CarFix Answers

2014–2018 Chevrolet Silverado: Power steering assist cuts out (heavy steering)

Likely causes, ranked

  1. EPS module software fault (GM update for C056D-39 on 2014 trucks)Shop
  2. Corroded or loose EPS power connector / battery-side harness$224–$224DIY
  3. Failed electric power steering gear or motor$1,900–$1,900Shop
  4. Weak battery or charging-system voltage dipsDIY

Real-owner fix counts will appear here as reports come in.

Rough cost: $224–$1,900DIY or shop: See DIY or shop section

Parts to check

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Symptom: A "Service Power Steering" or "Power Steering — Drive With Care" message appears and the wheel suddenly gets heavy, often at low speed or in parking lots. Sometimes the ABS, traction control, and StabiliTrak lights come on at the same time.

Likely causes (ranked by how often they show up in owner threads)

  1. EPS software. GM issued a special update for 2014 trucks that set code C056D-39. Safety recalls also covered temporary assist loss on certain 2014 and 2015 trucks.
  2. Corroded connectors. One SilveradoSierra owner traced the fault to a corroded plug on the battery feed to the power steering module. Cleaning it brought the steering back. The two replacement harnesses cost about $112 each, about $224 total.
  3. Failed steering gear. One GM-Trucks owner was quoted about $1,900 for the steering assembly part alone.
  4. Low voltage. A weak battery or a bad ground can make the EPS drop out.

Rough cost range

RepairReported
Clean connectors, dielectric greaseSupplies only
Two OEM harnesses (owner purchase)About $224
Steering gear assembly (part only, dealer quote)About $1,900

DIY or shop?

  • DIY: test the battery, then inspect and clean the EPS and battery connectors.
  • Shop: software updates and steering gear replacement. GM warns that an interrupted EPS update can brick the module.

Useful steps

  1. Check your VIN for recalls 17V414 and 18V586.
  2. Have the codes read. C056D-39 points to the software update.
  3. Check the EPS connector for green corrosion before buying a rack.
  4. Load-test the battery.

Vehicle focus: 2014–2018 Chevrolet Silverado.

Safety / mechanic note

Losing steering assist without warning is a safety risk, especially mid-turn. Verify with a mechanic and complete any open recall before driving normally.

Related trouble codes

  • C056D Manufacturer-specific or not yet in our code library
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Recalls & service bulletins

Recalls

  • 17V414000 2017-06-29 Some 2014 Silverado 1500 / Sierra 1500 trucks can temporarily lose electric power steering assist, especially in low-speed turns. Details
  • 18V586000 2018-09-07 Some 2015 Silverado 1500 and other GM trucks/SUVs can momentarily lose electric power steering assist. Details

Technical service bulletins

  • PI1273 2014-01-05 2014 Silverado/Sierra 1500 built before VIN breakpoints: 'Service Power Steering' message with C056D-39; EPS operating-system software update. Details

NHTSA complaints: 460 keyword-matched complaints for Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2014–2018 (of 4,911 total complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-15).

Always check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sources

What actually fixed it?

Had this problem? Tell other owners what the real fix was. Reports are counted above; we never show made-up numbers.

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