EPS Power steering column, what ACTUALLY goes wrong?

So where does the danger part come into it? Pulling to the side sounds no worse than tracking beng out, we've probably all drive cars like that.

And if you have the diagnostics to see 0 degrees / straight ahead, couldn't the wheel alignment be set to that and all should be ok?
 

huttojb

Club Member
EPS System Guru
Hey,
changing the NVM could result in incorrect mapping, incorrect calibration, incorrect tune all of which could be detrimental to the unit.

Removing and refitting the column could cause side load which displace the torque sensor disc which could result in failure or incorrect input torque being applied.

The worse possible case could be self steer.
 
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Hello everyone now that was some reading, I have Bought a k12 Nissan Micra for my sister and the ps light has come on, now I thought I can just bang a new motor in there so I got one from a scrappy and decided to have a read before hand and I’m glad I did does anyone know where I can get a reclaimed PSM that I can put in the car that’s not going to cost an arm and a leg
Tia
 
Hey,
changing the NVM could result in incorrect mapping, incorrect calibration, incorrect tune all of which could be detrimental to the unit.

Removing and refitting the column could cause side load which displace the torque sensor disc which could result in failure or incorrect input torque being applied.

The worse possible case could be self steer.

Hi, I don’t think I can privately message you as I’ve only just signed up and I signed up specifically to ask you a question lol! :)

I’ve had power steering issues with my 04 k12 Micra SE for years now. Do you sell reconditioned units at all? I’m in Loughborough, Leicestershire
 
Hi, first post, I bought a K12 Micra 1.2 sport 2006 a couple of months ago and last night the power steering light came on and the power steering stopped working whilst I was driving. I switched the engine off and back on and it went away and worked fine. Is this what happens initially before the fault reoccurs more or could it be a one off? I have read through all the comments on this forum provided by @huttoj but I cant see how it initially occurs. Just wondering what other people experiences have been and is this definitely going to get worse? Any help would be appreciated. thanks
 

huttojb

Club Member
EPS System Guru
Yes it would of failed and raised a fault causing PS light and loss of assistance. On ignition cycle it will re initiate and hopefully work.
If you get faults on consecutive ignition cycles then it will latch and require a diagnostic tool to clear to start again.
There were failures that would happen once and then go away due to hardware or software errors but I wouldn’t imagine a car this old having one of them.
It may get worse and start repeatable failing but you’ll have to wait and see.
Where are you? Maybe I can take a peak at it?
Jason.
 
thanks for the quick response, @huttoj i'm in London so would be quite far to come based off it happening just once so far. Would it be a case of running a you diagnostic on it and determining what the fault was and go from there?
 

huttojb

Club Member
EPS System Guru
Yeah very true. The diagnostic tool won’t really help, it will provide a generic DTC of probably internal fault motor or internal fault ECU. This could result in one of a hundred things. Each internal fault code, and there’s over 200 are assigned to a single DTC. There are only 8 DTCs so a fault code of example B23 which is a FET short circuit fault ( if memory serves me correct ) this could be the actual FET, so ECU based, or the winds in the motor which is motor based or the relay which is motor based or software issue which is ecu based. But I think B23 was assigned to INTERNAL ECU FAULT DTC. So gives an idea to Nissan that it’s eps and change it! But for diagnostic of the unit, DTC are useless!!!
 
Yeah very true. The diagnostic tool won’t really help, it will provide a generic DTC of probably internal fault motor or internal fault ECU. This could result in one of a hundred things. Each internal fault code, and there’s over 200 are assigned to a single DTC. There are only 8 DTCs so a fault code of example B23 which is a FET short circuit fault ( if memory serves me correct ) this could be the actual FET, so ECU based, or the winds in the motor which is motor based or the relay which is motor based or software issue which is ecu based. But I think B23 was assigned to INTERNAL ECU FAULT DTC. So gives an idea to Nissan that it’s eps and change it! But for diagnostic of the unit, DTC are useless!!!
So are you saying, run the the diagnostic tool which will give an indication of whether it is likely to be the ECU or the motor, but not a definite answer, if it is pointing towards the ECU then that can be switched out for relatively cheap, but if its the motor then it could be far more expensive?
 

huttojb

Club Member
EPS System Guru
No. The ecu and motor are connected and come as a unit. So which ever one it is and it becomes repeatable, you will need to replace the eps. Not that expensive. Depends how much you like your car!
 
Well i don't care for the car that much, its just a run around but i only just got it so was planning on keeping it for a bit, why is everyone quoting £1k+ for a fix on this forum? Is that from Nissan and you are able to resolve it cheaper? thanks
 

huttojb

Club Member
EPS System Guru
As discussed, not that expenses. Nissan prices are usually about £1600 I’m told. But where there is a will, there’s a way!
 
Hi, I don’t think I can privately message you as I’ve only just signed up and I signed up specifically to ask you a question lol! :)

I’ve had power steering issues with my 04 k12 Micra SE for years now. Do you sell reconditioned units at all? I’m in Loughborough, Leicestershire

I just wanted to post a quick follow up to this message for anyone reading! After I posted this message, @huttojb got in contact with me immediately, and after explaining my situation, he was able to completely solve all of my problems and save me so much money. I honestly can’t rate this guy enough! I love my Micra but the power steering failing every 6 months has been the bane of my life! I am so so so thankful to have this finally sorted and not have to break the bank to do so either. My Dad is a mechanic and was able to fit a new power steering unit (not reconditioned like what I’ve had before as that kept failing) no problem at all provided by @huttojb . We would have loved to have gone to Birmingham to meet him and thank him properly but unfortunately personal circumstances meant we weren’t able to, but speaking over text, he was brilliant! Really trustworthy and knowledgeable, I definitely advise you get in touch with him if you have any issues with your PS especially! Thank you so much again! :D
 

huttojb

Club Member
EPS System Guru
I just wanted to post a quick follow up to this message for anyone reading! After I posted this message, @huttojb got in contact with me immediately, and after explaining my situation, he was able to completely solve all of my problems and save me so much money. I honestly can’t rate this guy enough! I love my Micra but the power steering failing every 6 months has been the bane of my life! I am so so so thankful to have this finally sorted and not have to break the bank to do either. My Dad is a mechanic and was able to fit a new power steering unit (not reconditioned like what I’ve had before as that kept failing) no problem at all provided by @huttojb . We would have loved to have gone to Birmingham to meet him and thank him properly but unfortunately personal circumstances meant we weren’t able to, but speaking over text, he was brilliant! Really trustworthy and knowledgeable, I definitely advise you get in touch with him if you have any issues with your PS especially! Thank you so much again! :D
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Hey,
changing the NVM could result in incorrect mapping, incorrect calibration, incorrect tune all of which could be detrimental to the unit.

Removing and refitting the column could cause side load which displace the torque sensor disc which could result in failure or incorrect input torque being applied.

The worse possible case could be self steer.
???
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Hi All I am new to this forum ! I had a problem with power steering and the car locked to the left & went out of control. My regular mechanic has put in a steering wheel motor from an d car. He worried me abit by saying it may be abit more like a Manuel car as regards the steering wheel and not to worry if it's abit stiff ? Obviously I don't want the car to go out of control again. He's got it through an MOT so it must be alright. I'd appreciate any advice ! Thanks !
 

huttojb

Club Member
EPS System Guru
Hey @Let123
That really does not sound good, I would suspect a reman unit has been fitted. You regular mechanic don’t sound that good, it looks like he has put a failed unit in or a unit not tuned to the correct engine which makes it feel a lot heavier.
Where are you located, the best answer Is close to Birmingham ?
 
Hey @Let123
That really does not sound good, I would suspect a reman unit has been fitted. You regular mechanic don’t sound that good, it looks like he has put a failed unit in or a unit not tuned to the correct engine which makes it feel a lot heavier.
Where are you located, the best answer Is close to Birmingham ?
Hi Thanks very much for your advice I knew something was wrong. I rang him make to discuss saying I was upset about the car. He said it was fine & still power steering. I'm in North Liverpool !
 
Hi Thanks very much I knew it didn't sound good ! At least I can go tomorrow having some knowledge of what he's done. Who wants there car to be a different car when they get it back it's quite upsetting ! He said it would cost hundreds to fit the proper unit. I live in North Liverpool.
 
Hi Thanks very much I knew it didn't sound good ! At least I can go tomorrow having some knowledge of what he's done. Who wants there car to be a different car when they get it back it's quite upsetting ! He said it would cost hundreds to fit the proper unit. I live in North Liverpool
 
Hi Thanks v much I will do ! I think he was trying to save me money. But it won't be the same. But if it costs hundreds I couldn't afford it but I didn't want a rubbish job doing.
I appreciate your help !!
 
Hello @huttojb,
I know that my questions are not related with Micras :giggle:, but this thread is great about EPS.
do you have any experiences with Renault Modus TRW steering unit?
I have 2005 Modus with 2 faults (Renault diag):
- DF002 computer internal electrical fault
- DF035 variable power steering motor
Have system latch and it cannot be cleared with diagnostic tool.
What should I do?
 

huttojb

Club Member
EPS System Guru
Hey @mehatronik

Yes. I did originally do the NPI for Renault Modus but then it went to Pampolona in Spain. The Renault Modus unit is very much like the Nissan MIcra unit but with a 48Nm motor rather then the 38Nm motor which is fitted to the K12. The column has some extra attachment for where the ignition fits to aswell.

I would say the same with the K12, it’s not really a serviceable unit and faults are usually self contained within the eps. If the eps is throwing up a DTC then it will have an internal failure. All logics I’ve discussed in this thread is exactly the same for the modus apart from I do not believe it has the dongle so you should be able to hot swap it from another car
 
Hi Thanks v much I will do ! I think he was trying to save me money. But it won't be the same. But if it costs hundreds I couldn't afford it but I didn't want a rubbish job doing.
I appreciate your help !!
Hi just to let you know mechanic fixed it put an older car part in. Also fixed it so it wouldnt go out of control again. I need a lock for my car K12 don't know the details to look for one ?
Thanks ??
 

huttojb

Club Member
EPS System Guru
Hi just to let you know mechanic fixed it put an older car part in. Also fixed it so it wouldnt go out of control again. I need a lock for my car K12 don't know the details to look for one ?
Thanks ??
That’s great @Let123, Be careful if you get a flat battery, it might not start afterwards.
 
@huttojb, Modus have coded VIN and immo code in EPS. Only swap from another car is not complete solution.
About my two faults (control unit internal and power assist motor) on Modus. Car is 2005 with 106k km on cluster. I think it is related with faulty mosfets.
Swapping EPS from another Modus is not good option imho. It can be also faulty or will be faulty sooner or later. It can be previously badly or wrongly repaired. People are loading eeprom dumps from another EPS for clearing system lock. As you said eeprom has important calibration and other values inside, specifally defined for each assembled system in manufacturing process.
Identical EPS as in Modus, can be found in Kia Cee'd 2006-2012, Kia Pro Cee'd 2008-2009, Kia Venga 2010-, Hyundai ix20 2010-. I think system is good, but design is not oversized enough to last and some electrical components have limited lifespan.
 

huttojb

Club Member
EPS System Guru
Like I said, we was only involved with the modus very briefly, then it went to a sister TRW plant. So not too sure of the details.
You are correct, people who do the nvm swap or dump a nvm into a reman unit is criminal, and just waiting for an accident (if not had).
Where are you located? I was still working there in 2005, and that’s probably when we were involved. I might have some details but would need to dig deep into my archives!
 
Hello @huttojb
Like many other people on this thread my PS has failed (Nissan Micra, 1.2 Urbis, 2005).
It failed c. 2 years ago, but I left it overnight and it started okay the following day. No other problems until the other day.
I recently had a new battery fitted, PS okay on first journey, failed on second journey (unsure if connected to new battery?).
I tried to start it several times so assume it has now locked?
Have taken it to garage and they have run diagnosis tests, which indicate that new EPS unit needed. I have asked if they could just clear the codes but they said that was not possible?
Garage have second-hand unit from 'spares and repairs car' but have been told that they cannot fit it as it would need re-coding (and re-coding not possible).
I'm unsure if the garage have checked the relays.
Garage have been quoted (from Nissan dealer) £1250 for new EPS unit, plus fitting of course!
My car is very clean and worth saving (at a cheaper cost!), it also has great sentimental value to me.
I'm desperate for some help. I live in Cumbria. Would be prepared to try and get to Birmingham (wonder if RAC would take car there?).
I cannot PM @huttojb at present as not been registered on this site for the required seven days.
Thank you for listening, any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Hi.
I would especially be grateful is Jason @huttojb could possibly help!

My son has a Nissan Micra 2005 and a few months ago he noticed when he first started from cold in the morning the steering for a few seconds would feel heavy. I also had this on a similar aged Micra I had too so thought it was something model specific.

About 3 weeks ago when he started his car, the steering stayed heavy for about a drive of around 50m or so, then was fine. Whereas it was doing this in the morning from cold, the car is now doing it more frequently. My son says that once he hears a tiny click noise the steering seems to be ok again, seems to be once it's warmed up.

No warning lights are illuminated on the dash. I took it to our local garage who cleared a couple of fault codes and said once they'd done that it seemed ok. But once my son drove it again the problem was back.

I've since read on the web that there seems to be a fault of this kind on this model of Micra and just wondered what is the problem, and how do we go about fixing in the most cost effective way please.

Thanking you in advance!
 
Hi. You did thank you. Since your message I've had the fault diagnosed. I've tracked the diagnosis. Would you be able to let me know if this is repairable and costs? I've had a local garage advise it would be £1500, and said that if a second hand part was used there's no guarantee it would work due to the immobilizer and needing to be coded, so am thinking as an 05 plate it's not worth getting done. Your expertise on this would be really helpful in me making a decision what to do.
 

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huttojb

Club Member
EPS System Guru
Yeah, going to main dealer is always expensive. The unit are coded to the car but I’ve helped many people on here and hopefully if you need help i should be able to help. Will drop you my mobile number on message so you can text me.
 
Hi everyone, I have had terrible problems with my daughter's Micra and its power steering. I looked on here for help and came across huttojb who has been such a wonderful help. In the end we had to return the car to the dealership but I would highly recommend huttojb if you need to repair your power steering. Thank you for your help.
 
Hey.
I used to work with the Nissan EPS and can help if anyone is near Birmingham?
Jason.
hello..please can you advise..I have a lovely nissan micra 2005 s auto.PS just gone.Mechanic suggesting I buy one second hand and he will fix it.
Do you think its worth it.I really don't want to get rid of the car but I don't want to spend loads on it..thanks so much for your advice
 

huttojb

Club Member
EPS System Guru
hello..please can you advise..I have a lovely nissan micra 2005 s auto.PS just gone.Mechanic suggesting I buy one second hand and he will fix it.
Do you think its worth it.I really don't want to get rid of the car but I don't want to spend loads on it..thanks so much for your advice
Hey Rut. Depends how attached to the car you are, personally I wouldn’t but I’m not you! I can help you if you decide to go that route!
 
Greetings all and especially @huttojb thanks for all the postings here they are quite helpful I was wondering if you or anyone else can recommend me a odb2 reader that can read and clear the eps dtc codes. I understand a n607 memoscan can do this but I can't find any on the chinese shops. Only ones I can find that mention n607 are around 120 was hoping for something cheaper or is 120 realistic price ?

Also is there anywhere a schematic/diagram of the electronics in this unit as a electronic hobbyist I like to see if i can tackle the repair myself.
 

huttojb

Club Member
EPS System Guru
I do have the schematics, know how and details but it’s not something I would publish on here due to I.P. I would be careful in clearing the faults and expecting that to fix the issue, the steering system is a safety critical component and I was involved in the set-up of the remanufacture of these products in Czech for 24 months, but it was decided that remanufacture and repair was not a path TRW was gonna take.
 
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