2012 550 TRV Power Steering Issue

nikonguy · Jun 21, 2012

I just bought a brand new 550 TRV. When I unloaded it and had it on my lawn, I noticed that the power steering did not work as well as my 2011 700 LTD that I bought last week brand new. It almost feels like it works and then gives out. Other times it feels as if it don't work at all.
I took it back to the dealer and it would not act up. So, we were about to load it back up and I was sitting on it talking to their mechanic and was moving the steering back in forth in the gravel. All of a sudden it started to give out on the outer third of the steering limits. I left the machine with them. They called me back today and told me that all 2012 models will do that. Apparently the 2011 models had too many people coming in with error codes, so they reprogrammed the limits on the power steering. So now if there is any resistance, the machine senses that it is under motion and cuts back the power assist. Also, if anyone takes in a 2011 that is setting off the PO codes for steering, they reprogram them to the 2012 specs and then theirs will do the same thing.
This don't make sense to me, because if you are in mud or something and there is resistance, that is when you would like to have the power steering helping.

Has anyone else come across this?

Thanks

DrewDawg · Jun 21, 2012

My '12 mud pro throws the power steering code. Dealer is waiting for the loaner tool from AC to do software update. AC had not hear of this problem on the '12 model.

nikonguy · Jun 22, 2012

Here in Ontario, they claim that AC only has one loaner tool and the dealer here in Exeter has it at the moment. That is where I have the machine at the moment but apparently it don't need to be programmed.

They claim the tool is worth $45 000.00, but you would think AC would have more than one.

DrewDawg · Jun 22, 2012

I've heard 10 are available... Who really knows?? I just want to be rid of the P0635 code!!!

cupsz71 · Dec 17, 2012

Nope...that sounds about right.

The problem is........SOME dealers "forget" to return the tool, thus the rest of the us dealers are at the mercy of 1st come 1st serve for those that are left.

AC slapped a $5000.00 parts fine to the dealers who refused to return the tool in a timely matter .....and some of those dealers who received the fine..... just instead kept them.

There is a plan for a NEW tool that will be made available to dealers that will allow firmware updated for ALL versions of the ECMS......no idea on a timeframe yet.........I dunno

gonoles · Dec 10, 2012

i am having the same issue. i am a arctic cat tech working on the same bike doing the samething. the funny thing is arctic cat hasent told me anything thing bout that and i have replaced everthing on the bike cause they told me too from eps unit to wireing harrness all of it and its doin the same thing. not throwing any codes but not working correctly. so if you find anything out let me know and i will return the favor

wildcat01 · Dec 24, 2012

I just had the tool at my shop. I had tool #15 and it said there would be a 2000 dollar fine if not returned within 10 days. If you are having trouble getting the tool from AC if you are a dealer go to Catquest or CatTracker and search EPS tech report. Fill out the report, submit by e-mail, then call AC to see they recieved it. Once they review the report they will get a tool to you. While I had it I went ahead and did the update on the powersteering models we have left on the floor before sending it back. Hope this helps.

2012 550 TRV Power Steering Issue

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