Hicas problems I think

[r32gts]

I have a 93 r32 gtst. I'm having issues with the steering going heavy after a couple minutes of driving. When I turn the car on. Its fine. Steering is nice and light. But after a couple minutes when I start driving, it get heavy. I'll flick the ignition off and on while I'm driving and it goes light again. Then goes heavy. I installed the hicas delete bar in the back thinking it would get rid of it but no luck. Any ideas? Its getting rather annoying.

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[MarusGTR]

Its often the case with people who don't follow the right procedure in removing their HICAS.

Make sure you followed the steps showed here: http://www.skylife4ever.com/2011/01/hicas-delete.html

Something tells me you didn't cut the HICAS controller's diagnostic wire.

[Skym]

Heavy steering means HICAS ECU is giving front steering rack less powersteering assistance. There's a solenoid just next to steering column in engine bay (should be able to see the wiring to it) that determines how much powersteering assistance the front steering rack gets and HICAS ECU is connected to that. HICAS ECU gives as much assistance as it would at 180-200km/h, hence the heavy steering at lower speeds (more speed = less assistance). HICAS ECU determines powersteering assistance from road speed (check speedo cable, wiring to HICAS ECU from dash).

In some cases the HICAS ECU is stuffed (happened on my car), hence it goes into this heavy steering limp mode. Bad soldering on circuit board inside HICAS ECU or water damage via breather holes in HICAS ECU casing, water marks on HICAS ECU casing leading to vent holes gives it away. This water damage can be from a boot lid that's not tightened down properly, thus leaking onto top of HICAS ECU or leaking rear window.

Heavy steering can also mean you are feeling the understeer the factory suspension setup has (why HICAS is there) when cornering. It will feel like car doesn't want to turn in on 90 degree+ corners. Upgrade swaybars to dial this out. Whiteline sell a swaybar kit to do this.

Other causes (HICAS light flashes on dash) are faulty sensor (not there or damaged and needs to be earthed properly at plug to make HICAS ECU think it's still there) or alternator problem, powersteering fluid is low.

Edit: Also if have a aftermarket non HICAS boss kit behind aftermarket steering wheel, the steering angle sensor behind steering wheel can cause problems (also this sensor is known to fail).