What does it mean when you see the “Steering Assist Is Reduced Drive With Care” error message in Chevrolets? We are going to be looking at that in this post and see how to deal with this particular issue when we come across it and a step-by-step guide on how to reset it.
You’re driving down the street, and you notice that your steering has become stiff and you are finding it difficult to control your vehicle. Next, you see “steering assist is reduced. Drive with care” on your dashboard. What does it mean, and how do you handle it?
In short, the Steering Assist Reduced Drive With Care error message is a result of the Engine Control Module (ECM) providing an inaccurate coolant temperature reading. The job of the ECM is to read the temperature of the coolant and regulate its temperature accordingly. When the coolant temperature gets too low, the grease in the steering module hardens, leading to a stiffer steering wheel. When this happens, the steering assist is then engaged, providing more power to the steering wheel.
What is Steering Assist?
The power steering control module (PSCM) is responsible for calibrating the power steering system. When temperatures are too low, the grease lubricating the power steering system will harden, causing the steering to become stiffer.
When this happens, the PSCM activates the power steering assist, which compensates for the stiffness by adding more power to the power steering. This happens smoothly when the temperature sensors provide accurate readings.
What Does The Steering Assist Reduced Drive With Care Message Mean?
The reduced error message happens when coolant temperatures fall too low, and the sensors do not detect this, which means that the steering assist will not be engaged, leading to you seeing the “Steering assist is reduced” error message.
This problem is often not caused by a physical defect on your vehicle but just a case of calibration. When this happens, you need to clear any error messages, as we will show you later in the article, instead of replacing any physical parts.
This is a common mistake most people who experience this problem make. They rush to replace parts and end up losing a lot of money in the process.
This is not necessary at all. Another reason why the message may remain on the display screen even when there is no actual issue is when you change the battery or unplug one component or another in your car.
History codes that would have been stored in the system may appear as current. In the case of the steering assist message, you may find that the steering is working fine even though the error code is coming up.
Though it may not be absolutely the case, there is a high probability that there isn’t an actual problem, but the error code would have been triggered by one thing or the other.
You will need to make certain through a systematic diagnosis and troubleshooting approach that eliminates any potential guesswork. In the next section, we will be looking into that.
How To Fix Steering Assist Reduced Message?
The message indicates a possible issue with your Chevy’s power steering system, which can make steering more difficult and dangerous. The nature of this error with calibration can potentially mislead because of the nature of the steps needed to fix it. They include thoroughly investigating the customer’s complaint.
The next step would be to follow diagnostics best practices. For the best chance at a correct diagnosis, follow these steps:
- You can start with a scrutiny using a diagnostic scan tool and retrieve any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle’s computer system. With the DTCs, highlight specific areas of concern within the power steering system or related components.
- Now, you have to document all retrieved DTCs and any observations made during the inspection. These detailed records help with further diagnosis and future reference.
- Clear all diagnostic errors that come up. If diagnostic errors are not clear, it means there is a fault in the vehicle that needs to be looked into and repaired.
- Depending on the specific DTCs and the vehicle model, additional diagnostic procedures may be necessary. Consult technical service bulletins (TSBs) or repair manuals for vehicle-specific troubleshooting steps. Reprogram the Powers Steering Control Module with the latest configurations.
Why You Might See “Steering Assist Reduced”? (Reasons)
The “Steering Assist Reduced” message can appear for various reasons beyond calibration issues. Here are some common culprits:
- Leaks, worn components, or a failing pump in the hydraulic system can reduce power assist.
- Faulty sensors, wiring problems, or a malfunctioning Power Steering Control Module can disrupt communication and reduce assistance.
- In some Chevrolets, a weak battery can impact the electrical system, affecting power steering assist.
- Extremely hot or cold conditions might trigger a warning as a precaution, though steering functionality might be normal.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Steering Assist is Reduced? (Recommendations On Where To Take It)
The cost to fix a “Steering Assist Reduced” message majorly depends on the place. As in every state of the US, the cost of getting it fixed varies whether you go to an individual certified mechanic, a dealership service center, or a trusted local repair shop. However, on average you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for such repairs, and in fact, if the issue is more complex they might charge more.
If you want an accurate estimate of how much would it cost to getting the “steering assist Is reduced” message fixed, consult a certified mechanic who can diagnose the problem. You can take your car to a dealership service center or a trusted local repair shop with experience working on your car’s make and model.
How To Reset Steering Assist Reduced Drive With Care?
Resetting the “Steering Assist Reduced Drive With Care” error can be a straightforward process if done correctly. Follow these steps to reset the error:
- 217347728.Turn Off the Engine: Start by turning off your Chevy’s engine and making sure the vehicle is in park or neutral.
- 217347729.Wait for a Few Minutes: Allow the vehicle to sit for a few minutes to make sure all systems have fully powered down.
- 217347730.Disconnect the Battery: Locate the vehicle’s battery and safely disconnect the negative terminal. It’s essential to disconnect both terminals to make sure to have a complete power reset.
- 217347731.Wait for 10-15 Minutes: Let the vehicle sit without power for around 10-15 minutes. This timeframe allows any residual power to dissipate fully.
- 217347732.Reconnect the Battery: After the waiting period, reconnect the negative terminal of the battery securely. Make sure all connections are tight and properly fastened.
- 217347733.Start the Engine: Start your vehicle’s engine and allow it to run for a few minutes to ensure that all systems initialize properly.
- 217347734.Scanner tool: Use an OBD2 scanner to scan for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the power steering system. If any DTCs related to the steering system are detected, use the scanner to clear them. This makes sure that any previously stored error codes are removed from the system.
- 217347735.Test Drive: Take your Chevy for a test drive to ensure that the “Steering Assist Reduced Drive With Care” error message no longer appears.
If the error still occurs after resetting the system and clearing DTCs, then you should take it to a mechanic to diagnose the underlying problems.
Conclusion
The “Steering assist is reduced drive with care” is an error that comes because of a disruption in the communication between modules and is thrown out by the power steering control module. Once the error has been thrown out even if the problem has been rectified it still reads like a current problem.
It is a DTC U0415 error and usually presents in the GM’s Sierra, Tahoe, and Silverado models. In the event that this error persists, it is advisable that you take your car into the shop and have an expert look it over. However, there is little likelihood that any replacement of parts will be necessary as the error is more of an issue with the algorithm than a physical component of the vehicle.
Tomas is a retired Chevy Auto Technician that brings decades of hands-on experience and expertise to the table. He’s also a father to two incredible daughters. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help you solve and find reliable information on Chevrolet vehicles. Whether it’s troubleshooting engine problems or providing tips for maintenance, Thomas is committed to helping Chevy owners keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.
