Some GMC Acadia owners may notice that their vehicle’s Driver Information Center displays a “Service Power Steering” message. Now, a possible cause behind this issue has been identified, as has a solution to be implemented by GM technicians.
According to a recent report from GM TechLink, this issue may affect 2017 through 2023 GMC Acadia models. In addition to a Service Power Steering message displayed in the Driver Information Center, the GMC Acadia may also throw Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0128, or Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature. Although this particular DTC is not in direct reference to the power steering system, the Service Power Steering message will be displayed to protect the steering gear in the event of an undetected overheating condition if the Engine Control Module reads a coolant temperature issue.
As outlined in the GM TechLink report, the GMC Acadia’s power steering module can detect issues in the electric power steering system. Issues may result in the system disabling steering assist, which in turn will display the Service Power Steering message. The power steering module also monitors internal system temperature, and if the calculated internal temperature exceeds a certain level, the power steering assist level is reduced. Full power steering assist will return when internal system temperatures drop below the pre-determined level.
In order to address the Service Power Steering condition, GM technicians are instructed to diagnose and repair possible engine cooling issues as related to the DTC P0128. Once repairs to the engine cooling system are performed, technicians are instructed to clear the system codes and test drive the vehicle. If the Service Power Steering message returns after addressing any possible cooling issues, technicians are instructed to follow the appropriate steering system diagnostic to remedy the condition.
The latest 2023 GMC Acadia is the seventh model year for the latest second-generation crossover, following up on a mid-cycle update introduced for the 2020 model year. Two engines are offered, including the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY and naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LGX. Under the body is the GM C1 platform, while production takes place at the GM Spring Hill plant in Tennessee.
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Comments
I had this issue on our 2017 Acadia Denali V-6. Turns out it was a defective thermostat housing and sensor.
The dealer fought me on this being included in the power train warranty, even though its located inside the engine assembly beneath the intake manifold.
I called GM Customer Service, who decided in my behalf and directed the dealer to replace and repair the issue at no cost.
Do not hesitate calling Customer Service…they saved me almost $1000.
I think it’s sad you had to fight the service department in the first place. Sounds like a pretty bad place.
Much of this is just how good or bad a dealer is,
Like on the 8 speed transmission flushes. GM said to flush if the customer said it was shuddering. Well most dealers did it no questions asked but too many refused customers on their own prerogative.
The Sad part GM is limited as to how they can punish dealers like this. Mostly allocations.
6 yrs in on an unchanged model u would think the bugs would have been resolved!
This isn’t a bug, it’s working as designed. The issue is mechanics assume power steering is unrelated to engine coolant temperature and think there’s two separate problems, or try to fix them in the wrong order, even though the power steering intentionally doesn’t set a code.
The fact that the two are related is a design problem
There have been some changes over the years. They may look the same but they have added and changed a number of things.