What's the blue wire for in the Electric Pwr Steer controller?

[mkassab]

The Electric Power Steering controller supplied by FF has an electrical plug connecter that has 4 wires on it... A 1) black and a 2) brown wire that feeds the LED that would flash error codes, 3) a white wire that connects to switched Ignition +12v and last, a blue wire. I can't fine any ref or purpose for the blue wire. Its several feet long and in a black plastic hose sleeve.

Thoughts?

thx Mark

[edwardb]

Not used for normal operation. I tied it off on my build just in case it's needed for diagnostics. Further explanation in this thread: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?36440-Electric-steering-assist-blue-wire

[mkassab]

Not used for normal operation. I tied it off on my build just in case it's needed for diagnostics. Further explanation in this thread: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?36440-Electric-steering-assist-blue-wire

Thanks Paul.... but I believe the link you provided is incorrect (i.e., the blue wire is not for diagnostics). I did further digging/research for the blue wire and I believe it's for a speed trigger input. The input would make the power assist more or less base on speed, i.e., slow/stop mort power assist and fast would be less power assist. I may tryer to hook it up if my Dakota Digital "stuff" provide the speed pulses needed. I'll document all this in my build thread.

Mark

[edwardb]

That is the right link and several of us (including support at Factory Five) agree it's a diagnostic wire and not used. Assuming you have the same unit Factory Five supplied with mine, it's not speed sensitive. Some of the higher end units from other suppliers have a control knob for the cockpit so you can adjust the amount of boost. This one is on the same when powered. About 500 mile with my truck. It's not amazing but works and certainly better than no power steering.

If you find out something different, I'd be interested. Plus what your sources are. The unit that came with my kit had zero markings on either the power unit or the control module. I was unable to find the brand, supplier, whatever.

[mkassab]

Hey Paul.... thanks again for your reply.

My controller has "lll DK" stamped into the case. I searched (Googled) DK Electric Power Steering and found a lot of product that looks just like my unit. It seems they all come from China with different brand names on it. Looks like the parent company is Deco DK? Here's a pic of my controller:

186943

Several sites mention the speed variable control with the blue wire. My assumption (and I may be incorrect!) is the blue wire wouldn't be used for two different purposes, i.e., Speed or Diagnostics?

I also saw the Knob unit where you can change the assist. I again, think that knob option would be if you didn't have the speed signal directly sent through he blue wire and the knob option was just another way for a static input, where the speed signal would be variable. Flaming River manual states the options.

I'll play with it more and let you know if I can determine one way or another.

Mark

[edwardb]

All interesting stuff. The unit FF supplied to me also has the DK logo on the control unit. So apparently the same as yours. Agreed DK's website does show a variable assist module of some kind. But no instructions or details that I could find. The module is more than just a potentiometer. Based on the picture, also has active components doing something. The Flaming River system looks suspiciously like the DK system. More than likely they are getting from them. They also describe a speed sensitive function plus a manual function to adjust the boost. But they describe a harness connection vs. only a single wire plus a tuning box. Maybe Flaming River would sell the tuning box separately? The one with the switch, knob, and status light. Will be interested to see what you learn.