Hello, just experiencing this for the first time in all these years. Yesterday afternoon right after starting the car and pulling out of the driveway this Steering Malfunction warning appeared. I pulled over turned off the car for a few seconds, and it still remained. A few hours later upon starting, it didn't appear anymore. This morning it reappeared. So I took it in to my indy. He hooked up his computer and reports that it is a faulty oil level sensor!!!

Why would an oil level sensor throw a Steering Malfunction code? He said that to replace the part, the oil has to be drained. So might as well get the oil and filter changed at the same time.

Anyone else experience this?

 

I've seen that warning a few times too. I believed it to be caused by a low battery as is happens after that car hasn't been driven for two weeks or so and I take a short trip and restart. Haven't seen it in some time (knock on wood).

Do you suppose the mechanic really means the steering fluid and not the engine oil?

 

I reconfirmed and it is the Oil Level Sensor! I know that sounds strange, doesn't it? Well, he is pretty sure about it, since he plugged in the computer to get the fault code. He explained to me that the Active Steering System can throw these types of erroneous codes.

So far, this mechanic has been pretty accurate on his diagnosis, and I've been going to him since my extended warranty expired a few years ago.

 

Ive got the same warning but I actually have a leak in one of my lines. My problem is I can’t figure out what the line is, it goes from the rack and pinion then disappears into the frame. I’m guessing it’s part of the dynamic suspension

 

Did your mechanic check the fluid level in the power steering/Dynamic drive reservoir? That is the sure way to verify if the level is low, never mind "computer" checks!

 

I left the car with him for the entire day to check. Indeed there is leak from the seals of the rack & pinion! I was hoping for some better news. The car was involved in a frontal collision recently, and I'm wondering if that could cause this, or is it just a regular wear and tear?

The price of the parts seems to be WAY up there!! The Indy is saying that I can drive it for a little while adding power steering fluid occasionally. Funny, I didn't hear any funny noises, clunks or tightness in steering.

Anyone go the non-OEM route, or do I have to swallow this HUGE OEM pill? I do see rebuilt ones on Pelican Parts and AutohausAZ.

 

So it wasn't a low oil level problem, but definitely a low power steering/dynamic drive fluid level alarm. If it is just a power steering seal leak, then follow your mechanic's advice and keep adding fluid and monitor the rate of loss. Also, try adding some power steering stop leak to the fluid. It might recondition the seals somewhat and slow/stop the leak.

 

Thank you, I like the Stop Leak idea. The leak is on the upper seal of the rack and pinion. Apparently, I have Active Steering, which makes the available rebuilt rack and pinions non-compatible.The OEM part is listed at $2600!!!

Indy also suggests getting a used part? He stated that he obtains used parts in these situations frequently from a reputable source. There is a part available from a vehicle with 50K miles for $750. The VIN of the source vehicle is also provided. The warranty on the part is only 60 days! . I am unsure.

What would you do in this situation?

 

Add the stop leak and wait and see. If the leak persists, but very slowly, don't do anything and keep topping up. As long as you don't allow the level to get lower than the alarm level (which you now recognize), you will not damage the steering/dynamic drive pump. Otherwise, go for the used part. If it isn't good you will know before 60 days.

 

Cool. That was my dilemma about the 60 day warranty. Thank you, as always.