viable option.

John

[robcalgary]

Yes the steering warning light comes on when the system fails. It only seems to be happening (working or not) when I start the car--not during driving. Earlier today after some errands, I started the car and now the system is back to normal again and the warning lights are off--which is great but an intermittent problem is harder to find.

[robcalgary]

The steering has been fine for a few days now (since it was working again, I cancelled the service appt). I guess I will wait and see how long it goes before it decides to fail again. The battery seems ok (as does the alternator) so I don't think it's a power issue (although it is the original battery from the factory).

[cq358]

Do you suddenly loose all the steering assist or just CEL ?

You from Cal town, did you guys just a had a big snow storm last week?
Did your car got stuck or rock your car until it gets unstuck?
Did after the snow storm then weather become suddenly very cold (rapid temperature drop) "cold soak" ?
Does your car parked outside or indoor?
Did you remember if your floor mat is covered with snow all the time and frost build up from the inside of the car?

U0100 Lost Communication with ECM/PCM "A"
C1541 Vehicle Speed Signal Malfunction
C1528 Motor Rotation Angle Sensor Malfunction

if problem happen again do the following
"Zero point calibration" to reset your steering angle.. you can learn how to do it from U tube University

[robcalgary]

Yes, the warning light comes on and I lose all power steering. Not exactly sure what you mean by "Zero Point Calibration". There is nothing that I am doing that is fixing the issue (other than shutting off the ignition and starting again--this *sometimes* fixes it).
I think that every time it's failed (or started working again) has been when I am starting the ignition. I don't think it's ever failed or started working while I am actually driving,.

[cq358]

I have updated my previous posts ..

[robcalgary]

Yes we got some snow last week but it was happening on and off before that. It's actually been a pretty mild winter this year.
It hasn't gotten stuck or excessive wheel spin (hurray for good winter tires).
It's parked outside and the floor mats are generally kept fairly clean.

If it happens again I will try the Zero Point Cailbration (googled it after your last post).

Thanks.

[cq358]

last question, does it happen mostly in Winter or any season, any condition.
Last last last question, had you done a alignment as well?

Calibration issue..
Speed sensor/skid control contacts/wire loose

[robcalgary]

It started for the first time a few months ago (but it wasn't a particularly wintery day, if I recall) so I haven't been able to compare it to the other seasons. When it has happened the weather hasn't been usually damp or cold I think (it's a fairly low average humidity here anyways). And no, I haven't had a wheel alignment done.

[cq358]

could you see if any cut or damage happen with any speed sensor external wiring? when you do your tire change over

[robcalgary]

I'll probably be switching tires this coming week and will see if anything can be seen. The problem started a month or 2 after I switched to winter tires (I think).

[cq358]

http://www.uotdealereducation.com/repos ... D/main.swf
Click on EPS

Seems all the Matrix has the higher grade 35w EPS system that uses for Corolla XRS

[cq358]

yea, Spray down all the wheel well after you take the tires off, check for damage, loose connections.

[jake75]

http://www.uotdealereducation.com/repos ... D/main.swf
Click on EPS

Seems all the Matrix has the higher grade 35w EPS system that uses for Corolla XRS

So what is used on the '09 Vibe?

[cq358]

same system as matrix.

[robcalgary]

I will be doing the tire switchover on Friday morning and will see if there's anything obvious.

[cq358]

My speed sensor connector is cover with lot of mud. we drive at gravel road daily.
need to brush the mud off.

[robcalgary]

So all has been good for the past few weeks. Unable to explain why it's working consistently now except that it's warmer??? Or there's no salt residue on the roads and undercarriage??? Will leave it for now and leave well enough alone but I suppose it will return eventually.

[robcalgary]

Well, the problem has been gone all summer; I never did find anything obvious as the cause. It will be interesting to see if it comes back this fall/winter.

[Nasmfell]

Well, the problem has been gone all summer; I never did find anything obvious as the cause. It will be interesting to see if it comes back this fall/winter.

It probably will

[robcalgary]

Update: So I spent more time this winter in washing off the undercarriage and I had one brief failure (and reset) but overall not too bad! At least it was an in-expensive solution.

[cq358]

I guess putting dialectic grease at sensor terminal helps

[robcalgary]

So no more incidents since my last posting. As before, the only different thing I am doing is spending more time washing the undercarriage.