2016 Ram 1500 Electric Power Steering

[anticommon]

Hello all, I am having some serious trouble with my power steering. For some background I have a 2016 1500 express crew cab with 2.8" front leveling kit (adjustable shocks) and a 1" kit in the back. I also have some (slightly) bigger than stock nitto Terra grapplers g2 on the wheels.

About a week ago I was headed to work and I noticed that the steering was HARD (no grinding or otherwise noticeable noises), like trying to lift bricks every time you make a slight turn. Obviously a pwoer steering issue (I think!)... After a few minutes though it went back to normal. After three days it came back, and I decided to call the dealer since it was dangerous to drive around not being able to steer properly.

I went in to the dealer and after a few hours the gentleman at the service center comes back and tells me he doesn't feel anything wrong and that it just feels like a 'lifted' truck. I went out to it gave it a spin and it seemed okay for all of five minutes before going back to being very hard to turn (albeit a bit easier than before). I'm wondering what the problem might be seeing as the dealer says there is nothing wrong, but I will go crazy if I have to drive around like this what with it being so hard to turn, really it's just very dangerous.

I have an alignment and rotation scheduled for tomorrow to make sure that is not the issue, but I am still concerned that it is the power steering itself. I did see online that there has been a control module recall for the power steering units for 2016's but the tech at the dealer said he didn't know anything about it.

What should I do? Any recommendations for what to look for? I need to try and find a solution to this that doesn't cost a rediculous amount, but at the same time I need the problem fixed so I will pay what I have to.

Thank you all for your time.

 

[69GWC]

Did it steer hard for the dealer ? If it did and they say it is normal take it to a different dealer.
Lifted or not it should not be hard to steer.

 

[Pull Ya]

Where did you find the recall information?
Jay

 

[PoMansRam]

Have any malfunction indicator lights been on?

 

[RamCares]

Hello all, I am having some serious trouble with my power steering. For some background I have a 2016 1500 express crew cab with 2.8" front leveling kit (adjustable shocks) and a 1" kit in the back. I also have some (slightly) bigger than stock nitto Terra grapplers g2 on the wheels.

About a week ago I was headed to work and I noticed that the steering was HARD (no grinding or otherwise noticeable noises), like trying to lift bricks every time you make a slight turn. Obviously a pwoer steering issue (I think!)... After a few minutes though it went back to normal. After three days it came back, and I decided to call the dealer since it was dangerous to drive around not being able to steer properly.

I went in to the dealer and after a few hours the gentleman at the service center comes back and tells me he doesn't feel anything wrong and that it just feels like a 'lifted' truck. I went out to it gave it a spin and it seemed okay for all of five minutes before going back to being very hard to turn (albeit a bit easier than before). I'm wondering what the problem might be seeing as the dealer says there is nothing wrong, but I will go crazy if I have to drive around like this what with it being so hard to turn, really it's just very dangerous.

I have an alignment and rotation scheduled for tomorrow to make sure that is not the issue, but I am still concerned that it is the power steering itself. I did see online that there has been a control module recall for the power steering units for 2016's but the tech at the dealer said he didn't know anything about it.

What should I do? Any recommendations for what to look for? I need to try and find a solution to this that doesn't cost a rediculous amount, but at the same time I need the problem fixed so I will pay what I have to.

Thank you all for your time.

Hi anticommon,
We understand that at this point you are just reaching out to other forum members for feedback on this. However, if you do choose to revisit the dealer - I may suggest setting up a ride along. This will allow you to duplicate what you are experiencing while a technician is in the vehicle with you. This will ensure that the dealer is able to witness what you are explaining. If you do revisit the dealer, please feel free to send us a private message with more information, and we can offer an additional layer of assistance.
Julie
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[swh822]

I'm having the same problem with my 2015 1500 sport...all signs point to the electronic power steering...dealer says no recall for my truck...

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[RamCares]

I'm having the same problem with my 2015 1500 sport...all signs point to the electronic power steering...dealer says no recall for my truck...

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Hello swh822,

If you'd like to continue working with the dealership, we can certainly get this over to a Case Specialist. They can work alongside the dealer and pull in any additional technical assistance to reach a potential solution. We're available via direct message if this is of interest.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[joeygster]

I've got a 2016 Sport and just started having this problem today on my way to work. The power steering failed intermittently twice....once on the highway for about 5 minutes and then again on a regular roadway for a couple of minutes.

Both times the malfunction indicator came on that says "Service Power Steering" then it went off and a little red steering wheel indicator on the dash flashed until the power steering kicked back in.

The dealership I service it at couldn't get me in until next Thursday but the dealer I bought it at is going to fit me in sooner. If anyone figures out the issue I'd love to hear about it because this is one of those things that likely won't replicate for he dealership.

 

[Murphy Slaw]

One thing I know for sure.

Steering is important....

 

[eprovenzano]

I'm having similar issues... http://www.ramforum.com/threads/electronic-assisted-power-steering-failure.120298/. My rack was just replaced and it's only marginally better. They are now going to replace the steering stem. My truck has a 6" lift which the dealer tried to blame the steering issues on... I called their BS... It's been installed and driven over 15,000 miles without issue and starts now... no blaming the lift is the easy way out of the situation. The steering was not touched when the lift was installed. It's still in the original position, maintaining the original geometry

Based on my research, I found a few trucks where the steering stem universal was seized... The 2nd mechanic that looked at my truck believes its the steering stem. Said he's seen this a few times. I'm hoping that's my issue, as I don't know what else it could be.

 

[Addicted2fishing]

Typical “it’s normal”. Don’t take their **** make sure something like that is fixed


Mods: EGR matte black bug deflector, Westin HDX drop steps, rough county bull bar with 20” LED, custom made NW seat covers in real tree camo, husky liner mats, husky liner mud guards, undercover LUX tonneau cover, Tailgate assist, flowmaster super 40 with resonators, tinted 15% front, LED C shaped tail lights. Line-X 5.7’ box

 

[joeygster]

I've got a 2016 Sport and just started having this problem today on my way to work. The power steering failed intermittently twice....once on the highway for about 5 minutes and then again on a regular roadway for a couple of minutes.

Both times the malfunction indicator came on that says "Service Power Steering" then it went off and a little red steering wheel indicator on the dash flashed until the power steering kicked back in.

The dealership I service it at couldn't get me in until next Thursday but the dealer I bought it at is going to fit me in sooner. If anyone figures out the issue I'd love to hear about it because this is one of those things that likely won't replicate for he dealership.

Had my Ram into the dealer I bought it from. They advised they've seen this happen to only one other Ram and replacing the electric power steering rack resolved the problem.

They ordered the part in and got me to bring the truck in for the day and replaced the rack. Knock on wood I haven't had the problem since.

 

[JB1]

My coworker had this exact problem on his 2016 challenger R/T, took 4-5 trips to the dealer one time even towed it there. They told him everything from problem not found, could not replicate etc. He finally got a lawyer and then they diagnosed correctly and replaced the steering assembly rack. Needless to say he didn’t feel safe in that vehicle after that and traded it off for a different brand. His car was nicknamed “death trap” after all that. His car had 28k miles and was 100% bone stock

 

[meedom]

Just curious, how many miles are on these trucks with the steering issues?

 

[joeygster]

Just curious, how many miles are on these trucks with the steering issues?

Mine had 24000 kms on it......

 

[Andrew Dick]

Hello all, I am having some serious trouble with my power steering. For some background I have a 2016 1500 express crew cab with 2.8" front leveling kit (adjustable shocks) and a 1" kit in the back. I also have some (slightly) bigger than stock nitto Terra grapplers g2 on the wheels.

About a week ago I was headed to work and I noticed that the steering was HARD (no grinding or otherwise noticeable noises), like trying to lift bricks every time you make a slight turn. Obviously a pwoer steering issue (I think!)... After a few minutes though it went back to normal. After three days it came back, and I decided to call the dealer since it was dangerous to drive around not being able to steer properly.

I went in to the dealer and after a few hours the gentleman at the service center comes back and tells me he doesn't feel anything wrong and that it just feels like a 'lifted' truck. I went out to it gave it a spin and it seemed okay for all of five minutes before going back to being very hard to turn (albeit a bit easier than before). I'm wondering what the problem might be seeing as the dealer says there is nothing wrong, but I will go crazy if I have to drive around like this what with it being so hard to turn, really it's just very dangerous.

I have an alignment and rotation scheduled for tomorrow to make sure that is not the issue, but I am still concerned that it is the power steering itself. I did see online that there has been a control module recall for the power steering units for 2016's but the tech at the dealer said he didn't know anything about it.

What should I do? Any recommendations for what to look for? I need to try and find a solution to this that doesn't cost a rediculous amount, but at the same time I need the problem fixed so I will pay what I have to.

Thank you all for your time.

I just found this thread because like others my power steering started to throw errors. I have a 2016 Ram 1500 Bighorn 5.7L with a 6” lift. I was doing some mods and disconnected the battery.
One of the mods was adding an auxiliary Anderson power plug on the rear of the truck connected to the battery via 300amp circuit breaker. This will be used for a winch if needed or connection to my dump trailer.
The other mod is the addition of Trailer Brake Controller and new switch w/ AUX buttons.
I mention all of this bc it’s all related to the battery.
I tied the power for the new switch box to the fused connection conveniently located on the + side of the battery.
In searching the forum I found one mention of the fuse that the power steering connects to, which is the one and the same convenient connection. On a hunch, knowing how sensitive our Rams are to voltage I removed the connection. Tightened all the battery terminals and started the truck. Well I took the truck for a drive and I no longer have an issue with power steering!! I always have to remember our beloved Rams are very sensitive to electrical draw!!

I hope this helps...always go back to anything that might have changed!
-AD


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[PoMansRam]

.... I always have to remember our beloved Rams are very sensitive to electrical draw!!

I hope this helps...always go back to anything that might have changed!
-AD


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

100% on that and exactly why I cringe at the thought of aftermarket electrical mods on our vehicles these days.

There's just way too much at stake that relies on a steady and noise proof electrical system.

Could you imagine having best buy or something splicing something in? Ugh...

 

[Pitbull24]

I began having this issue last fall. Dealer stated rack or steering shaft need to be replaced, but weren't sure which part.

When warm it's fine, but all winter it was tight. Real tight.

17k miles, but 6 years old. I'll probably start with replacing steering shafts as it's a few thousand less.

Any other resolutions?

 

[Daw14]

Read the post before yours, take your battery terminals apart at the battery and clean,sand ,wire brush everything.please let us know how it all works out for you.

 

[huntergreen]

Had my Ram into the dealer I bought it from. They advised they've seen this happen to only one other Ram and replacing the electric power steering rack resolved the problem.

They ordered the part in and got me to bring the truck in for the day and replaced the rack. Knock on wood I haven't had the problem since.

Did it throw any codes.