Vehicle: 2022 Toyota RAV4, 4WD, L4-2.5L (A25A-FXS), Hybrid, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

Mileage: 68,989 miles

Problem: The RAV4 was hit hard on the left front. The subframe, driver’s knee airbag and the front wheels and tires were replaced. After the repairs were made, the technician noticed that the steering would bind when turning so he replaced the rack and pinion assembly and programmed it.

Case Details: After the repairs, he was able to drive the vehicle but then had an issue with the engine not accelerating over 20mph. The traction control kicked in and it would flash the “slip light” on the dash. Turning off the traction control did not change anything.

The technician connected a scan tool to monitor the wheel speed sensor inputs because the front tires were new, and the rears only had about 2/32” of tread left. All the sensors read within tenths of each other, so there was no issue. Next, he checked for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in any module. There were none.

When he checked the steering angle sensor, it read 360 degrees while driving straight. The computers kept activating the traction control and ABS. Also, when the steering wheel was turned left past the 5 o'clock position, it fully lost assist.

Unsure where to go from here or what to check next, it was time to call ALLDATA Tech-Assist for some diagnostic help.

The Tech-Assist consultant advised that, before the diagnosis could continue, the steering wheel had to be put back in the proper position. Being off 360 degrees to the left would explain the steering issue since the spot it binds in would be the maximum travel for the rack in its correct position. The consultant also advised that the steering being off that much could also explain the engine bogging down issue. If the computer thinks the driver is making an extremely hard left turn it would reduce the throttle response.

Confirmed Repair: The technician reset the steering wheel to the proper position. The steering angle sensor read 0 degrees with the steering centered and the wheels straight ahead. On the test drive, everything returned to normal. Fixed!