Power steering computer questions

[Renton]

I've been looking for information on the FC's active power steering (I drive an 88 GXL, and I hate the PS) but all I could really find was Low Impedance's FC FAQs (http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...ead.php?t=4032)

I have 2 main questions:

1. When there is an Error "The power steering computer uses a series of 'beeps' to communicate." Are these audible beeps? Or are they being read off of some LEDs? I notice a few beeps (maybe just one, I'm not sure) when I turn my car off (sometimes, not always) but I thought it was the alarm acting stupid.

2. Is there a way to keep the power steering on "high speed mode" or whatever you would like to call it? To try and simulate a manual rack. I ask because too often I feel my steering tighten then loosen in the middle of a turn and its very annoying and unpredictable.

I'm extremely interested in the way my power steering works, any info or pictures would be helpful.

[Whizbang]

Originally Posted by Renton

1. When there is an Error "The power steering computer uses a series of 'beeps' to communicate." Are these audible beeps? Or are they being read off of some LEDs? I notice a few beeps (maybe just one, I'm not sure) when I turn my car off (sometimes, not always) but I thought it was the alarm acting stupid.

Yes, they will be audible. They should sound once you turn the car off.

2. Is there a way to keep the power steering on "high speed mode" or whatever you would like to call it? To try and simulate a manual rack. I ask because too often I feel my steering tighten then loosen in the middle of a turn and its very annoying and unpredictable.

depending on the year they had speed and engine based references for when to activate the power steering. This is something i plan on adding to the FAQ maybe later this week since i found a good source of info.

But there is a chance that 1. your pump is going bad. 2. you have the wrong P/S computer or possibly even Pump due to an earlier repair and someone not having knowledge of the differences. This could yield funky results.

When the P/S is working correctly, the feel of the speed sensing (meaning car MPH) seems to be the best feel in my opinion.