Power steering not working after lift install

Andrew Mitchell · May 2, 2020

Hey guys, so I just put on a 3.5 inch lift on my 2016 Sierra Denali and during install I had to disconnect the 3 wiring bundles going into to the electrical power steering. After I had everything installed and put back together I started her up and after about 30 seconds I got a notification on the dash that said service power steering and I had no power steering. So I went under there, disconnected them, and reconnected, started up again, and it worked for about 1 minute, then same thing. I had the battery disconnected while I installed the lift, reconnected it right before I started it up. Does it need to be calibrated or something? Any suggestions? Thanks.

JimCost2014 · May 2, 2020

52 minutes ago, Andrew Mitchell said:

Hey guys, so I just put on a 3.5 inch lift on my 2016 Sierra Denali and during install I had to disconnect the 3 wiring bundles going into to the electrical power steering. After I had everything installed and put back together I started her up and after about 30 seconds I got a notification on the dash that said service power steering and I had no power steering. So I went under there, disconnected them, and reconnected, started up again, and it worked for about 1 minute, then same thing. I had the battery disconnected while I installed the lift, reconnected it right before I started it up. Does it need to be calibrated or something? Any suggestions? Thanks.

Welcome to the site.

If you changed the shocks, then yes, it needs a reflash for the suspension/steering to recognize the new equipment. The Magnaride shocks are all controlled by sensors and computers, so your truck is confused right now because of the new ride height.

Andrew Mitchell · May 2, 2020

6 minutes ago, JimCost2014 said:

Welcome to the site.

If you changed the shocks, then yes, it needs a reflash for the suspension/steering to recognize the new equipment. The Magnaride shocks are all controlled by sensors and computers, so your truck is confused right now because of the new ride height.

Thanks for the quick response, that makes sense because in the instruction manual for the lift it didn't say anything about needing to get it reflashed or anything afterwards, but I did replace both magneride struts in the front when I put the lift on because one of them was blown, I will call GM tomorrow and set something up, may have to get it towed down there I don't think I can drive this thing with no power steering haha.

JimCost2014 · May 2, 2020

9 minutes ago, Andrew Mitchell said:

Thanks for the quick response, that makes sense because in the instruction manual for the lift it didn't say anything about needing to get it reflashed or anything afterwards, but I did replace both magneride struts in the front when I put the lift on because one of them was blown, I will call GM tomorrow and set something up, may have to get it towed down there I don't think I can drive this thing with no power steering haha.

You are very welcome.

Good decision, the truck will become more confused and not be safe to drive.

Z45 · May 2, 2020

5 hours ago, Andrew Mitchell said:

Thanks for the quick response, that makes sense because in the instruction manual for the lift it didn't say anything about needing to get it reflashed or anything afterwards, but I did replace both magneride struts in the front when I put the lift on because one of them was blown, I will call GM tomorrow and set something up, may have to get it towed down there I don't think I can drive this thing with no power steering haha.

Since you modified everything they may not be able to do anything to help you.

Jaychevy81 · May 2, 2020

I gotta say if your not going off roading was the lift worth all this hassle lol?

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newdude · May 2, 2020

8 hours ago, Andrew Mitchell said:

Hey guys, so I just put on a 3.5 inch lift on my 2016 Sierra Denali and during install I had to disconnect the 3 wiring bundles going into to the electrical power steering. After I had everything installed and put back together I started her up and after about 30 seconds I got a notification on the dash that said service power steering and I had no power steering. So I went under there, disconnected them, and reconnected, started up again, and it worked for about 1 minute, then same thing. I had the battery disconnected while I installed the lift, reconnected it right before I started it up. Does it need to be calibrated or something? Any suggestions? Thanks.

What brand lift did you use? Did you get a Denali specific kit?

I don't think the dealer can help you on this one. There is no programming required when replacing a Magneride shock/strut assembly. Nor can GM reprogram for a lift. They can scan it and see what codes are there that might lead to something but that might be about it.

It sounds like something is up with the install. Either a suspension sensor was unplugged, a fuse blown, any sensor relocation brackets were installed wrong or incorrectly, or, if you ordered a standard lift, didn't come with them.

Andrew Mitchell · May 2, 2020

3 hours ago, newdude said:

What brand lift did you use? Did you get a Denali specific kit?

I don't think the dealer can help you on this one. There is no programming required when replacing a Magneride shock/strut assembly. Nor can GM reprogram for a lift. They can scan it and see what codes are there that might lead to something but that might be about it.

It sounds like something is up with the install. Either a suspension sensor was unplugged, a fuse blown, any sensor relocation brackets were installed wrong or incorrectly, or, if you ordered a standard lift, didn't come with them.

It is the rough country 3.5 inch lift specifically for Magneride. It comes with new uppers and relocation brackets for the magneride sensors, which were installed. I didn't want a big lift and the options are pretty limited in this range as far as other brands.

Bash74 · May 2, 2020

It is the rough country 3.5 inch lift specifically for Magneride. It comes with new uppers and relocation brackets for the magneride sensors, which were installed. I didn't want a big lift and the options are pretty limited in this range as far as other brands.

Like the others said. Not sure what the dealer can do for you. In the shop we have installed lifts that involve the Magnaride and nothing has ever needed to be reprogrammed. Just check everything over and scan the system and see what comes up.

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Andrew Mitchell · May 2, 2020

39 minutes ago, Bash74 said:

Like the others said. Not sure what the dealer can do for you. In the shop we have installed lifts that involve the Magnaride and nothing has ever needed to be reprogrammed. Just check everything over and scan the system and see what comes up.

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This morning I went out and unplugged the connectors again, and plugged them back in, making extra sure they were locked in and tight and she runs like a charm. I think the very top connector wasn't all the way seated, even though I double checked. After a long day of install I guess I just didn't get it all the way in, I appreciate everyone's responses, everyone stay safe out there.