theenico
New member
The assist is on the column buried inside of the dash.
Speed Sensitive Power Steering (SSPS) - Adjustable?
- Thread starter firstorbit84
- Start date
The assist is on the column buried inside of the dash.
firstorbit84
New member
The sonic has a pretty quick steering ratio, 14:1 iirc. That's one of the reasons I got the sonic, and the main reason why no reviews found the spark to be fun, 16+ steering ratio
sx sonic
New member
Fyi if you kill the engine and then put the key back to "run" the car still has power steering. You have to already be rolling above a certain speed thou ~10mph
On accesery no PS
Key off no PS (obviously) and strangely the steering column doesn't lock until the key is removed. Ok maybe not that strange but a lot of cars will
And finally, try at your own risk .
I found this out because I'm always killing my engine when I'm coming to a stop and put the key back to run since I was afraid I might lock the steering column if I didnt
On accesery no PS
Key off no PS (obviously) and strangely the steering column doesn't lock until the key is removed. Ok maybe not that strange but a lot of cars will
And finally, try at your own risk .
I found this out because I'm always killing my engine when I'm coming to a stop and put the key back to run since I was afraid I might lock the steering column if I didnt
firstorbit84
New member
ever get around to this?
Not yet, just been too busy to make it to the dealer/find a time my friend isn't busy enough to be able to make a call to the tech line. I'll try to get there next week.
Swordsmith
242hp/252 ft-lbs BNR EFI
As mentioned above, I accidentally killed my power steering while driving, and while the effort required to steer certainly went up, it wasn't at all bad, at speeds ranging from 10 mph to 40 mph, 90 degree turns and all.
I can't say, however, how well the column is set up to handle non power over long periods of time, mine was out perhaps ten minute total, and heck for all I know I damaged it driving even that much.
I can't say, however, how well the column is set up to handle non power over long periods of time, mine was out perhaps ten minute total, and heck for all I know I damaged it driving even that much.
300 mileson my sonicdriveslikecrap.On the highway I can't drive in a straight line without turning the steering wheel a half inch to the right and left constantlyto keep itin a straightline. Feels likesloppy steering box. Now if its windy I'm rely in trouble. No wind at all and I'm constantly adjusting the steering wheel to keep it straight. Took it off the road and now driving my 1996 Nissan maxima that has 400 thousand on it and drives straight with no constantturning of the steering wheel. Sonic is going in the shop and I bet they tell me there is nothing wrong with it. I bought 2 of them one for wife and me . Hers drivers fine. Mine is all over the highway. So I'm not taking that for a answer. Mine is the LS wife has RS
firstorbit84
New member
This is not what this thread is about. But I do agree that it is more difficult to keep straight at highway speeds than other cars. I think it's due to it's light weight and quick steering ratio.
striper
New member
Haveou checked your tir pressure? Sounds like your tires are greatly overinflated.
laborsmith
New member
When I had the Sonic LT it took me a few hundred highway miles to adjust to the steering. When I got the Sonic RS it took me no miles to adjust even though the steering is just as quick. There is a difference, clearly felt when driving each: the RS gives more feedback. I expect the computer controls the feedback. At least that is my opinion and Chevy can reject it as they will.
Somebody should make an effort (and report the results) to flash the Sonic LS, LT, ad LTZ power steering control module with the RS algorithm. I expect when done, the steering will be much improved.
Laborsmith
Somebody should make an effort (and report the results) to flash the Sonic LS, LT, ad LTZ power steering control module with the RS algorithm. I expect when done, the steering will be much improved.
Laborsmith
firstorbit84
New member
That's exactly what this thread is about!
Someone on here said he wag going to give it a shot. He must've had some contact at the dealer or something. But we never heard back on any progress.
Someone on here said he wag going to give it a shot. He must've had some contact at the dealer or something. But we never heard back on any progress.
Swordsmith
242hp/252 ft-lbs BNR EFI
Yeah I was eager to see a report on that idea as well, I don't see why we shouldn't all have the best available steering, if it's only a matter of software.
firstorbit84
New member
Why doesn't GM customer service chime in on this one?
Chevrolet Customer Care
New member
firstorbit84, I am checking GM resources to see what information I can provide to you and the forum on SSPS. I'll post as soon as I receive an update.
Vanessa
GM Customer Service
firstorbit84
New member
I have not had time to make it to the dealer, sorry guys. It's kind of tough to take my friend away from his work to try to do this. I'm sure you'd need a VCI number, and I'm not sure GM technical service will allow this, or the price they might charge. Hopefully Vanessa finds something out.
Chevrolet Customer Care
New member
Firstorbit84,
I just received the following GM response regarding the SSPS. There is "no adjustment available for this system operation".
Vanessa
GM Customer Service