Power steering system for an outdrive engine and method for controlling same

A power steering system for an outdrive engine including a propulsion unit steerable about a steering axis, the power steering system being operatively connected between a steering input device and the propulsion unit, the power steering system comprising:

• a steering actuator for pivoting the propulsion unit about the steering axis;
• a motor for operating the steering actuator in response to a steering input provided to the steering input device;
• a motor speed sensor for determining at least indirectly a speed of the motor;
• a steering rate sensor for determining a steering rate of the propulsion unit about the steering axis;
• and
• a controller communicating with the steering rate sensor for receiving a first signal indicative of the steering rate, the controller further communicating with the motor speed sensor for receiving a second signal indicative of the motor speed, the controller being configured to control the operation of the motor, and being programmed for:
• a) determining if a fault has occurred in the power steering system based on the steering rate and the motor speed;
• and
• b) taking at least one steering fault action in response to the fault having occurred.