05 Malibu help

Does any one have any experience with the power steering system on the 05 Malibu Maxx's?

It complains about the power steering and every once in a while the power steering pump fails to come on or get fluid.

I know its a completely closed system and the power steering pump is electric rather than belt driven. I was just curious if any one has any incite as to what this may cost to get fixed or if there is any chance I could get it fixed myself.


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I don't know how it is in the Malibu, but in my 2006 cobalt the electric steering is not merely a "electric steering pump", but rather an electric motor that is mounted directly on the steering shaft, I can see the module if I look under my dash and as a result there is no power steering fluid because there is no hydraulic system. Anyways, I know people with cobalts who have large after market stereos, and when ever too much power is taken at an idle, the power steering will just shut down. This is a total guess, but could it be your charging system? If the unit does not receive the proper amount of voltage, it will shut down. Does the radio have any sort of humming noises, etc when the power steering system fails or for that matter any time?

Edit: Are you throwing any sort of codes in the form of a CEL?

I would think that the information sensor would say that it was a charging system problem and the stereo is factory. That is probably how the power steering is on the malibu too.

Like I said if any one has any idea how much it might cost to get fixed that would be a big help.

The power steering module failed in my daughter's '04 Malibu a couple of months ago and was replaced by the local dealership. Fortunately it was still under warranty. As you said, it gives you a error message on the display.
I really need to buy a Factory Service Manual for it... it pays for itself the first time you use it.

If you need GM Parts, let me know... I know a dealer that sells GM parts at 10% over dealer cost (around here, that's half of what you'd pay the local dealer for the same part).

Darn I wish they would have told you what it would have cost. Oh well I am going to call dealers right now.

Oh I forgot I do have the error codes. C0460 and C0545. A quick google says its the steering position sensor and steering wheel torque input.

If it has under 36k miles, take back to a Chevy dealer and have them fix it under warrenty.

its got 56,000 on it so its well out of warranty.