hugybyr

My 1992 LS400 is a california car and has 59,000 miles. My power steering is very heavy at idle. I cleaned and checked the solenoid but it did not improve the problem. I then checked the pps ecu voltages and they were off. so I replaced it with a used unit and those voltages were off also.
The voltages going into the ecu are ok but the voltage comming out to the solenoid with the car idling is only 1.4 volts.
The wires out to the solenoid are very small and the wires on the solenoid are larger. I don't see where the ecu output wire would be able to handle the amerage of the solenoid that has a resistance of 8 ohmes.
I have searched all over but cannot find any solenoid running voltage info. just ecu voltages to ground values. Does the pps ecu in my car control a relay that controls the solenoid on the rack? Is it safe to disconnect the solenoid when the car is running and shoot a quick 12 volts to the solenoid to verify my heavy steering is indeed a solenoid control problem? Any help will be much appreaciated . I have spent many hours so far trying to get this info. thanks

cndnate

I have read on the forums of people putting 12v to the solenoid after cleaning the filter to make sure it is actuating, I don't see why you can't?