Anyone have any ideas if it’s the power steering or the electrical system?
They're interlocked. The steering *is* electrical. Electrical and mechanical: Electronic Power Steering -- EPS. It's difficult to say what the issue is. There could be several things. Most time it ends up being the EPS unit, and needing replacing, which isn't cheap. But depending on your level of DIY there are several things you can look into. It's very unlikely mechanics will want to do a deep-dive into the actual unit (other than swap it out). Also see videos below. A few things you could look into include:
1. Scan for codes: Esp EPS-related codes, or if something else electrical comes up. Autozone might be able to do this. Rule out anything else like a weak alternator, etc.
2. Battery Health Check: Make sure your batt terminals are super-clean, cables are clean and not corroded. Have a load test (not a multimeter test) done on the battery. Again, a parts store can do that. A weak battery can raise heck on these trucks in weird ways (I've seen it on my truck). Usually not with the EPS ...but electronics get flaky when they don't see the voltage/current they are designed to operat at. Ensure the battery terminals are good and clean and the battery is good and strong. Replace as needed.
3. Re-check fuses & connections: In case you missed something before. Ensure there is no corrosion on the contacts or back inside the wire connectors.
4. EPS Connectors: Check the connectors down at the EPS unit (carefully) for corrosion or any swelling in the wires behind the terminals. You can also verify voltage per the video below (or get a wiring diagram of your yr tk).
5. Inspect for mosture: Those modules inside the EPS sometimes have a habit of getting wet, which is not good. If you want to take it to the next level, you could pull off the EPS cover from the backside of the EPS unit under the truck (or have a mechanic do it), where the module is located. Ensure there isn't any water in there. See videos below. The cover is sealed but many owners have had high-water behind the cover that probably shorted things out. The module circuit board is covered in a "waterproofing conform-it product". But worth a check. Water often gets in that area from somewhere. If it's corroded in the housing then moisture may have been in there. Might not be your issue, but remove 6 screws will give you a look-see. If you see moisture check the housing for cracks, etc. Re-seal the cover as needed when put back on. If you've driven through deep water in the past that's kind of a no-no.
6. Flaky main wire connections: If you take the cover off, Inspect the main wire connections to the actual circuit board. Not just look at them, but observe closely for corrosion or even 'cold' solder joints (consult Youtube for Cold solder joints). The main wires are soldered to the board and those have been known to corrode (from moisture) ...or even fall/break off in a couple rare cases.
7. Watch some youtube videos on the subject. Get educated. These EPS unit flake-outs are not uncommon. It's not just a Ram thing. There's plenty of info on them. Watch the video below. And search out others. The more you know, the smarter you'll be on the subject. Maybe there is new 'how-to repair' I am not aware. Be aware the 2017+ EPS units were slightly revised (improved)...however ...depending on when your tk was 'actually' built ..verify if you have the revised one or not (give the dealer parts dept your vin??).
More than likely it's a failing EPS unit/module/electric motor. There might not be anything you can do. But OTOH, given the couple-thousand-dollar-cost of replacing it (read: EXPENSIVE), that might motivate you to dig in a little. It has many owners. Maybe you'll get lucky and catch something early, esp if there's moisture (water) behind the cover. There's also a 'belt' on the pass side. But since yours works most of the time, seems unlikley, from the symptoms you described, but you never know, right? There are several components inside those EPS steering units and none of them like water. I would never drive these trucks through deep water. But yeah, rule out all the electrical first, then roll up your sleeves or open your wallet.
Good luck. Let us know what you find (with pictures if possible).
Watch this:
Expensive Fix ! Ram 1500 No Power Steering (C2217 EPS internal Failure) | EPS internal failure fix | Jon Will Fix It2013 Ram 1500 3.6LCustomer states it has ...
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This gives you an idea of how they are constructed and some of the inner-workings ...if it matters to you. And how to change the belt:
#fyp #dodge #ram1500 #rack and pinion #Electric #
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