Symptoms:

We have this 2003 Chevy K1500 steering problem with a 5.3L engine which has no power assist. The service air bag light is on and the steering wheel controls quit working all at the same time. when this occurred, the steering wheel was turned all the way and it sounded like something breaking in the steering wheel.

Diagnostics on 2003 Chevy K1500 steering as per ATS database:

Tracing the electronic steering circuit, there is nothing to suggest that the air bag circuit is related to the electronic steering circuit except the body control module except thru the fuse. The fuse box was checked and all fuses were OK. At this time, we opted to check/repair the steering circuit first and then reset the airbag code and hope for the best.

Checked the steering fluid for signs of burnt or contamination and it has some pungent smell. Proceeded to flush the steering fluid and put a fresh one and bled the system. Still the there is no assist on either side when the steering wheel was turned.

Checked ground connections for the steering gear motor assy and at the rear steering control module at KOEO and both read according to specs using the electronic steering diagram.

With engine at idle, checked the 5 volt reference wire at the power steering sensor located midway of the steering column and the voltage was present when turning the steering wheel. Made the same voltage check at the rear wheel steering module at the back of the truck and got the same signal. We then proceeded to change the steering sensor but no change on the problem.

Checked GM service bulletin for this model and found out an updated GM steering pump assembly and installed it. (We were also warned not to use aftermarket pumps for risk of high failure rate). Road tested the same and steering power assist came back even at low speeds.

Correction:

In my tweet this morning, I have included evo or electronic variable output sensor located at the bottom of the steering column to be included in 2003 models. This evo part should be corrected available upto 2001 models only.

Notes for this 2003 Chevy K1500 Steering:

As of this writing, the airbag light remained unlit and we hope it is was a temporary code.

Please do not attempt this without the assistance of a licensed mechanic or training to prevent damage to your vehicle modules or computer system.

Thanks,

Richard