Steering assist reduced. Need help on nieces car

[NavyVet88]

2018 Malibu 1.5L 87k

My niece has recently started having an issue where her steering wheel jerks to the left at a complete stop and she gets a “steering assist reduced” message pop up on the dash. My code reader didn’t show anything so I took to the web to see what I could find. What I’m seeing is weak batteries being the diagnosis.

Can anyone confirm?

Edit: Vehicle was bought new in 2018, but not sure if still under warranty due to mileage/age.

 

[Leo99]

I'd do a complete brake and suspension and steering inspection and see if anything is broken or loose.

 

[TCL]

How old is the battery? If original, it's due to be replaced anyway.
Don't chase a trouble or create more.

 

[bullwinkle]

Guessing electric power steering? Possible charging system issue causing low voltage? Electric power steering needs a LARGE amount of power to work correctly.

 

[atikovi]

a “steering assist reduced” message pop up on the dash. My code reader didn’t show anything

You have a code in the EPS module and assume you have a basic OBD2 reader. You need to scan with a more advanced tool to find the problem, anything else is just a guess. If the battery starts the car and there are no low voltage messages or codes, battery should still be fine.

 

[NavyVet88]

How old is the battery? If original, it's due to be replaced anyway.
Don't chase a trouble or create more.

Battery is original. Her dad put a meter on it yesterday and it showed 12.4 not running and just under 14 while running.

 

[NavyVet88]

Guessing electric power steering? Possible charging system issue causing low voltage? Electric power steering needs a LARGE amount of power to work correctly.

Yes she said it had electronic power steering

 

[NavyVet88]

You have a code in the EPS module and assume you have a basic OBD2 reader. You need to scan with a more advanced tool to find the problem, anything else is just a guess. If the battery starts the car and there are no low voltage messages or codes, battery should still be fine.

My reader was $300 five years ago so that’s possible lol

As I was typing this, she said the lights flicker in the dash and radio when this happens.

 

[michaelluscher]

Power/ground issue?
Clean and tighten battery connections, and have it load tested

 

[andyd]

 

[NavyVet88]

Will do. I sent her a text asking.

 

[NavyVet88]

Will do. I sent her a text asking.

She text back and said it only jerks to the left when taking off from a stop. I’m not there to look myself to see if I can find anything.

 

[JavierH19]

Like this?

2018 Chevrolet Malibu Steering Problems

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu has 32 NHTSA complaints for the steering at 19,081 miles average. (Page 1 of 2)

www.carcomplaints.com

 

[Jetronic]

Guessing electric power steering? Possible charging system issue causing low voltage? Electric power steering needs a LARGE amount of power to work correctly.

but shouldn't need any when driving straight, like most full stops are

 

[Jetronic]

She text back and said it only jerks to the left when taking off from a stop. I’m not there to look myself to see if I can find anything.

brake hang possibly

 

[dan_erickson]

New rack time

 

[NavyVet88]

Update: She is going to the dealer tomorrow I believe she said. I told her to bring up that bulletin that was posted earlier. More to follow as it comes in.

 

[another Todd]

Sounds to me like a ground issue. Could be any one of many ground straps under the dash, under the vehicle or in the engine compartment.

 

[D60]

Sounds to me like a ground issue. Could be any one of many ground straps under the dash, under the vehicle or in the engine compartment.

Could be. I like diagnoses like this simply because visually inspecting ground straps and/or adding a ground for giggles is virtually free.

Eric O had a vid on a Silverado? I think? where the RH ground strap had deteriorated due to NY winters and essentially the entire right framerail had lost ground. Even he seemed shocked and I found it fascinating. Power steering was directly affected: