Intermittent power steering stops working and the parking brake light, ABS light and traction control light all turn on when this happens

HERMAN GILL

MEMBER
2006 CADILLAC STS
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
140,284 MILES

I have the car listed above and it's a V6. The problem I'm having is no power steering. When this happens there are 3 lights that are always on; parking brake light, ABS light and traction control light. This happens on and off. Sometimes it drives perfect, no lights and steering is powered but most times it doesn't. I took it to mechanic about a year ago. They replaced the power steering pump and a wire harness by the battery somewhere. It drove okay for about 8 months. $1,300.00 later I'm back to same problem. Your expert advice would be appreciated.

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

It sounds like a possible ABS activation issue. So let's start with checking for codes and we can get a better idea what the possible issue is. The ABS activating should not cause these lights to come on which means it is activating due to an issue so we should have some codes.

You should have electric power steering on this vehicle which is why when these lights are coming on it is pulling power steering. The system monitors wheel speed and it varies the steering assist based on wheel speed and other inputs like steering wheel position. So we could have a wheel speed issue or a steering angle sensor issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Let me know what codes are there and we can go from there. Just make sure the code reader can read ABS codes as well.

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