Service message

[GranPrix]

So I have the service “power steering drive with care” message and some guy on one of the FB Tahoe groups says he fixed his. He sends me a picture of the bottom of his battery cover and then says this:

Can anyone figure out what the heck he’s trying to say?

 

[TollKeeper]

I can understand it... Only because I have heard of this before..

One of the high power power lugs lost power from the high amp fuse, or trace, breaking.

Jumping the lug to verify the problem, and then replacing the fuse/trace/lug block fixes the problem.

 

[GranPrix]

What do you mean jumping the lug? Please excuse my ignorance

 

[TollKeeper]

Each one of those bolts are called lugs.

 

[GranPrix]

Each one of those bolts are called lugs.

Yea I got that but what do you mean by jumping it?

 

[TollKeeper]

Using a multi meter first, check to see if power is making it from the main lug, to all the sub lugs, then checking the traces or fuses..

Thats about all I remember from the video I watched 2 years ago on YouTube.

There should be codes..

 

[GranPrix]

Using a multi meter first, check to see if power is making it from the main lug, to all the sub lugs, then checking the traces or fuses..

Thats about all I remember from the video I watched 2 years ago on YouTube.

There should be codes..

Ok great thanks man

 

[Geotrash]

Going to engage in a little thread Necro here because it’s the only thread I found on this particular message.

I have a 2018 suburban 3500 HD, and I’m not sure if it’s related or not but a few weeks ago I swapped the factory cluster for a Denali cluster that was programmed by White automotive. In the last week or so, I’ve started getting the service power steering message, but I did not get the message for several drives after the cluster swap so I don’t think that’s a factor.

Anyway, I followed the advice on this thread and tested the power at each one of the lugs where I found 12.63 V. I also tested the aux battery connections, and got 12.63 V there as well.

It’s entirely possible that we have an electrical anomaly going on here but it’s the only symptom so far. Anyone else have any ideas? Of course, I made sure the power steering fluid is topped off.

The truck only has 20,000 miles on it, it has been garage kept its entire life, and has never seen road salt. There is no corrosion anywhere, so I’m having a hard time believing I have a bad ground anywhere.

Anyone have any more ideas? No codes, by the way.

 

[Doubeleive]

Going to engage in a little thread Necro here because it’s the only thread I found on this particular message.

I have a 2018 suburban 3500 HD, and I’m not sure if it’s related or not but a few weeks ago I swapped the factory cluster for a Denali cluster that was programmed by White automotive. In the last week or so, I’ve started getting the service power steering message, but I did not get the message for several drives after the cluster swap so I don’t think that’s a factor.

Anyway, I followed the advice on this thread and tested the power at each one of the lugs where I found 12.63 V. I also tested the aux battery connections, and got 12.63 V there as well.

It’s entirely possible that we have an electrical anomaly going on here but it’s the only symptom so far. Anyone else have any ideas? Of course, I made sure the power steering fluid is topped off.

The truck only has 20,000 miles on it, it has been garage kept its entire life, and has never seen road salt. There is no corrosion anywhere, so I’m having a hard time believing I have a bad ground anywhere.

Anyone have any more ideas? No codes, by the way.

there may be a ground strap on the electric power steering check the condition and/or the wiring harness, if it looks questionable at all clean it up or replace it

 

[Geotrash]

there may be a ground strap on the electric power steering check the condition and/or the wiring harness, if it looks questionable at all clean it up or replace it

Thanks Wes. The 3500 has hydraulic reciprocating ball power steering. It's old school

But I will check the grounds for everything this afternoon.

 

[Doubeleive]

Thanks Wes. The 3500 has hydraulic reciprocating ball power steering. It's old school

But I will check the grounds for everything this afternoon.

hmm that's weird, don't you have one of those autel scanners?

 

[Geotrash]

hmm that's weird, don't you have one of those autel scanners?

I have an Autel bluetooth scanner dongle, and it uses a pretty rich Autel app that allows all kinds of scans and service functions on GM vehicles. It recognizes the VIN and the L96 engine, but it can't connect with the steering computer to check for codes. It's fine with all other modules, however, so I'm guessing that it doesn't have the code to read the Steering computer on the 3500. It's a weird amalgam of technology.

That said, I do have 2 codes in the Instrument Cluster module:

 

[Doubeleive]

I have an Autel bluetooth scanner dongle, and it uses a pretty rich Autel app that allows all kinds of scans and service functions on GM vehicles. It recognizes the VIN and the L96 engine, but it can't connect with the steering computer to check for codes. It's fine with all other modules, however, so I'm guessing that it doesn't have the code to read the Steering computer on the 3500. It's a weird amalgam of technology.

That said, I do have 2 codes in the Instrument Cluster module:

View attachment 456066

does it have a HUD? the b code means it might need a fob relearn

 

[Geotrash]

does it have a HUD? the b code means it might need a fob relearn

It does not, but the cluster is configured for one and I have the hardware for when I get up the gumption to install it.

Weird on the fob relearn. It was getting a low battery error on the fob before that, so I'll replace the fob batteries as a next step.

 

[Doubeleive]

It does not, but the cluster is configured for one and I have the hardware for when I get up the gumption to install it.

Weird on the fob relearn. It was getting a low battery error on the fob before that, so I'll replace the fob batteries as a next step.

i'm kinda wondering if the power steering error might be related to the cluster but seems odd, the k2's have ghost's in them for sure
and there pretty sensitive to voltage, more than gmt900's
my silverado has a ghost in it, can't even tell you all the weird crap it has done and it works perfectly fine, mostly with the radio and interior lights, stuff like the radio still playing after locking it and walking away or the radio may come on even with no key in it as soon as I open the drivers door, steering wheel lights on, cluster display on, just weird shit
the wifes 16 burb is less prone to weird stuff but has ghost codes whenever i scan it, I had to clear it like 4 times in a row after doing some work to it after disconnecting the battery to get a code for the radio amp to go away there was a tsb on it that said to clear it (even with multiple tries) and to replace the bcm if it wouldn't clear

also on the k2's after 10-15 minutes they go into a super sleep mode, so not even the brake lights come on if you are on the pedal, just total shut down. I think the only thing that still works then is the horn.

 

[Geotrash]

i'm kinda wondering if the power steering error might be related to the cluster but seems odd, the k2's have ghost's in them for sure
and there pretty sensitive to voltage, more than gmt900's
my silverado has a ghost in it, can't even tell you all the weird crap it has done and it works perfectly fine, mostly with the radio and interior lights, stuff like the radio still playing after locking it and walking away or the radio may come on even with no key in it as soon as I open the drivers door, steering wheel lights on, cluster display on, just weird shit
the wifes 16 burb is less prone to weird stuff but has ghost codes whenever i scan it, I had to clear it like 4 times in a row after doing some work to it after disconnecting the battery to get a code for the radio amp to go away there was a tsb on it that said to clear it (even with multiple tries) and to replace the bcm if it wouldn't clear

also on the k2's after 10-15 minutes they go into a super sleep mode, so not even the brake lights come on if you are on the pedal, just total shut down. I think the only thing that still works then is the horn.

Your experience with this generation and your perspective are helpful - thank you.

Yeah, it may well be related to the cluster but what I can't figure is if that's the case, why it took so long to manifest. Anyway, I'll get the fob batteries changed and let you know if that changes anything.

 

[Geotrash]

Found a little more specific info for both codes. The U1518-00 looks to be a problem with the comms link to the HUD, which makes sense because it's not installed. So I'll eventually fix that one when I do the install.

The B101E-48 code has a bunch of different possibilities, but no fixes except potentially voltage issues or a dealer-level reprogram. Seems I should be able to do that if I buy an MDI 2, yes? Hate to spend the money for the Bosch tool but it seems GM has been locking clone tools out of their TDS service. Maybe I'll just bite the bullet and take it to the dealer and pay them to diagnose it. Before I do though, I'll disconnect both batteries for a bit and touch both cables together briefly before putting the terminals back on.

 

[Doubeleive]

I haven't had any problem using my mdi clone but I got it several years ago before there was any known potential issues of them being infected with malware which is what they are looking for

 

[Doubeleive]

There are 3rd party devices that work with sps tech line, they just cost a few bucks I think most of them run around $350 for a USB dongle

 

[Geotrash]

Tha

There are 3rd party devices that work with sps tech line, they just cost a few bucks I think most of them run around $350 for a USB dongle

That was a helpful memory jog, thank you. I ordered a Topdon pass thru scanner with a $40 off coupon. https://a.co/d/e6BsvW0