2017 Buick Encore Power Steering

[gogglesguy]

Whole story: I bought the Encore at an auction where I couldn’t inspect it before the purchase—only pictures were available. 80k on the odometer. After boosting it, it displayed a message about servicing the power steering, and a message that the tire pressure monitoring system isn’t working either. The steering wheel is stiff, so the power steering is gone.

[After half hour with the engine running, I found the temperature gauge looked normal, but I opened the hood and noticed a cracked coolant tank where it connects to the hose, which was spraying steam. I ordered a new tank, replaced it, and that issue seems to be resolved.]

I borrowed an OBD scanner and found numerous codes related to voltage; history and current. I deleted all the codes and was left with U0131-00 and P0562-00. After a few minutes, I cleared them again, resulting in only the U0131-00 code remaining.

I did some research and decided to replace the battery. I tested the voltage with a multimeter, and it looked good—around 12.5 volts with the car off and about 14.5 volts when running. I also checked the fuses with the multimeter, and they seemed fine. However, I’m having difficulty touching the multimeter to some of the larger fuses where there isn't any exposed metal to touch them to, and also the fuse box under the steering wheel is a too tight to fit my hands. I also can’t seem to find documentation on which fuse controls the electric power steering.

If anyone has any advice or tips on what I should do next, I would greatly appreciate it! I'm not that mecahnical, just trying to DIY the most I can...

 

[DocBrown]

12.5 volts resting is too low. Modern vehicles require that batteries should be 12.6 volts or higher when the car is off to have enough capacity to run the electronics. Yes, that .1 volt difference can make a difference. The 14.5 volts is a measure of the charging ability of the alternator. Batteries have an expected life of 4-6 years. I've had batteries go bad after 1 year, and one that lasted 10. I will usually change them at 5 years.