I'm guessing there is no "check power steering system" light that illuminates.

Actually there is. Its the EPS light, if an electronic fault is detected. Still there are many ppossible failures that will not generate a code. Sorry its much more detailed that blindfolded by remote control over the Internet will readily allow. Still, someone else may try.

In between time may I suggest reading the IC EPS Encyclopedia link here:

InsightCentral.net - Encyclopedia - Honda Insight Power Steering

HTH!

 

I am pretty sure that the little ground wire between the rack and the firewall is broken.

 

Got my Insight a month or so ago and the power steering does not work at all. Is this a common problem on these cars? Anyone have some pointers on what to check? All fuses under hood are good and I'm guessing there is no "check power steering system" light that illuminates.

You say that you checked all fuses under the hood but did you find any missing? Some people (even in this forum) have removed fuse 15 under the hood to disable the power steering. Some believe that it gave them more MPG and some just liked the feeling. Fuse 15 is a 40 amp fuse. I'm not sure if the EPS light would be illuminated if fuse 15 was pulled but by default, when you first turn on the ignition the EPS light should illuminate for a couple of seconds (as an indicator bulb test and selft test).

So with the ground wire suggestion and fuse 15 verification, you have a couple of things to check.

JoeCVT = Just your average CVT owner

 

Yep, fuse is in there and good. Previous owner said it just quit working one day. I will check the ground when I head over to my shop in the next couple days. I will turn on the car and check for the EPS light to illuminate during the bulb check. I will also read the link provided above.

Thanks for the information everyone.



Ryan

EDIT: I guess I had already read that when I did a search for power steering on here a few days ago.

 

Well checked out the car a bit a few nights ago. Appears the light bulb for the power steering has been removed as I do not see it during the bulb check. Guess I will need to pull the cluster and check that the bulb is in place and good.