Steering: Description and Operation

The power steering system is a twin orifice type, which uses a vehicle speed sensing, electronic control design. Valve sensitivity is controlled in response to vehicle speed to achieve optimum steering effort. When a vehicle speed signal is not entered into the power steering control unit for approximately 10 seconds during normal operation (see NOTE: below), a fail-safe system activates to maintain the steering effort at a level similar to that experienced during high speed operation.
More precisely, if a foot brake signal, parking brake signal and transmission position signal (N or P range signal) are not entered, the power steering system is held in a "fail-safe" control state. When this happens, a symptom referred to as "heavy steering during stationary turns" sometimes occurs.

NOTE: Normal operation refers to a driving condition in which:
- Brake pedal is released.
- Parking brake lever is released.
- Shift lever is in any position other than "P" or "N".