Got a problem... I've made a bunch of mods to my steering system including internal pump and box and a hydraulic assist. Now, I get a check engine light because of an improperly working power steering pressure switch (code #65 and it says it shouldn't trip the light).

I'm hoping someone can help me figure out a way to defeat the system. Either a resistor inline, or a dummy loop or something like that. I'm not very good at auto electronics, so...

Here's an explanation of how the switch works taken from the '97 FSM:

"The PCM connects to the power steering pressure switch on circuit K10. Circuit K10 provides ground for the switch. When the switch closes, it connects circuit K10 to the ground. The switch closes during periods of high power steering pump load and low engine speeds, such as parking maneuvers."

The explanation of the error I get it: "Power steering high pressure seen at high speed."

If I understand the way it works, a resistor won't help as it's just reading open or closed and the sensor in the PCM is telling it what to do. Or maybe not.

Any ideas? The check engine light is bugging me.

Paul

Reading what you wrote it sounds like you need to unplug it

Did that. Thought it was fixed until I got on the freeway again...

Paul

pull the light bulb! :flipoff2:


actually mine was out when I bought it....guess I should prob figure out why it was taken out.....naw, if it blows, just an excuse for a 302 :D

Damn, so the thing is actually taking the time to compare the pressures against the VSS signal to detrmine that you are not parking in a parking lot. :confused: I don't understand why all that crap is needed, the 4.0L guys don't have to deal with it.

I have never looked at mine, where is the switch pysically located?

You might be able to move it to the return side before the tank, it will get a much lower redaing there.

Paul,

is it possible to put a pressure switch on your new steering?

I remember seeing this in my 01 FSM back when you had alt problems, and I'm pretty sure the purpose of the switch is to kick the idle up a little during high steering loads.

edit: and I think it was 2.5L only not the 4.0L

So, rather than defeat it, if you can find the switch from the old pump and adapt it you could get this behaviour back.

Let me look at my diagram tonite and I'll get back to you.

to defeat it sounds sounds like some work.

edit 2: unless the switch has some nominal resistance to inform the circuit everything is fine. In this case all you would need to do would be put a resister in line matching the resistance of the switch. did you buy a meter yet?


how long till the V8 goes in?

From what I understand, the switch you're asking about does in fact kick up the idle during high pressure steering, my switch went bad (plug broke during engine rebuild) and my junk was a bitch to turn, I replaced the switch and it got a little better, but my Dana 44 with knuckle over steering and 35's has taken it's toll on my lousy TC pump, you said you swaped over to the P style pump with a ram assist? Got any pics? Did you build the system yourself or use a kit? I've been mulling over ripping off all the TC pump bullshit from my 2.5 and fabbing up mounts for the older P style pump, allowing me to run a ram assist in the future, prolly sooner than later.

Problem solved. Spent some time on the Jeep-L last night and got the help I needed. Here's the part out of the FSM that clued us in:

"When steering pump pressure exceeds 1896 kPa +/- 345 kPa (275 +/-50psi) the normally closed switch will open and the PCM will increase the engine idle speed. The will prevent the engine from stalling.

When steering pump pressure drops below approximately 70 psi, the switch circuit will close and engine idle speed will return to its previous setting."

So basically, I stuck a copper staple in the connector to the PCM and the switch is now permanently closed. Drove almost 200 miles today and all is well. I've never had any problems with the steering bogging down the engine and don't expect to now.

Pictures of my steering setup are here: http://www.jeepshots.com/shots/projects/steering

Paul :beer:

I could have swore I read you tried to jumper it first :rolleyes: