In this episode of Inside the Brands, CRP’s David Hirschhorn shares a known issue on Honda CR-Vs — specifically the 2012 to 2014 models, along with other Honda vehicles of the same period.

These vehicles use EPS, or electric power steering, and one of the tasks the EPS ECU (Electronic Control Unit) performs is monitoring the temperature of the EPS motor.

When the steering wheel is turned back and forth repeatedly with the vehicle stationary or moving at a very low speed — for example, when maneuvering around a parking lot or parking garage — this puts a lot of load on the EPS motor and it can start to overheat. When the ECU senses this, it will reduce the amount of current it sends to the motor

This reduction in current will be noticeable to the driver as a decrease in the amount of power assist available — meaning the wheel will take more effort to turn. Basically a “limp home” mode for the power steering rack.

However, once the EPS motor cools, the ECU will increase the amount of power assist…to the point where it will provide the EPS motor with full power again.

From what we’ve heard, this cycle typically takes about 8 minutes to go from a significant decrease in assist back to full power. If this is the case with your customer’s car, you can advise them that there’s most likely nothing wrong with the car.

Here are the CRP part numbers for Honda steering racks which may be affected by this issue:

ER1040
ER1045
ER2027
ER2029
ER2032
ER2039
ER2040
ER2042

If you have a question about this tip or any AAE power steering products, feel free to post it below or on the CRP Automotive Facebook page. And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to be among the first to learn about new videos like this one. Thanks for watching!