Power steering fail safe mode is all I've got

[Drake57]

Even at slow/stopped speeds. I shunted 12V to solenoid, and assist is normal.

I guess the obvious thing is to try a steering controller of the spare parts car.

[Drake57]

I'm pretty sure solenoid is a fluid bypass, normally open, and when activated closed. When bypass is deactivated (open), assist is significantly reduced, which is appropriate for high speed driving. At low speeds bypass is closed, allowing full assist.

In retrospect, since putting vehicle back on the road last year, full assist was active at any speed, it was way too sensitive on the freeway,so there was either something wrong with controller, or it's inputs. I suspect solenoid driver circuit failed, due to continuous duty.

Can anyone say where PS controller is mounted, and best way to access?

Thanks.

[3Q Jay]

i believe its under the dash, driver side, but that's heresay--never looked for it.
I assume you looked at the diagram in the FSM showing the assist curve to correlate your observables?

[Drake57]

I followed trouble shooting charts in FSM, there is 0 volts at the diagnostic connector test point, which indicates PS controller. It all checks out, with control connected, I have the fail safe assist (not much), with 12V to solenoid there is what seems like full assist. I think the fail safe assist is just what you get with solenoid fully open.

I can glimpse the controller through opening where radio once was on parts car. To access it, it seems necessary to remove panel that is beneath steering column. Panel is stamped steel, covered with vinyl. Removing obvious fasteners did not really loosen said cover much. What fun it is to own one of these cars. Now I understand the commonly held view that an owner should expect to fork over heavily and regularly for maintenance. I would if I didn't fix it myself so much.

[Drake57]

OK, it was the PS controller, one of those jobs that is not so bad once it's done, the figuring out is the hard part.

[3Q Jay]

nice to have a parts car.....glad you were able to diagnose and git er fixed.