steering

Power Steering Pump

for 2021 Honda Civic 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

1.5 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure addresses a diagnostic or replacement task for a power steering pump on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, which uses electric power steering and has no hydraulic pump or fluid.

Warnings

⚠️The 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo uses ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) with no hydraulic pump or fluid. There is no traditional power steering pump on this vehicle.

⚠If you are experiencing power steering issues, the problem is with the electric power steering motor, torque sensor, or control module - not a hydraulic pump.

ℹ️This procedure assumes you have diagnosed a failed EPS motor and need to replace it. Proper diagnosis with a Honda-compatible scanner is essential before replacement.

Tools required

OBD-II scannerEssential

Digital multimeterEssential

Socket set (10mm, 12mm, 14mm)Essential

Torque wrench (10-150 Nm range)Essential

Trim panel removal tools

Wire brush

Parts

Electric power steering motor assembly (if defective) × 1 — Use OEM specification
EPS motor connector gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Verify that the vehicle actually has an EPS system fault using an OBD-II scanner that can read Honda-specific codes
Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
Turn steering wheel to center position before beginning work
Raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands if accessing EPS motor from below

Procedure

1
Access the EPS motor location
The electric power steering motor is located on the steering column below the dashboard. Remove the lower dashboard trim panel on the driver's side by carefully prying out retaining clips. Remove the knee bolster panel if equipped to gain access to the steering column area.
2
Disconnect EPS motor electrical connector
Locate the EPS motor electrical connector on the steering column assembly. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the main power connector from the EPS motor. Note the connector orientation for reinstallation.
⚠Do not force the connector - the locking tab must be fully released before disconnecting
3
Remove EPS motor mounting bolts
Remove the mounting bolts securing the EPS motor to the steering column assembly. There are typically 3-4 bolts holding the motor unit. Support the motor while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
4
Remove EPS motor assembly
Carefully slide the EPS motor assembly away from the steering column. The motor shaft will disengage from the column input shaft. Handle the unit carefully and note its orientation for installation of the replacement unit.
5
Inspect steering column and clean mating surfaces
Inspect the steering column input shaft for any damage, wear, or debris. Clean the mating surfaces where the EPS motor connects using a wire brush. Ensure no dirt or contamination enters the steering column opening.
6
Install new EPS motor assembly
Align the new EPS motor with the steering column input shaft. Ensure proper engagement of the motor shaft splines with the column shaft. Slide the motor assembly into position, ensuring it seats fully against the mounting surface.
⚠Do not force the motor onto the column - splines must align naturally
7
Install EPS motor mounting bolts
Install the mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Tighten bolts in a cross pattern to the specified torque. Verify the motor assembly is secure and properly seated against the column mounting surface.
8
Reconnect electrical connector
Install a new connector gasket if provided with the replacement motor. Reconnect the EPS motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place and the locking tab engages fully. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure.
9
Reinstall interior panels
Reinstall the knee bolster and lower dashboard trim panels. Ensure all clips are properly seated and panels fit flush. Verify no wiring is pinched behind panels.
10
Reconnect battery and perform initialization
Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position without starting the engine. The EPS system will perform a self-test. Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 2-3 times to allow the system to calibrate.
ℹ️Some vehicles may require a steering angle sensor calibration using a Honda diagnostic tool

Reassembly

Ensure all dashboard panels are properly secured with all clips engaged
Verify steering wheel is centered when front wheels are pointed straight ahead
Check that no warning lights remain illuminated on the dashboard after initialization

Verification

Start the engine and verify the EPS warning light turns off after a few seconds
Test steering effort at idle - it should be light and consistent in both directions
Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area, verifying normal power steering assist
Use an OBD-II scanner to verify no EPS fault codes are present
Verify steering returns to center smoothly after turns
Check that steering effort increases appropriately at higher speeds

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