Power Steering Assist Fault

[Spartn27]

Long story short, blew a strut which caused the bottom lip/coil-spring resting lip to cause some friction on the tires. Did not notice anything until I parked the car, heard a slight creak (the remaining of the fluid leaking out of the strut), and then as I started the car I noticed there was no power steering and it displayed "Power Steering Assist Fault" in the driver info center. Since then I've replaced the broken/wornout suspension components though only issue I have is the AdvanceTrac light is lit along with the "Power Steering Assist Fault" and my electronic power steering disabled.

I've read up that there are 3 stages of faults concerning the EPAS out of the manual:

POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT — The power steering system has disabled power steering assist due to a system error; service is required.

SERVICE POWER STEERING — The power steering system has detected a condition that requires service.

SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW — The power steering system has detected a condition that requires service immediately.

I tried resetting the code with a OBDII scanner though its showing no codes, so I'm guessing only the dealer will have a device capable of clearing the code/resetting the light which should restore my power steering or does anyone have any help?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DJE624]

Maybe try disconnecting the battery a few minutes?

 

[Spartn27]

Maybe try disconnecting the battery a few minutes?

I thought that would work though when I tried that for a couple minutes the light/warning was still there. I believe the ECM retains codes in cases of power failure/no power, anyone know if there might be a fuse I could pull out?

I'm going to be heading to the dealer tomorrow if I can't get this cleared out today, though would be awesome if I could get it cleared without having to pay whatever ridiculous diagnostic fee my Lincoln dealer feels like charging!

 

[crash712us]

It's probably much like if the ACC system, if it faults there is nothing you can to rest it.


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[Spartn27]

So the dealer calls me up and tells me the car needs a steering gear at the cost of $1800 including labor. It's funny because they told me that was the issue before I even brought in the car. I asked if they tried resetting it which they claim they did, said it brought back power steering for 10 min then the code came back on after driving.

Anyone have any tips or advice? I just don't get how it would be working one second, stop, then come back after a reset temporarily. Seems like it is a electrical issue, loose connector or blown fuse. The only other thing I can think of is that the car needs an alignment which the dealership did not complete. Could the steering wheel being off sensor trip the fault code which would disable the EPAS?

 

[BiGMaC]

...Maybe ask another dealer?  or have it electrically tested... a simple multi-tester should let you determine if the wires are intact and you can visually check/clean the connections.  Another thought is to find out what the system actually senses...  if it is a "sensor" it could be replaced cheaper.  However, be sure to determine if the failure could result in complete loss of control/steering.  The latter could require R&R to evaluate the steering mechanism.

 

[IHeartGroceries]

So, you knew about a condition when you bought the vehicle?
And that doesn't give you any leverage in cost, when having it fixed?

Do you know exactly what the trouble code was? That might help us conjure up some advice...

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[BiGMaC]

One risk you've got is that you bought it knowing the fault and don't have it in writing that they'll fix it...... I might even consider representation just to find out the pros and cons of pressing that point.

 

[black99lightning]

One risk you've got is that you bought it knowing the fault and don't have it in writing that they'll fix it...... I might even consider representation just to find out the pros and cons of pressing that point.

Agreed.  OP may just have to pay the dealer to fix the vehicle, or not drive it.  Probably not a lot of independent shops know our cars or even want to work on them.  It can't be easy money.

 

[Spartn27]

...Maybe ask another dealer?  or have it electrically tested... a simple multi-tester should let you determine if the wires are intact and you can visually check/clean the connections.  Another thought is to find out what the system actually senses...  if it is a "sensor" it could be replaced cheaper.  However, be sure to determine if the failure could result in complete loss of control/steering.  The latter could require R&R to evaluate the steering mechanism.

I contacted another dealer who told me they don't go off of another dealers diagnostic and I would have to get the car re-diagnosed at their dealership ($150). How would I go about using a multi-tester to test if the wires are intact? I do know that if the EPAS senses any sort of resistance in turning the wheel it will throw the code to prevent damage to the electric motor. This is what I got directly from the Lincoln website:

3.5L EcoBoost™ engine (if equipped): Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.

If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it takes for you to steer. This occurs to prevent internal overheating and permanent damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose the ability to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent damage. Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to cool and steering assist will return to normal.

The EPS system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the EPS system to ensure proper operation. When a system error is detected, the following message SERVICE POWER STEERING, SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW or POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT may display in the message center, refer to the Message center in the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information.

WARNING: The EPS system has diagnostics checks that continuously monitor the EPS system to ensure proper operation of the electronic system. When an electronic error is detected, the message POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT will be displayed in the message center. If this happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn off the engine. After at least 10 seconds, reset the system by restarting the engine, and watch the message center for POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. If the message returns, or returns while driving, take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the message displayed, the steering assist is turned off, making the vehicle harder to steer.

WARNING: If the message SERVICE POWER STEERING is displayed in the message center, the EPS system has detected a problem with the system function. On the next key cycle the message SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW will be displayed and steering assist will be removed until the steering system is serviced. Have your vehicle taken to the nearest dealer as soon as possible.

What has got me is that there are 3 codes conceding the EPAS, FAULT being an electrical fault and the latter 2 being component failure.

So, you knew about a condition when you bought the vehicle?
And that doesn't give you any leverage in cost, when having it fixed?

Do you know exactly what the trouble code was? That might help us conjure up some advice...

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??? Woah lol...I never stated I bought the car from the dealer nor that I expect them to fix the issue for free . I bought the vehicle from a private seller, it is out of warranty and no this condition did not exist when I bought the vehicle...Details of what happened are in my OP. This occurred after I blew a strut and restarted the car, which is when the code came on in the info display center and when I lost all power steering. I have no way of knowing what code it is exactly as the OBDII scanner won't read any faults. I'm going to try and find a buddy or someone who does have the Ford scan tool to try and get a code.

EDIT: Also, would anyone happen to have a diagram of the EPAS system so I can assure all connections are in fact good? Through my own research it seems that my issue might be communication from the actual PSCM (Power Steering Control Module) though I am not exactly sure where this is located under the steering column.

 

[BiGMaC]

How would I go about using a multi-tester to test if the wires are intact? I do know that if the EPAS senses any sort of resistance in turning the wheel it will throw the code to prevent damage to the electric motor.
What has got me is that there are 3 codes conceding the EPAS, FAULT being an electrical fault and the latter 2 being component failure.

This occurred after I blew a strut and restarted the car, which is when the code came on in the info display center and when I lost all power steering. I have no way of knowing what code it is exactly as the OBDII scanner won't read any faults. I'm going to try and find a buddy or someone who does have the Ford scan tool to try and get a code.

OK.. understand your situation... My bad.
Getting a code read as you suggest is a good start.
Getting the EPAS wiring diagram may be a necessity for you to check the connections and electrical continuity yourself.  How else will you find them?
To check continuity apply a multitester to both ends of the wire and send tone (electricity)... if it reads a voltage then it's intact.
Lastly.... sometimes just disconnecting the connectors, cleaning them and reconnecting will fix it if oxidation is the cause.
Sounds like the incident damaging the strut may be at the root of the problem regardless of cause, sounds hard enough to be mechanical or electrical and both should be checked.

As far as a new diagnostic charge... you decide how much your time is worth.  However, the dealer could be asked to check all the connections as part of the new (or in addition with the old) diagnostic report with either dealer you use.  There is apparently some chance that the steering box is OK.

 

[glock-coma]

Sorry pics are not great, camera sucks on my tablet

 

[Spartn27]

Thank you all for the help and tips! Now that I know where the EPAS is I'm going to try and make sure the connectors are alright. Funny that it is on the right side, I hit a major pothole on the passenger side just minutes before I parked and shut off the car to pump gas and thats when the light came on. Seems that could be related to the issue, possibly causing some wiring to get dislodged/disconnected or some other fault. Only thing that baffles me is that it didn't cut off right away only after I shut the car off.

I will definitely check out that area and all connectors, will report back with my findings.

 

[Spartn27]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=320445

Seems like this was a well known issue. I've gone ahead and located a OEM remanufactured steering gear which includes the complete rack and pinion and EPAS system. Apparently there's a corrosion issue with the built in relay/PSCM and that is why the EPAS kicked back on for only 10 minutes before the motor caused the relay to go out again. Only way to fix this is to replace the steering gear, so we'll see what happens.

Will update.

 

[Spartn27]

$1450 later, the dealer swapped out the Steering Gear unit and (knock on wood) the car is back up and running. Only issue now is I do have one of my TPMS sensor that needs to get reprogrammed, fault is in the display (I thought they would take care of it) and the traction control light is still on for some reason. Will be contacting dealer to see what that could be, but Im guessing its from the low tire/TPMS fault code.

 

[BiGMaC]

$1450 later, the dealer swapped out the Steering Gear unit and (knock on wood) the car is back up and running. Only issue now is I do have one of my TPMS sensor that needs to get reprogrammed, fault is in the display (I thought they would take care of it) and the traction control light is still on for some reason. Will be contacting dealer to see what that could be, but Im guessing its from the low tire/TPMS fault code.

I'd be interested to hear some progress reports on performance and durability of the system from you… TIA

 

[Spartn27]

I'd be interested to hear some progress reports on performance and durability of the system from you… TIA

Ill definitely keep you guys updated. As I was returning the steering gear for a core charge refund I decided to inspect the damaged part for any physical defects and then snapped a couple pics of what I found. Seems that the pothole might have done it in ???

 

[IHeartGroceries]

Stamped steel?

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[DJE624]

That's a pretty nasty crack! 

 

[Spartn27]

Stamped steel?

Not exactly sure, seems like the steering gear should be made out of steel though the way it cracked makes me think it was cast aluminum. Then again I believe the weight was 40lbs.

That's a pretty nasty crack!

Yea $1400 crack!