Hello everyone,
This is my first post. I have been reading through the forums and just decided to register because everyone is so helpful.

We bought a used 2010 Mazda 5 a few months ago. 175K. It ran great when we test drove it and then about 2 weeks later we noticed the steering would do the 'jerk' mostly while accelerating, but randomly.
Then the power steering completely stopped. So we thought it was simply the flaky Mazda 5 EHPAS system and would have to have it replaced. So we took it to a well respected repair shop, they told us what we already knew. Replace the pump/board. Their quote was a LOT. Checked with a few other mechanics. Same determination. So I decided to see what I could do instead.
So, In 'messing around' trying to check everything possible, to no avail, I pulled the interior EHPAS fuse, started the car, turned it off, put the fuse back in, started the car again and WALLA! Power steering worked again! Then after replacing the power steering fluid, the jerking stopped too. All for about 2 days. The power steering went out on the 3rd day, started it up - no power steering. So as a last shot I turned it off, pulled the interior EHPAS fuse, started the car, turned it off, put the fuse back in and WALLA, all worked again. The 'jerk' has never came back after replacing the fluid. Power steering seems to last for 2 to 3 days every time. Then I have to do the same with the fuse and it works again.

Can anyone chime in with ideas on what could be causing this other than a bad board/pump? It works perfect until after it's been turned off on the 2nd or 3rd day, then started back up in the morning. Just looking for something other than replacing the pump/board since it seems to work great every time after resetting the fuse.

Thank you for any help!
David

 

Any thoughts??

 

Take it to Mazda for a diagnostic scan.
Aftermarket scan tools often don't have the range of Mazda's MMDS scan tool.

 

Thank you grim_reaper. I think that is my next step.

 

I think I've got a similar problem. My power steering will just cut out and cut back on. I pull over, turn the car off then back on again and it's fine. Have you made any progress on this?

 

take it to the dealer to reset the codes this happens after a dead battery and jump the low voltage messed up the cars computer even my brakes are spongy now with stiff steering! ABS, TRACTION, & BRAKE lights are on dashboard!

 

i did the same thing you did i accidentally pulled the 5 amp EHPAS fuse and dropped it in the side panel due to the opening under the side fuse box, all i had was a 15 amp fuse, turned on the car no power steering the steering wheel couldn't even move! Turned off the car and placed it the 15 amp fuse in the 5 amp EHPAS slot and then the power steering came back on, went to the auto parts store to buy a another 5 amp fuse because i didn't want the risk of melting the wires or fry the circuit or module, placed back the 5 amp fuse and i still had power steering but the steering wheel is now stiff again? Took the car to the Mazda dealer and they couldn't find what's wrong????? They told me my ABS module needs to be replaced since the ABS, traction, and parking brake lights came on after a battery jump!!!! This does not sound right??? I ask about a bad relay of ground problem but the they said it was not those problems????????

 

could be according one mechanic the power steering relay or ground?

 

the dealer couldn’t clear the codes and told ME I need to replace the ABS module! They think that will solve the problem, had to order the module from Mazda JAPAN takes 2 weeks to get to Honolulu Hawaii.

 

I prefer the original driving feel to using the assistive tools.