Power steering control module replacement?

If I could get the code's you have in your power steering control module I can help you so you don't replace the wrong thing and waste your money.

Jim saad says>As per your last email message I checked the codes from the diagnostics we performed and we found no codes. According to the GM dealer there is no separate PSCM (power steering control module) that we could buy. The only parts available are the motor and the power steering column assembly unit at a substantial cost. We would appreciate your comments. Thank you.
Saturntech9 says>I know you can only get the motor or the whole steering column which has the PSCM but what i'm asking you for are the code's that the PSCM has in it that will tell us if we need just the motor or the whole steering column. The average scan tool will come up with no code's because it can't read the PSCM computer you will have to take it too the dealer to have them see what code's you have that way I can tell you which part you need to change. If your power steering is going out then you will have code's in your PSCM I just don't want to see you waste your money buying too much or too little of part's. Let me know what code's your PSCM has and we will go from there.

Jim saad says>Thank you so much for your recent advice. Recently the driver of the vehicle had the vehicle inspected by the dealer. According to the dealer this particular model requires the replacement of the motor only. The power steering column assembly does not need to be replaced. Therefore, we can assume that the PSCM is not located in the PS assembly. If this is the case then what will be required other than replacing the motor? I do not have access to the codes you requested. We would appreciate your comments. Thank you. Jim ageorgesaad@rogers. Com
saturntech9 says>Before you go paying for a motor replacement take a look at this special policy replacement of the steering motor for free if it falls within the vin range.
SPECIAL COVERAGE

Bulletin No: 10187

Date: July 20, 2010

Subject: 10187 - Special Coverage Adjustment - Power Steering Assist
Models:
2004-2007 Saturn ION

Condition

Some customers of 2004-2007 model year Saturn ION vehicles, equipped with electric power steering, may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist, which could occur at any time while driving the vehicle. If the power steering assist is lost, a chime will be heard and the Message Center will display a "PWR STR" warning message. The vehicle can still be steered in a safe manner but will require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds or when stopped. Typically, the next time the vehicle is started, the power steering assist will return and the "PWR STR" message would no longer be displayed.

Special Coverage Adjustment

This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.

Retailers are to replace the power steering motor. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after July 21, 2010, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to July 21, 2010, must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Vehicles Involved

Involved are certain 2004-2007 model year Saturn ION vehicles equipped with electric power steering and built within the following VIN breakpoints:

Important
Retailers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the Investigate Vehicle History link on the Global Warranty Management application within GlobalConnect. Special Coverage Adjustments are displayed in the Applicable Warranties section.

Parts Information

Saturn Canada Only: Parts required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales (GMCC&A).

Saturn US Only: Saturn will not be doing a pre-shipment of parts for this special coverage. Please place orders for the required parts as necessary.

Customer Notification

General Motors will notify customers of this special coverage on their vehicles (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).

Service Procedure
1. Remove the power steering assist motor. Refer to Power Steering Assist Motor Replacement in SI.
2. Install the new power steering assist motor. Refer to Power Steering Assist Motor Replacement in SI.

Claim Information

1. Submit a claim using the table below.

2. Courtesy Transportation - submit as Net Item under the repair labor code.

* The amount identified in "Net Item" should represent the dollar amount reimbursed to the customer.

Customer Reimbursement - For US

All customer requests for reimbursement for previous repairs for the special coverage condition will be handled by the Customer Assistance Center, not by dealers.

A General Motors Customer Reimbursement Procedure and Claim Form is included with the customer letter.
Important
Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 6.1.12, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement and the form.

Customer Reimbursement - For Canada

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition described in this bulletin are to be submitted to the dealer prior to or by August 31, 2011. Repairs must have occurred within the 10 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 160,000km, whichever occurs first.

When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:
- Proof of ownership at time of repair.
- Original paid receipt confirming the amount of unreimbursed repair expense(s) (including Service Contract deductibles), a description of the repair, and the person or entity performing the repair.

If the work was done by someone other than a GM dealership, the amount of reimbursement will be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM dealership.

Courtesy Transportation

The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Retailers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
Here is the other bulletine to show you why I wanted to know what code's you had in the pscm. Also until someone read's the code's in the pscm I wouldn't trust them in saying you need to replace this or that.
INFORMATION

Bulletin No: 07-02-32-007B

Date: August 06, 2009

Subject: Diagnostic Tips for Power Steering Inoperative/Steering Wheel Hard to Turn, Power Steering Message Displayed on DIC, DTCs C0176, C0475, C0476, C0550, U2105, U2107 Set
Models:
2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
2006-2010 Chevrolet HHR
2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada Only)
2007-2009 Pontiac G5
2003-2007 Saturn ION

Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update the information for DTC C0475. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-02-32-007A (Section 02 - Steering).

The following diagnostics might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the condition(s) described above. Use the appropriate recommendation based on what symptom has occurred.

No DTCs

Review Corporate Bulletin Number 05-02-32-002D to assure you do not have a blown 60 amp steering fuse. The fuse can be blown during improper jump starting of the vehicle on the HHR and ION. Check for this particularly for tow in conditions. DO NOT replace the steering column unless an internal short has been identified in the column that is causing fuse to blow.

Power Steering Warning Message on DIC with DTCs C0176 and C0476

This condition is often the result of excessive lock-to-lock turns of the steering wheel, causing the thermal protection in the power steering control module (PSCM) to take the steering motor temporarily off line. This is a normal operating characteristic of the system. DO NOT replace the steering column for this condition. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 06-02-32-002C for additional information.

Power Steering Warning Message on DIC with DTC C0550 in the PSCM

Inspect the motor harness connection to the PSCM. If no connector problems are found, replace the steering column ONLY as this is an internal controller issue.

Power Steering Warning Message on DIC with DTC C0475 in the PSCM

Check the connection between the EPS motor and the power steering control module (PSCM) by ensuring the harness connector is properly seated. If the connection is normal, replace ONLY the EPS motor.
Note
If the DTC resets immediately following motor replacement, replace the steering column.

Power Steering Warning Message on DIC with DTC U2105 and/or U2107 in the PSCM with any other U codes

Although the code(s) appear in the PSCM, these are communication codes and are not the result of a problem with the column operation or the control module. If the codes are in history, clear the codes and re-key the vehicle a few times to see if they come back. If they reappear, look for a communication issue from the BCM U2107 or ECM U2105 (wiring, connector, etc.) As the root cause. If the codes do not reappear after a test drive, return the vehicle back to the customer. DO NOT replace the steering column.

Your welcome that's what were here for.

The steering control module is what the motor plugs into, also the clicking when you steering usually means the CV axles are worn out but to be sure you can upload a short video of the noise so I can tell for sure.