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eisbaer

Loss of Power Steering

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So Im currently in my first major situation and am not holding much hope on what Ive read around the web.

This sounds like a fairly common situation that ford refuse to acknowledge but im not going to change that so am looking for any advice or information.

 

Here is the situation:

The wife was driving this morning and lost all power assisted steering.

Faults displayed on left screen were "Steering Assist Fault", "Service AdvanceTrac" as well as disabled lane keeping, hill decent etc but they are the main two associated with the problem.

Dash has the two Stability Control Lights illuminated.

There is no check engine light or OBD fault codes.

It was exceptionally wet today! Heavy rain and LOTS of puddles!!

 

What Ive done:

Checked related fuses.

Looked around the web to see LOTS of other people in the same situation.

Looked on here.

Havent found conclusive evidence for a fix other than taking it to Ford and handing over about $2000.

See a recall for NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 15V250000 but my VIN doesnt fall into that recall (still in the back of my mind though)

 

What I want to do:

Get under the car and check the steering gear for visible issues.

Check any relevant connections. Maybe it is just an issue with the excessive water? corrosion? a connector?

 

Information im looking for:

If needed and I was able to replace the Steering Gear, the service manual states "If a new steering gear was installed, download the PSCM configuration from the scan tool to the new PSCM", can this be done with FORScan?

Not sure how old the 12V battery is but living in a colder climate and with how sensitive these cars are, should most probably replace it, but, would it be fair to say that if the 12V was an issue it would more than likey be exhibiting other issues also?

 

Thanks for any replies, not holding much hope...... ?

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Your best bet would be to call around and get quotes from dealerships.

Some may know what it is right away.

I would have suggested taking it in to a couple of dealers but I'm guessing it's not driveable at this point.

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Never too hopeful from anything at a dealership and for me they are an absolute last resort.

Nothing I did yesterday changed the situation and working on the ground, the process to r&r one of these, i just don't have the capacity anymore.

Seeing if FORScan can reset the module/fault so i can at least determine where the issue might lay.

Ultimately hoping that i can flash the PSCM by backing up and re-flashing a new rack with the data because a $2000 repair at the dealership is 1/5 the cars total value, ridiculous!

 

TBH, im really regretting this car with all the things ive had to do since purchase.

 

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Fusion/2014/steering/steering.shtml

Its a common problem.........

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Several years ago there was a recall to change the bolts on the steering rack. 

They were subject to breaking due to corrosion. 

Was the recall done on your car?

 

If you don't know, go here

 

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

 

and enter your VIN.  It will list all outstanding recalls.

 

 

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On 11/23/2020 at 4:49 PM, eisbaer said:

See a recall for NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 15V250000 but my VIN doesnt fall into that recall (still in the back of my mind though)

 

?

 

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This just happened to us. I’m pissed because it’s obviously a problem, but my vehicle doesn’t fall under any recall either. I’m getting quotes $2400. The car has around 50,000 miles. This is ridiculous.

 

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2 hours ago, Kristie said:

This just happened to us. I’m pissed because it’s obviously a problem, but my vehicle doesn’t fall under any recall either. I’m getting quotes $2400. The car has around 50,000 miles. This is ridiculous.

 

I am still currently in the scenario of finding the exact fault. although am 99% sure its the rack i have one on the way at the moment.

The idea is to unplug the wiring harness drop the two connectors below the vehicle and plug it into the replacement to test.

If I figure out my problem, will post again with what I did to fix.

Hoping that i can get a used/refurbished rack. Flash it with the current details (if needed. Then just have the part installed.

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5 hours ago, Kristie said:

This just happened to us. I’m pissed because it’s obviously a problem, but my vehicle doesn’t fall under any recall either. I’m getting quotes $2400. The car has around 50,000 miles. This is ridiculous.

 

What year is your FFH?

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I’m sure you’ve tried a 12v disconnect for 3mins.. and are ya having any 12v issues in general?

Surprised Forscan doesn’t have single DTC code for you, I have like 4 or 5 that show but ofc don’t trigger a light.

Have you tried Engineering Test Mode to check for faults?

Perhaps its a non-critical park assist issue? (Noticed the sensors)

 

If all else fails, make sure you get the right Rack (i think the hybrid has a slightly smaller stance then the regular fusion, though they look the same) and aim for a 2016. Goodluck

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5 hours ago, johnnyp12 said:

I’m sure you’ve tried a 12v disconnect for 3mins.. and are ya having any 12v issues in general?

Surprised Forscan doesn’t have single DTC code for you, I have like 4 or 5 that show but ofc don’t trigger a light.

Have you tried Engineering Test Mode to check for faults?

Perhaps its a non-critical park assist issue? (Noticed the sensors)

 

If all else fails, make sure you get the right Rack (i think the hybrid has a slightly smaller stance then the regular fusion, though they look the same) and aim for a 2016. Goodluck

I havent posted everything ive done here because it seems traffic is light at best but yes, i have replaced the 12v battery and had it disconnected for over the 3 min time frame you speak of. There is no other issues with the vehicle.

The code is U3000 "Internal Electronic Failure" from the PSCM as well as ABS and PAM DTC's but they are related to communication from the PSCM.

Would fail to see why the park assist feature would render the power steering disabled but it seems anything is possible with this thing.

I have a rack, just waiting for the snow and ice to melt and it to be above 32degF hopefully in a few days.

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On 12/18/2020 at 6:24 PM, Kristie said:

This just happened to us. I’m pissed because it’s obviously a problem, but my vehicle doesn’t fall under any recall either. I’m getting quotes $2400. The car has around 50,000 miles. This is ridiculous.

 

 

I fixed my problem for $120 but know a mechanic that helped out. If you were to find a used one like I did and can find a mechanic to test it like I did before installing it could just be the part and reasonable labor.

There is more detailed information here: https://www.fordfusionforum.com/index.php?app=forums&module=forums&controller=topic&id=21004

 

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