2002 Buick Regal LS question

My Regal has 45000 miles. It has traction control and magnetic speed variable assist steering. When I steer either right or left I can feel a clicking/jerking in the steering wheel. It does it when I start out from a stop sign or going into a turn while already moving. This is the first vehicle that I've owned with the mag. speed variable assist steering. Is that feel just the variable assist steering working or maybe the traction control. It does it on all road conditions.

If traction control was working or activated you would get the low trac light on the IP unless you have it manually turned off. It is only supposed to work when you get wheelspin so I would rule that out. The clicking or jerking via feedback in the steering wheel is abnormal. I don't get any with my Magnasteer. You may want to get the power steering system to include rack and pinion and ABS system checked out by the GM dealer. The EVO actuator used for variable ratio steering is controlled by the EBTCM module which is part of the ABS and Traction Control System. The Dealer will use a Tech II scan tool.

Thank you BNaylor for your reply to my question. If there is a problem with the ABS system, wouldn't I get an ABS light? I bought my car at a local dealer, not the GM dealership and I have a 3 month/3000 mile warranty, so I'll have to take it to them first. They are a well respected local used car dealership. A problem in the power steering system makes sense though because it only does it while turning, not while driving in a straight line. Although, if I let off of the gas suddenly while accelerating, it feels loose, like there is play upfront. Did that statement make sense?

You sure that it had mag steering?

Master01
Yes, it has Magnasteer.

Technically if there was a real fault that could set a DTC even with the Magnasteer system aka variable effort steering the ABS light should trigger even if it is associated with the control system which would be the EVO actuator or EBTCM module. Although you have low mileage have you checked into a possible mechanical related issue? When was the last alignment performed? Check tie rods for excessive play especially the outer. I recall GM issued a TSB about the outer tie rod end nut not being torqued properly at the factory. Are you getting any noises while turning stationary?

On the issue of whether this year Regal LS has Magnasteer which I am quite sure it became standard equipment since all were delivered with the FE3 Sport Suspension package. If you have a GM RPO code of FE3 it has Magnasteer. Check the SPID label on the back of the trunk lid. I don't believe the 2001-2002 LS was delivered with any other suspension system other than FE3. The other situation where you will have Magnasteer standard for sure is if your LS model has the Grand Touring (GT) suspension package as an option. For example all Regal GS/GSE models have Magnasteer by virtue of having the GT suspension package as standard equipment.

Both my LS and GS have Magnasteer. My LS has Magnasteer since it has the FE3 package and I see the wiring going to the actuator and electrical connector jack at the top of the rack and pinion where it connects to the coupler. You can see the difference visibly and of course can tell in daily driving since the steering effort increases as speeds increase and at low speeds or stopped decreases or is easier.

I don't want to thread hijack, but I have a 98' buick regal 25th aniv ed.(has GT suspension) Would it have magnasteer?

I have a 98' buick regal 25th aniv ed.(has GT suspension) Would it have magnasteer?

Yes. In the 1998 production year it was standard equipment on all LS, GS and the Special Edition 25th Anniversary LS models.

Just had my 02 Regal to the dealer and had it all checked out for any mechanical or electrical problems that might be causing the feedback in the steering wheel and they couldn't find any thing wrong. The tires needed to be balanced but that wasn't what I was feeling. I know what a tire out of balance feels like. I am getting a clunking feel when you turn the steering wheel while stationary but the dealer said that is common in some GM cars and there is nothing they can do about it. They checked the tie rods, rack, CV joints, ball joints and steering and all checked out good. :screwy:

What the dealer says is probably true in part, however, the clunking while stationary can be caused by the intermediate shaft. GM issued a TSB on this issue where you can apply lube via a GM kit to the shaft joints or replace it if it doesn't work.

If traction control was working or activated you would get the low trac light on the IP unless you have it manually turned off. It is only supposed to work when you get wheelspin so I would rule that out. The clicking or jerking via feedback in the steering wheel is abnormal. I don't get any with my Magnasteer. You may want to get the power steering system to include rack and pinion and ABS system checked out by the GM dealer. The EVO actuator used for variable ratio steering is controlled by the EBTCM module which is part of the ABS and Traction Control System. The Dealer will use a Tech II scan tool.


My girlfriends car had brakes done recently. Now the ABS light is on and the power steering is acting up. A mechanic looked at it and said we need the rack and pinion replaced. BNAYLOR - any suggestions???

My girlfriends car had brakes done recently. Now the ABS light is on and the power steering is acting up. A mechanic looked at it and said we need the rack and pinion replaced. BNAYLOR - any suggestions???

Hi,

Welcome to AF.

I'll reply via PM. In the meantime this thread has been closed since it is an old thread greater than 3 months old. Or you can repost for more responses from other members.