Hi, I've got an 05 GT, 89K, new engine at 83K etc (that should answer some questions up front)

I've noticed when the temps drop below 0, the steering will "freeze" until the engine warms up. I've taken it to the dealership and after an hour of ??????? (meaning i dont know what the hell the "technician" did for an hour aside from break my battery cover) all they could tell me is the EPS Control module was defective (Code B-1342) and that the tech had checked the connections (which is also BS as the cover never came off of the PCM/EPS compartment thing next to the battery cover).

I've also noticed that on the mornings when the steering freezes, the engine idles funny til it warms up, like it'll randomly drop 100-200 RPM and sound like it wants to die for a split second but then it comes back to life. The power steering light has come on three times now, if i turn the car off and back on again the light goes out. That has me thinking it might be a battery issue, but why would the engine crank, and the power steering lock up if that were the case.

I'm starting to think its the power connection to the rack itself, because I've checked, when the steering freezes the Steering wheel can turn about 3 degrees in either direction, the shaft turns, and the thing at the end of the shaft that connects to the rack turns. But that doesn't explain why the rack would unlock after the engine heats up.

I'm going to take the airbox out myself tomorrow afternoon and check the connections underneath it as I've read in lots of the power steering threads that those connections are most likely the cause.

As of right now the two suspects are either the battery's dying on me, or the rack needs replacing, I''m not really sure about the EPS Control module because I have yet to see any actual power steering problems while I'm driving, or loss of power steering at all.

If any of you guys have any thoughts I'd greatly appreciate it, I'm not exactly a car guy, but i did research the RX-8 and its intricacies for about 8 months before I bought mine back in July, I've been studying the Shop manual for steering diagnostic stuff, and I'm capable of doing whatever work needs doing on my car (like turning bolts and stuff, no welding or anything though), I just have no experience with this stuff so I need a starting point or at least some ideas, Please Help guys thanks in advance

(I've tried using the search function for the past 2 weeks and i've only came across one instance where someone else had the same issue [this post was actually originally a reply to that thread but i didn't think it'd get many views being way back on page 4 or so])

 

Sounds like your on the right track checking the connectors, have you checked the voltage of the battery and the output of your alternator . Maybe even do as Bse50 suggests in another thread, to solder the wires together and remove the connector, at least that way you will definitely know if the fault remains,it wasn't a bad connection. I can only guess it happens when cold because of moisture.

 

Well kudo's for searching #1.
#2.....yeah, check those ps connections.
#3....and this is a bit of a stretch, but it actually could be the alternator, so have that checked out. When my alternator went bad, it started having some of the symptoms you have described. Not exactly, but close enough to have it looked at. While there have the battery looked at as well. Most Autozone's will do it for free if in the US.

 

Don't forget the grounds while you check the connector, there are 3 I believe and if there is enough corrosion to affect the connector, the grounds can use a clean.

 

Thanks for the quick replies guys, I've been suspecting the alternator for the past little while as well because my battery was supposedly replaced when I bought the car (the place i bought it from supposedly had mazda put a new battery in, although given my last experience with those guys i wouldn't be surprised if i got a battery for a Mazda 2 or something instead).

I'll be sure to check the ground wires too, they dont usually have any shielding on them right? like they'll be pretty easily identified once i get things apart?

 

Tony, yes they are easily seen and are insulated up until a metal connector which bolts to the chassis.Except for the earth/ground on the right side of the motor to the chassis.

 

I have a similar problem. below about 18-20F my steering will literally lock tight until it warms enough (sometimes 30-40 min.) to free up. When it does free up it is sticky and as it gets warmer the steering becomes smooth like normal. I have driven in -2F weather and the wheel feels sticky and if i go too fast the wheel will lock and I will have no steering. The strange part is that this is all happening while my power steering is functioning. The steering assist works so i think something within the rack assembly is getting cold enough to jam or lock. I figure warming the engine compartment enough keeps those components from sticking. But what could be causing that? Are you having a similar experience?

 

sounds like a faulty rack, most problems with the EPS are just a lack of assist and not a wheel locking up issue. i would have it looked at by a professional because it sounds unsafe to drive.

 

Thanks Karack. I had a feeling the rack was the issue. I'm planning on taking it in when I have some nicer weather so its not so dangerous to drive it.

 

Op, when you say the wheel locks, youre referring to the steering wheel ?

 

The Rack is bad, I seen at LEAST 10 failed racks in just 4 months.

the early version sucks ***, they re-designed it a bit on later version (D) and it seems to handle much better.

 

Did you ever get this resolved? I'm having this exact problem with mine. It started the day after I was forced to drive through an extremely deep puddle. First the power steering was going out, as is common to everyone, we cleaned all the connectors and it's fine. The next day the steering wheel just started locking when is was outside in the cold for too long. I park in a heated underground (and left it two days), so it works fine when I first start the car, but when I leave it out in the cold it freezes up completely...I totally feels to me like water got in somewhere and is freezing...but I'm no expert. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you.

 

Yes. I did get the problem resolved. And Yes it was the rack itself. I drove similarly through a big puddle. What I think happened is some water got into the rack assembly and froze when it got cold essentially binding the gears within the assembly. Good luck in your troublshooting. Replaced mine with a rebuilt rack. Works like a charm. Have had the car sitting in 3 degree F weather and no problems on start up.

 

Didn't I said it's the rack itself ? ...

 

considering the cost of the rack, i wouldn't go chucking one at a car just because someone said to either. but yeah, these EPS systems are a love/hate relationship. (mine only works half of the time)

 

I know it cost an arm and leg

it's funny to see that , people have no issue getting **** ebay exhaust and crap for hundreds of dollars that gives them almost no return except louder exhaust tone.

but on the other hand, they cry about the price of the steering rack and would rather stick with the shaky steering/a broken steering rack that fights with them.