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Power Steering Failure
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt (Page 6 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
I have owned GM products all of my life, now it looks as though i will be looking in a different direction as i am tired of them with their we don't care attitude...The problems first started with a 2002 Buick century that only had 40 thousand miles on it,the cat converter plugged up and started overheating...Well needless to say they covered the cat converter but i had to pay half the cost on getting head gasket replaced about 350 dollars,because they used that red garbage antifreeze,which has caused many problems in there vehicles...Well i have learned now that there was a class action suit against GM over the costs to people for this problem,which they never informed me of and never got my money given back..And now the problems start with another fine GM product,the cobalt that has intermittent steering..I took it to my local mechanic and as usual he couldn't even check it as his computer wasn't compatible,GM does this so you have to take it to them so their IDIOT MECHANICS tell you steering column needs replaced at a cost of about $ 750.00,and they charge you $50.00 dollars for plugging it into their computer...Well i could understand replacing the steering column if it was not working all the time ,but the prob is intermittent,and if they can not engineer a vehicle where u or the local mechanic can not fix it then they should do it for u at no cost..Now i can understand why they are going bankrupt...Ill be saying goodbye to GM products!!!!
- leepa, Monessen, PA, US