I need to know where a few things are:

I need someone that has a Service Manual to look up where a few things are for me:
- The Magnasteer Unit (Coil resistance between terminals A and B)
- (terminal F on the EBCM or EBTCM).
- vehicle speed sensor circuit

I am trying to find out if something is wrong with the magnasteer in my car, and I am currently 1600miles away from my service manuals, thanks for any and all help that you guys can give me

1.) Term A is from the pcm to the Variable Steering Module with is a vaiable resistance depending on speed. The only thing I can find quickly is that the output is 4000 pulses per mile - output from the PCM to the VSM. I know that doesn't help with troubleshooting the problem but I'll continue to refress myself and see if there is a simple way to diag proble for you. Hold on!

Ok, thanks for looking this up for me Rick

There are 4 or 5 pertinant pages in the Manual regarding troubleshoting and description and operation (D&O)
I will need to scan these in for you, but i'm not sure how.
Can anyone help?
Rick

I can't get my damn scanner to work. Give me a minute or two. I'll try a bigger hammer.

I'm Fucked on this end with the scanner. Is there any way I can fax this to you?
I'll Copy chapter, only 9 pages including wiring diagram.

Turn off ign.
Disconnect VSM connector (Pass comp, under right side of the IP)
Turn on ign, leaving engine off
DMM to measure [u]resistance [/u]between the variable steering module connector terminal "H" and a good ground. Does the voltage measure "B+" , it should, if not repair open in wiring.
Next, DMM to meas resistance btween VSM conn "H and "D"
also, meas resistance btween the VSM connector term "H" and "B", does voltage measure "B+" , if not, repair open..
It calls to measure resistance with a DMM but gives a specified valuu of "B+ " = Battery Voltage.
Naturally test resistance values with the ign. off. Didn't think I had to say that but just in case.
Resistance between Term A & B at the Variable Steering Actuator should be btween 1.6 - 3.1 ohms.
Next, test resistance from the other end of connector (going up to VSM) Term A to F (GRY wire -input at VSM for variable steering feed circuit) should be less than .5 ohm. I guess basically testing continuity between units and integrity of wiring.
Next step, Now test the other wire B to VSM "G", should also be less than .5 ohm.
Next, go back to term F @ VSM and check to ground. Should be infinite.
Next, Measure voltage at Term F @ VSM with actuator cconnector still disconnected. Should be 1volt. Does not say to turn power on to test this.
Next, measure resistance between term G @ VSM and ground. should also be infinite.
Next measure voltage term G @ VSM (WHT), Should also read 1 volt.
Next raise vehicle. place in neutral.
Set DMM to DC scale and measure voltage between the VSM connector term "A" ( GRN/WHT) and "D" ( D is black wire and goes to ground.) Voltage should be between 0 - .5volts.
These are the only checks that can be made with a DMM. Everything else is Tech II.
The only other info i can offer besides faxing all this is the Variable Effort Steering System Test. Very simply;
Test 1
Turn ign on.
Allow engine to idle.
Place gear selector in Park (Duh.)
Turn the steering wheel several times in both directions.
Normal Result = The steering wheel turns with minimal effort
Abnormal result go to Electrical diagnosis.
Test 2
Drive vehicle
Turn steering wheel several times in boyh directions.
Normal Results= As vehicle speed increases effort decreases. and vise-versa.
Abnormal Result = Go to Electrical Diag.[/u]
Back to fist 2 steps calling for B+:Turn off ign.
Disconnect VSM connector (Pass comp, under right side of the IP)
Turn on ign, leaving engine off
DMM to measure [u]resistance [/u]between the variable steering module connector terminal "H" and a good ground. Does the voltage measure "B+" , it should, if not repair open in wiring.
Next, DMM to meas resistance btween VSM conn "H and "D"
also, meas resistance btween the VSM connector term "H" and "B", does voltage measure "B+" , if not, repair open.

One other thing the HVAC CONT Fuse in the IP fuse block supplies battery pos. voltage to the VCM (That is what they are referring to as B+ previously.
The PCM provides the vehicle speed signal to the VSM.
The VSM supplies current to variable steering actuator.
As the current supplied to the actuator is varied, the steering assist is varied.
If you had a Vehicle Speed Sensor problem you would have a check light on.
Hope any of this helps.
Call me if you need additional info.
978-365-4927
I'm up early in the AM
Good luck.

Thank you Rick for all your help with this write-up, but I cant find the VSM. I am troubleshooting right now but I cant find the VSM. Rick said its (Pass comp, under right side of the IP). Does anyone have pictures or atleast tell me what I have to take apart to gain access to the VSM?

Also, I will need to know what wires are terminals A-H on the VSM

Rick, I called and left a message at your house, I would greatly appricate if you would fax me those 9 pages to (716) 694-6731. I need to know before you send it though, or else it wont go through because my brother says he will have to switch lines to the fax machine before you send it. Thank you for all your help.

I also still cannot find the VSM on the right side of the passenger compartment

Anthony, I just looked at the Manual again and there is conflicting info regarding location.
Another page says it is on the driver's side under the instrument panel. Sorry for the confusion.

IIRC the late '98 and 99 Rivs were a little different, but I could be wrong.

Albertj

Anthony,
How are you making out with your problem. Update when you can.
Did you receive fax ok?
Rick