Steering

Electronic Power Steering

4steps
~24min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 4

Description and Operation

Description

MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) uses an electric motor to assist steering wheel rotation. It reduces the effort required for steering; the steering system operates independently of engine operation.

The MDPS control module controls motor operation based on data received from individual sensors via CAN (Controller Area Network).

This provides more precise and timely power steering control than conventional hydraulic systems. The MDPS components (steering angle sensor, torque sensor, fail-safe relay, etc.) are located in the steering column. The MDPS ECU, steering column and MDPS motor must not be disassembled for inspection. Replace them if necessary.

Components and Components Location

COMPONENTS LOCATION

1. Steering column
2. Combination unit
3. MDPS motor
4. MDPS ECU

Schematic diagrams

Schematic diagrams

CABLE CONNECTOR

Type PIN Description
BATTERY 1 Battery +
2 Battery +
VSS 1 IG (ignition)
2 -
3 -
4 -
5 -
6 -
7 High_CAN
8th Low CAN

repair procedures

A/S Repair Procedure

A/S Work Procedure for MDPS System

① Inspect connectors and cable routing

  1. Connector and Harness Inspection

    Inspect individual connectors and cables for damage, deformation and incorrect connection.

    1. Check the wiring on the vehicle side.

      • Check for open circuit/short circuit due to malfunction. Check the connection, damage or foreign matter.

    2. Check the wiring on the ECU side (3-phase motor).

      • Check for open circuit/short circuit due to malfunction. Check the connection, damage or foreign matter.

    3. Check the motor connectors.

      • Clamp expansion or damage

    4. Check the motor wiring.

② Checkpoints according to the DTC

Position DTC Description TEST Service action
CAN line C1611 EMS CAN timeout 1. Check GDS.
2. Check the connector for proper fit.
3. Check the ECU CAN connector.
4. Check the ground status of the MDPS vehicle.
Check the EMS CAN line
C1616 CAN bus off Check the chassis CAN line
C1622 Vehicle speed signal error Check EMS (Engine Control Module)
TORQUE SENSOR C1290 Torque sensor, signal error Check after clearing the DTC.
Check the connector for proper fit.
Replace the column and housing
If the symptom persists
C1112 Torque sensor power supply error Check the torque sensor and ECU connectors. Replace the ECU if the problem persists
ECU C1604 ECU hardware error Check the ECU connector after clearing the DTC. Replace the ECU if the problem persists
ECU C1705 EPS module
Precharge circuit malfunction
Check the ECU connector after clearing the DTC. Replace the ECU if the problem persists
ENGINE C2400 Motor signal error Check the motor connector after clearing the DTC. Replace the motor if the problem persists
ENGINE C2401 Motor position sensor malfunction Check the motor connector after clearing the DTC. Replace the motor if the problem persists
ECU / motor C2412 Motor current error Check the motor/ECU connector after clearing the DTC. Replace the ECU first.
Replace the motor if the problem persists
Steering angle sensor C1259 Steering Wheel Angle Sensor Malfunction Reset the steering wheel angle after clearing the DTC
Check that the connector is fully seated.
Replace the column and housing
If the symptom persists
BATTERY C1102 Low Battery Voltage Check the battery voltage condition battery charging voltage
cooperative control C1696 SPAS signal error SPAS Check Clear the DTC.
C1697
cooperative control C1612 TCU signal error TCU Check Clear the DTC.
C1646
cooperative control C1628 Instrument cluster signal error Instrument Cluster Check Clear the DTC.
C1656
cooperative control C1692 VSM signal error VSM Check Clear the DTC.
C1693
SECTION C1260 Steering Wheel Angle Signal Error Check after resetting the steering wheel angle
If DTC C1259 does not reappear, check the CAN line.
Reset the steering angle
Clear the DTC.

Noise/Rattle Repair Procedure

③ Check for noise/malfunction

Problem Malfunction Description and Check Method countermeasure
noise/rattle 1. Noise is generated near the MDPS bracket/housing.
  • Remove the surrounding parts and check whether the same noise occurs.

  • Replace the steering column and housing.

  • If noise occurs, replace the motor.

noise/rattle 1. Check the steering wheel and surrounding parts.
  • Check the DAB, PAB, clock spring, combination switch, etc. wiring.

Check each part for noise.
  • Perform a separate inspection.

2. Check where the C-MDPS is installed.
  • Loosen the hood panel mounting bolt and reinstall.

    (including the long bolt securing the lower part of the C-MDPS)

Check the hood panel installation
3. Check the universal joint bolt mounting area.
  • Fully remove the universal joint and check whether the same noise occurs after reinstallation.

If the universal joint bolt is worn, tighten with a new bolt.
4. Check column free play with the steering wheel stationary while the vehicle is turning.
  • Check the main harness and the columns/brackets connected to the MDPS in the cowl/friction area.

Leave a gap between the surrounding parts.
  • Check for free play in the harness area and column, and any damage.


④ Service Precautions

Precautions when handling the MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering)

  1. The malfunction is caused by internal damage, because the new subcomponent was dropped or subjected to impact.

    → Do not subject the subcomponent to impact or damage (e.g., from dropping).

  2. If excessive force is applied when turning the steering wheel, the center of the torque sensor may be twisted.

  3. When removing/installing the connector, the wiring may be damaged (deformed) by excessive external force.

  4. Store and replace components only within normal temperature and humidity conditions.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Stonic quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.