GM's ecomodding efforts leads to recall of Cobalt (electric power steering probs)

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by IsaacCarlson

I don't have any problems with manual steering in my car... and it weighs almost 3800 lbs!

Back in my younger days, I spent a summer running a D7 Cat - about 50,000 lbs depending on model - for a logging crew. If you're not familiar, they steer with two levers that operate slip clutches on each track. When I started the job, I thought they pulled a little hard, but as the summer wore on I got used to it. Then in the fall we hauled all the equipment back down to the valley, the company mechanic hopped on to unload my cat, and started cussing "What the @#$! did you do to the power assist on this b**ch?"

So you see, you don't really need power steering even on slightly heavier vehicles :-)

[Uncle Dave]

I have noticed that when first started the Charge Voltage on the Battery is 15 volts for the first few miles to over a whole trip. This seems to be excessive and can make the battery GAS. Is this deliberate to make sure that there will be enough battery power to cover the steering drain? I have had the steering loss 4 times, but seemed to recover by its' self.

Is there any way to reduce this excessive voltage to 13.8 - 14.2 Volts?

When I first learned to drive, I was taught to have the car moving slightly to help reduce the turning friction, and make turning easier.

Basically, does anyone know how to reduce the Peak Charge Voltage off the Altenator?

[MetroMPG]

Sounds like a possibly defective voltage regulator. Have you checked with the dealership/shop manual for what the voltage specs are?