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Power Steering Failure
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt (Page 3 of 7)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.
CarComplaints.com Notes: The Cobalt was introduced to replace two of Chevy’s smaller cars, the Cavalier and Prizm. But the compact’s fresh start that Chevy was hoping for was riddled with issues, most notably widespread power steering failure.
The power steering failed so often that GM was forced to issue a recall in March, 2010. Great, but what about other problems like the key getting stuck in the ignition or all the other electrical demons this car possesses?
And, oh yes — then there’s the terribly dangerous issue where the Cobalt randomly shuts off while driving. As it turns out, that problem is related to GM’s massive 2014 recall for a dangerous ignition switch defect. A recall that eventually ballooned to 2.6 million vehicles in one of the automotive industry’s biggest scandals.
8.7
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $1,010
- Average Mileage:
- 61,350 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 128 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- not sure (73 reports)
- replaced steering column (20 reports)
- the power steering assist motor under the steering column (15 reports)
- needs new steering column (6 reports)
- need to replace assist motor and p/s mod (3 reports)
- recalled! (3 reports)
steering problem
Helpful websites
- Power Steering Loss And Transmission Problem - What I found out, after doing much research, was that the power steering loss was also linked to the transmission not shifting. People owning a Cobalt also had experienced the dashboard "trouble" lights coming on when this happened. Some young kid put up the solution on a Face Book post. The FIX was so simple, It's astounding that GM didn't realize what was happening. It was apparent that the transmission control module, located in the engine compartment and in front of the car's computer, was installed in a plastic "box" or holder and NOT mounted on the Fire wall or any metal body part of the car. The ONLY means of grounding the module was a thin wire that is attached to the multi pin plug that jacks into the module. When the ground connection to the transmission module is lost, the power steering fails. As does the cars transmission ability to properly shift out of gear. The dashboard lights come on all at once. The computer does not recognize the signal from the transmission module. To fix this problem PERMANENTLY, remove the transmission module from the plastic box. DO NOT disconnect the multi pin plug. There are two bolt holes diagonally opposite each other on the module which is in a metal case. Get a 1/4 x 20 x 3/4 inch bolt with a locking nut or washer. Put the bolt in the hole and attach about 4 feet of number 12 solid copper wire to the bolt and tighten. Replace the module in the sleeve. Take the other end of the number 12 copper wire and attach it to one of the 3 bolts that support the front strut on the right side. Loosen one of the nuts, place the wire under the nut and re-tighten. Your problem with the steering and loss of transmission shifting should now be permanently solved. As the module is now permanently grounded to the body of the car.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The power steering on my 2005 Cobalt just suddenly freezes up. I have to pull over, shut the car off for a few minutes. I have to continually do this. I called the dealer and they said it is the Power Steering Module and it would cost approx. $900.00 to fix as they have no recalls on this, but I am reading that more and more people are having the same problem. Do we all need to band together and file a suit to get this problem corrected. I don't have $900.00 to have this fixed and why should I. My car only has 63,000 miles on it.
- Donna H., West Union, SC, US