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My dealer just replaced the steering rack in my car and now the steering is really light. I called them to see about making the steering more firm. They said they could reprogram the steering module on the rack but they want 92.00 to do it. I'm pissed because thats not how it was when it went in, and I'm willing to bet thats not how it was when it came out of the factory. Has anyone else ever experienced this and how does the steering feel on your GXP's.
Also I just bought a factory service manual so if anybody needs some info or diagrams from it let me know if I can help

How much does the dealer want your business? I'd ask to talk to the service manager and tell him exactly what you just told us, that it wasn't that way when you brought it in and you want it made right. If they refuse to do it without charging you extra, you need to decide how far you're willing to go up the ladder for $92. Keep us posted.

Well, I may be out there in July again. Sister may be getting married, and she lives in Portland, Maine. So if need be, I can pack along the T2.

What needs to be re-done? Relearn the magnasteer?

well I got them to drop thier price in half ($46)so it's going in tuesday. I was wondering how would you guys describe your steering?(Firm Nuetral Light) how does it compair to other cars you've had? Have either of you ever messed with the enhanced steering system maybe tried other settings to see what it was like?

I neither have the means nor the desire to adjust my steering. I would say the steering is moderate for normal driving, but the magnasteer makes a difference with aggressive driving.

So CM, you're going to be up in our neck of the woods, eh?

I adjusted my steering with the Tech II, and I like the medium/moderate setting the best.

how would you describe the difference

what can I expect to pay for a tech 2

skid05bonnie wrote:how would you describe the difference

The light setting you're able to turn the wheels, while parked, with one finger.
Medium is one handed, still easy to turn, but firm.
Hard is, well, hard, lol.

skid05bonnie wrote:what can I expect to pay for a tech 2

As in, buy one? $2k for a used one on ebay if you have a lucky penny in your shoe and a horseshoe in your hand.

You need to tell the dealer that they didn't finish the job the way GM says it was supposed to have been done the first time.

When a dealer installs a new programmable rack-and-pinion they are supposed to set it to the way the one they are replacing was set. I bet any money it was defaulted to firm so they set it to soft so they could bend you over. Call them the morning of the appt and tell them you are cancelling because you found another dealer who will do it for free because they would appreciate your business and work for your loyalty.

does the tech 2 tell you what the current setting is or do you just make a new selection. I think mine was factory before the new rack and now it's light because I can't imagine it getting any lighter

the dealer says the rack is set at factory calibration when they get it, any changes from factory they charge for.

Basically you turn the wheels until it feels right, lol.

Whaaaaa???

You go into the Magnasteer programming mode, and turn the wheels, and it gets firmer and softer, and you set it where it feels like you want it, IIRC. You don't select a specific "tune" or something, it's just by feel, basically. This is from what I remember of doing this last October with Marty's Tech II.

Oh okay I get it. Well hopefully I'll be able to get involved when they do it so I can select what I want. I know I sound picky but I want the car I test drove, not the car I test drove that steers like an old ladys lincoln now
thanks for everybodys input I'll let you know how it turns out

Ed is referring to the "test mode", where the system will show you the "more firm" and "less firm" options... just so you can get a feel for them. The dealership uses this to show the customer what are the options, without actual setting it.

Here is how to program:

Programming Variable Effort Steering With the Tech 2 Tool
Perform the following steps to program the response mode.

Install the scan tool.
Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
Select the correct vehicle and model year.
Select Chassis.
Select Magna Steer.
Select Recalibration.
Press Enter.
Press Yes if the VIN # is correct.
Select Yes if vehicle has Magna Steer RPO # NV8.
Select No to select other than Factory Standard Calibration mode.
Select the desired response mode.
When procedure is complete, press Exit to return to the menu.

Variable Effort Steering
The variable effort power steering system has 3 response modes.

More Firm
Factory Calibration
Less Firm

My guess is that your car was set to "more firm" before you brought it in, and thats what you were used to. Now the factory calibration feels very soft. AFAIK, you can't see what the setting is at, you can only change it to what you want it to be.

Shoot, that's right. I guess I didn't get into the Tech II enough. Thanks for clearing it up Andrew.

Awsome thank you again I think I have the info I need for my tuesday appointment "knowlege is everything"
you guys are the best

GXPete wrote:I neither have the means nor the desire to adjust my steering. I would say the steering is moderate for normal driving, but the magnasteer makes a difference with aggressive driving.

So CM, you're going to be up in our neck of the woods, eh?

Tenatively around August 7th.

Wife doesn't really have the time off from work, especially since we're going to a wedding on her side of the family over the July 4th weekend, and that first week of August for me is a month end (1/4) close. So we my just fly in quickly Friday night the 6th, and then right back out that Sunday the 8th. I won't be there for the week like I was around Christmas.