Looking for ideas with what could be happening. I have a 2006 Saturn Ion with power steering problems. The Power Steering Assist motor has as been replaced 2 times. Steering is out again. Took back into mechanic and they said it’s probably the power steering control module. Not having the money to replace that at the moment I started to try and research and took the chance of just changing the fuse under the hood and bam…I had power steering back. That lasted about 2 weeks. Steering out again. I have noticed that if I play with the fuse box sometimes I can get the steering back again. Also yesterday I went over a large bump and power steering kicked back in temporary. Any ideas on what to try? Could the power steering control module be inconsistent? Or if it’s bad is it completely bad? Also a note that when when power steering is out I can hear a blinker sound coming from the steering column area.

 

Sounds like you have electrical issues w the underhood fuse box. It shouldn't be loose enough to play with. It may be damaged wiring underneath the actual box, corrosion from moisture causing an intermittent electrical connection,.....

Is this the only circuit on your car that intermittently misbehaves? If you can hit a bump and get your power steering back, then the fuse that you just put in is not blowing when you put it in.

When you pull the fuse, What do the fuse terminals look like? Are they shiny silver in color or do they have chalky white blue stuff on the blades?

Take a new fuse of the same amperage and insert It then remove it. Repeat this sequence about 20 times. If it is just surface corrosion on the fuse or in the fuse socket, this should wear it away. If it ends up not being so simple, you'll need to investigate the fuse box. IMHO

 

It sounds like a loose ground connection to me. BUT you need to know that I am NOT an ASE Certified mechanic. I'm just a tired old hillbilly that's been working on his own cars for 50 years now. I'd take that fuse box loose, turn it over and check the back side for corrosion, like derf mentioned. Just make sure you disconnect your battery ground cable first. Inspect the wiring harness. Hell, it could just be a loose connector in the circuit.

 

Yes only circuit that I have noticed. I will try your suggestion. Thank you

 

Thank you I will check. But do you guys think the steering control module could act inconsistent?? Or if it is bad is it bad? Its over 600.00 for just that part.