C2217 on 2016-2023 Dodge Charger: Electric Power Steering Failure Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2016-2023 Dodge CHARGER

On this generation of Dodge Charger and its Chrysler LX platform mates (Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger), the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system is a known weak point. Unlike older hydraulic systems, the EPS rack is a complex, integrated unit containing a control module, motor, and sensors. This integrated design means a failure of the internal electronics often requires replacing the entire assembly. TSB #9003584 specifically green-lights replacing the entire steering gear for code C2217, indicating 🎬 Watch: How to avoid misdiagnosing this common internal fault code. that component-level repair is not recommended by the manufacturer for this specific internal fault. The rack's low mounting position also makes it vulnerable to water intrusion from torn boots or road spray, which can short out the internal electronics.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Complete loss of power steering assist (steering wheel is very hard to turn)
• "Service Power Steering" or similar warning message on the instrument cluster.
• Steering assist may work intermittently before failing completely.
• Illuminated steering warning light on the dashboard.
• A slight pull or torque steer during heavy acceleration (noted in a TSB as a potential software-related symptom).

Most Likely Causes

1. Internal Failure of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) Rack 🔴 High Probability The integrated electronic module within the steering rack assembly is susceptible to failure from factors like water intrusion, vibration, or internal component degradation. Manufacturer TSB #9003584 directly states that code C2217 is a valid reason for complete steering gear replacement after external checks are complete.
   How to confirm: After verifying all external factors (power, ground, wiring, fuses, and battery voltage) are good, the diagnosis points to an internal rack failure as per TSBs. A professional scan tool will read the C2217 code from the EPS module. In some cases, a snapped internal drive belt has been found to be the cause, though this is not an officially serviceable part.
   Typical fix: Replacement of the entire electric power steering rack and pinion assembly, followed by a front-end alignment and proxy alignment procedure.
   Est. part cost: $1200-$2700
2. Wiring or Connector Issues 🟡 Medium Probability The connectors and wiring to the EPS rack are located low on the vehicle, exposing them to moisture, corrosion, and road debris. Torn rack boots can allow water to enter the assembly and corrode the connectors or the module itself. TSB S2319000005 specifically calls out checking for damaged pins, pushouts, and ensuring the connector is fully latched.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and the three main connectors on the EPS module for signs of damage, corrosion, or loose pins. Use a multimeter to test for proper voltage (ignition-on power, battery power) and ground at the connector pins as specified in service manuals.
   Typical fix: Repairing the damaged section of the wiring harness or cleaning/replacing the connector. If corrosion is severe, the rack may still need replacement.
   Est. part cost: $10-$150
3. Blown Fuses or Poor Power/Ground Connection ⚪ Low Probability A significant voltage event, like an improper jump-start, can blow the high-amperage fuses that protect the EPS system. Battery and ground connections can also corrode over time, leading to low voltage that causes the EPS module to fail its self-test.
   How to confirm: Check the specific fuses for the Electric Power Steering system in the under-hood fuse box (typically high-amperage fuses at positions #3 and #19, and a low-amperage fuse at #37). Perform a battery load test and verify the charging system is operating correctly (must be above 13 volts with the engine running). Inspect all main power and ground cable connections for cleanliness and tightness.
   Typical fix: Replacing the blown fuse(s) or cleaning/tightening battery and ground terminals.
   Est. part cost: $5-$20

Rare But Worth Checking

• EPS Software Glitch: In some cases, a software update can resolve certain EPS-related DTCs. TSB 08-034-20 mentions a software flash for C2217, but explicitly states this does not apply if there is an active loss of steering assist with the engine running. This is worth checking with a dealer before replacing expensive hardware, but it is unlikely to fix a 'hard' failure.
• Snapped Internal EPS Belt: Some owners on forums have discovered that the cause of their EPS failure was a small, snapped belt inside the steering rack assembly that connects the electric motor to the gear mechanism. This part is not sold separately by Mopar, but aftermarket belts are available for around $50. This is an unofficial, DIY-focused repair that requires disassembling the rack.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect a professional scan tool capable of reading Chassis (C) codes to confirm the presence of C2217 and note if it is active or stored.
2. Check for any other related DTCs, such as C15C1, C15DB, or power supply codes like C2129.
3. Check for available EPS software updates with a dealer tool, but note TSB 08-034-20 states this won't fix an active no-assist condition.
4. Perform a battery load test and verify the charging system is operating correctly (must be above 13 volts with the engine running).
5. Inspect the under-hood fuse box. Check the main fuses for the Electric Power Steering system (typically 50A fuses at positions 3 and 19, and a 10A fuse at position 37 for the 2016+ platform).
6. Inspect the main battery and chassis ground connections for corrosion and tightness. Disassemble and clean them as a precautionary measure.
7. Raise the vehicle safely and locate the EPS rack. Thoroughly inspect the electrical connectors (one large power connector, two smaller control connectors) and wiring harness for any signs of physical damage, corrosion, or water intrusion. Use the 'push-pull' method to ensure connectors are fully seated.
8. If all fuses, power sources, grounds, and wiring are confirmed to be in good condition, the fault is internal to the an EPS rack, as indicated by TSB #9003584.
9. As a final, unofficial check, some owners have disassembled the failed rack to inspect an internal drive belt which can snap.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Electric Power Steering Rack and Pinion Assembly (OEM #68593998AA) — This assembly contains the integrated control module that fails and sets the C2217 code. Per manufacturer TSB, replacement of the entire unit is the standard repair. This part number supersedes many previous versions.
  Trusted brands: Mopar (OEM), AAE (Remanufactured), Cardone (Remanufactured)
  OEM price range: $2600-$3900
  Aftermarket price range: $1200-$1800

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C15C1-00 — This code for 'EPS Mechanical Performance' is also listed in TSB #9003584 as a valid reason to replace the steering gear, indicating a related internal failure.
• C15DB-00 — This code for 'Latch Active' is another fault mentioned in TSB #9003584 that points towards a necessary replacement of the steering gear.
• C2128 — This code indicates an 'ECU Reset/Recovery Occurred', often logged when the power supply to the EPS module is interrupted, which can happen due to a blown fuse or bad connection that might also trigger C2217.
• C2129 — This code for 'Battery Voltage - Circuit Voltage Below Threshold' is specifically mentioned in TSB S2319000005 as a reason to thoroughly inspect the battery and charging system before condemning the EPS rack.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 9003584: States that if DTC C2217-00 exists, it is okay to replace the electric power steering gear after ruling out other causes.
• S2319000005: Advises technicians that C2217 does not *necessarily* mean the EPS unit is faulty and to check wiring, connectors, and battery systems thoroughly before replacement, as many returned parts test good.
• 08-034-20: Mentions a software update for the EPS module that can address C2217, but specifies this does not apply if there is an active loss of steering assist.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• NHTSA TSB #9003584 explicitly states that for a 2016 model (and by extension, similar models in the range), if DTC C2217-00 is present, it is approved to replace the electric power steering gear.
• TSB S2319000005, released in June 2023, emphasizes that C2217 does not automatically mean the rack is faulty. It was issued after analysis of returned parts showed no problems, urging technicians to exhaust all external electrical checks first.
• Water intrusion is a common failure mode reported by owners. A YouTube video

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• EPS Module Power Connector (C1) Pin 1 Voltage — expected: Battery Voltage (approx. 12.6V KOEO, >13.0V engine running). Failure: Low or no voltage indicates a problem with the main power feed or fuse.
• EPS Module Power Connector (C1) Pin 2 Resistance to Ground — expected: < 1.0 Ohm. Failure: High resistance indicates a poor ground connection at G306.
• EPS Module Control Connector (C2) Pin 3 Voltage — expected: Ignition Voltage (approx. 12V with key in RUN position). Failure: Low or no voltage indicates a problem with the ignition-switched power supply.
• CAN C Bus Voltage (at C2 connector) — expected: Approx. 2.5V on each of the two CAN lines (CAN C High and CAN C Low).. Failure: Voltages that are shorted to ground (0V), shorted to power (5V or 12V), or do not add up to ~5V indicate a bus communication problem.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (or compatible high-level aftermarket tool): Proxy Configuration Alignment — This procedure is required after replacing the Electric Power Steering rack or any other major module on the vehicle's network. It allows the new module to be recognized and communicate with other modules like the BCM and PCM. Failure to perform a proxy alignment can result in the new part not functioning correctly and setting communication-related DTCs.
• wiTECH: Restore BCM Proxi Configuration — This is a related function that may be needed before the proxy alignment to ensure the Body Control Module's configuration is correctly set up to accept the new EPS module.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• EPS Module Connectors — On the Electric Power Steering rack assembly, located at the lower center of the engine compartment.. There are three primary connectors: a large 2-pin power/ground connector (C1), and two smaller multi-pin connectors for control, communication (CAN bus), and sensor inputs (C2, C3). Damage or corrosion at these points is a primary cause of failure besides the rack itself.
• G306 — For AWD models, this ground is located on the right side of the luggage compartment. For RWD models, it is located behind the right quarter panel.. This is the main chassis ground point for the Electric Power Steering module. A loose or corroded connection at G306 will cause high resistance, leading to erratic operation or a complete shutdown of the EPS module, potentially triggering a C2217 code.
• Connector C1 (Power) — On the EPS module.. Pin 1 is the main Fused B(+) feed (Red wire). Pin 2 is the main ground (Black wire) to G306. These must be verified before condemning the rack.
• Connector C2 (Control/Communication) — On the EPS module.. Contains the critical communication and turn-on signal wires. Pin 3 is the Fused Ignition Run/Start signal (Pink/Brown wire). Pin 12 is CAN C (+) (Yellow/Brown wire) and Pin 13 is CAN C (-) (Yellow wire). A failure on any of these circuits will prevent the rack from operating.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• RamForum.com user (Ram 1500 (shares similar EPS architecture)) — Power steering failure with code C2217-00.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced the internal EPS drive belt.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user ultimately had to replace the entire EPS rack and pinion assembly. The DIY belt replacement, which cost about $50 and took 5 hours, did not resolve the issue.

OEM Part Supersession History

• Multiple (e.g., 68274994ab, 68323544ab/ac/ad/ae/af, etc.) → 68593998AA — Standard part evolution, likely for reliability improvements or manufacturing changes.
  Heads up: Part 68593998AA is specified for AWD models with the 3.6L V6 and normal suspension. Different part numbers exist for RWD, Police, and high-performance suspension (SRT, Scat Pack) models. It is critical to verify the correct part number for the specific vehicle's VIN and options.