GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2006 🢒 Torrent 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC C0896

Circuit Description

The power steering control module (PSCM) has a discrete battery positive voltage supply circuit. The PSCM monitors the voltage level on this circuit to ensure the electric power steering (EPS) system has adequate voltage levels to perform the system functions.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC C0896 Device Voltage Range/Performance

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

EPS system battery voltage is 9-11 volts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • DTC C0896 is stored in memory.
    • The instrument panel cluster (IPC) message center displays the PWR STR warning message.
    • Steering assist is reduced.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • A current DTC will clear when EPS system voltage is greater than 11 volts.
    • A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles with EPS system voltage greater than 11 volts.

Diagnostic Aids

The scan tool can be used to view the number of times a low battery voltage incident has occurred. If an intermittent malfunction exists, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems for further diagnosis.

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests if the malfunction exists in the vehicles charging system.

    2.

  2. Tests if the malfunction is intermittent.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Power Steering Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Power Steering Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the Battery 1 parameter in the body control module (BCM) Accessory data list, using a scan tool.

Does the scan tool display greater than 11 volts?

Go to Step 3

Go to Symptoms - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical

3

Observe the Battery Voltage parameter in the EPS Data List 1.

Does the scan tool display greater than 11 volts?

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 4

4

Test the battery positive voltage circuit of the power steering control module (PSCM) for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 5

5

Test the ground circuit of the PSCM for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the underhood fuse block stud terminal. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PSCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect for poor connections at the ground terminal. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

Replace and setup the electric power steering (EPS) assembly. Refer to Control Module References in Programming and Setup.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 10

--

10
  1. Clear the DTCs with the scan tool.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does DTC C0896 reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK