2019 Sierra Elevation 5.3 Total loss of power steering

[Qway]

and also what gauge should I aim for if not factory?

[Clellzy]

On 6/5/2024 at 11:24 PM, Qway said:

and also what gauge should I aim for if not factory?

 Hey Qway any luck? I’m having the same problem. 
 

[BlancoSilverado]

On 6/5/2024 at 8:24 PM, Qway said:

and also what gauge should I aim for if not factory?

 

On 6/7/2024 at 5:44 PM, Clellzy said:

 Hey Qway any luck? I’m having the same problem. 
 

4 Gauge is perfectly adequate for the job

[Handy65]

I had this issue a few years ago.  2019 AT4.  Suddenly, start up to no power steering. Same codes etc., somewhat intermittent.  Took it to the dealer, two days later they called and told me needed a battery, which was ridiculous because there was no issue with the battery.  They told me that battery was weak and GM manual said first step was to replace the battery for $600.  I asked what if there was still an issue.  Next step was to replace the power steering module, then if no go, the rack.  So we were looking at thousands of dollars.  I told them no thanks, and got the truck home.

 

I looked through the basic wiring diagram (power steering is all electric, no pump) and noted that all the codes notification seemed related to the same module and that module shared the ground in question.  Interesting.  Put a jumper cable between the negative pole of the battery and a spot I cleaned up on the frame, viola, no issue.

 

Remove the extra ground, same issue.  I was not happy.  Found the ground wire, in similar shape to the ones pictured in the chat.  Not sure what genius decided to put an unprotected braided strap right behind the wheel well were all the salt and splash would of course inevitably trash it.

 

Took it back to the dealer and had the mechanic who diagnosed it come out to the lot.  Plugged in the jumper cable, of course worked fine.

 

Really not cool they were taking me down this $$$ road.

 

Changed with the factory strap only because I was marginally out of warranty and was sure if there was an ongoing issue they would somehow say I modified something, but later coated with some dialectic grease just to get a few more years out of it.  At this point a $6 short #4 battery lead would not only work fine but probably last longer.  Braided I feel was used so that movement/vibration would not fatigue the wire over time, but rust beat out any fatigue issue.

 

Just wanted to share this for anyone else who encounters this issue.  If the cable was changed, be sure the terminal mounting points are clean as they can be pretty rusty as well.  If in doubt, add a supplemental ground to check and or get you home.