2012 ford f150 power steering assist fault

Ford Recalls 2014 F150 for Steering Risks, Tells Owners Not to Drive Trucks Until Fixed

Ford Motor Co. has just issued a recall for the 2014 F-150 which is equipped with Electronic Power Assist Steering  or (EPAS). On those 5,675 2014 F150 pickups included in the recall, there is a problem with the electric power assisted steering setup (EPAS) specifically with a motor position sensor gear that may have been installed incorrectly by the supplier.

This problem could cause the F150 to not steer or to not steer properly which could lead to car accidents. a problem that is severe enough that the company has instructed owners to avoid driving their trucks until the problem is fixed. So far there have been no reports of accidents or injuries as a result of this problem and the decision to recall these trucks comes after an internal investigation by Ford Motor Company rather than an order from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As soon as Ford found the possible problem, they made the call to get those few trucks already sold back in for repairs.

In recent months Ford has issued steering recalls covering almost 920,000 vehicles. Ford's most recent steering recall involves Escapes, Explorers, and Mercury Mariners, with model years from 2008 to 2013. Each time the problem is either faulty steering control software or a problem with the complete steering gear assembly. The U.S. automaker has recalled around 3 million vehicles so far this year.

Ford’s Solution to the Steering problem

Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly on affected vehicles at no charge. Interestingly, affected title branded and salvage vehicles are eligible for this recall. Any related damage due to this condition may be eligible for repair under the recall as well. So it is possible that Ford could cover auto body damage due to proven cases of faulty steering s the cause for the accident.

The best way to determine if a particular vehicle is involved in this action is to call local dealers with the vehicle in question's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). For more info or answers to questions call Ford Customer Service at 800-392-3673, or NHTSA at 888-327-4236.

Other Ford Recalls

The biggest recall issued this month covers 92,000 vehicles with possible issues in the right-side halfshaft of the drivetrain. Models being recalled for this issue include the 2013-14 Ford Taurus, the Ford Flex and the Ford Police Interceptor models. Also being recalled are 2,100 Ford Escape SUVs due to possible issues with the vehicle’s panorama glass roof.

It is no secret that with all the attention General Motors received this year from their ignition recall and the backlash that GM has suffered as a result, has led to increased scrutiny from regulators, forcing automakers to be more careful and proactive when it comes to possible product recalls.

The Problem Comes from a Supplier

The 5,675 2014 Ford F150 pickups included in this recall were built between May 26 and June 19 of this year. The new F150 pickups built during that time with the base 3.7L V6, the 5.0L V8 or the 3.5L twin turbo EcoBoost engine are subject to this recall while the trucks fitted with the 6.2L V8 are not, as they use a more traditional hydraulic steering system rather than the EPAS system found in the rest of the new Ford half ton pickups.

Good news: Most of the F150 Pickups recalled Haven’t Been Sold Yet

Of the 5,675 2014 Ford F150 pickups affected by this new recall, only around 260 have actually been sold. This is good news since you do not have to worry about these faulty trucks out on the road. The rest of the 5,400 F150’s are still on dealership lots. Ford Motor Company will only have to contact less than 300 customers.

Because of this simple fact, Ford will only actually have to recall around 260 2014 F150 units while the other 5,515 will just be serviced by the dealership. The trucks included in this recall will not be available for sale until the problem is fixed, but reports indicate that the first step of the recall is the inspect the EPAS module and, if necessary, the dealership technician will replace the unit with one that has been manufactured correctly. Ford has not yet determined how it will handle the recall.

A power steering assist fault might not seem like the end of the world. In truth, it’s probably not compared to other things your car will go through.

However, you should still give it your full and immediate attention.

If your car’s suffering from a power steering assist fault, this guide will tell you how to fix it. It will also walk you through how power steering works and why the issue will impact your car control.

Let’s get started.

Bottom Line Up Front: Fixing Power Steering Assist Fault

In short: you’ll need to replace the specific component that’s broken. You might also need to top the hydraulic fluid up or have some in-depth ECU diagnosis.

Whatever the problem is, take it straight to a trusted mechanic for inspection. The car isn’t safe to drive.

What Is Power Steering?

Power steering is found in almost every modern car. The only exceptions might be certain devoted track-day models.

You might not think about it most of the time, but power steering is helping you. As in, a lot.

Without power steering, the steering wheel would be monumentally difficult to turn. Well, it’s far from impossible – people have managed it for decades – but it’s much more challenging than what you’re used to.

Power steering ‘assists’ you by increasing the amount of force on the steering rack. It essentially pushes in the same direction you’re turning.

There are two types of power steering systems: hydraulic and electric. The cause of the fault depends on which of these your car has.

How Hydraulic Power Steering Works

Hydraulic power steering works using power steering fluid. You’ll see this when you lift the hood. The reservoir cap often has a steering wheel icon or says “Power Steering Fluid.”

The hydraulic power steering fluid is pressurized by the power steering pump. It’s directed by the control valve. More on that in a moment.

The steering rack sits inside a cylindrical housing, along with several O-Rings and pressure regulators. It has a ring jutting out in the center. This seals against the cylinder and acts as a piston once the power steering pump and control valve start working.

The control valve, situated just before the pinion gear that connects to the rack, controls which side of the piston the hydraulic fluid is sent to.

For example, if it’s sent to the left side (and the right side isn’t pressurized), it’ll push the piston right. That’s what happens when you turn your steering wheel counter-clockwise to steer to the left.

The opposite is also true, of course.

How Electric Power Steering Works

Electric power steering (or EPS, also known as EPSA) works a little differently.

There are two types:

1.  Steering column-mounted EPS
2. Rack-mounted EPS

Steering column-mounted EPS is used on light-duty vehicles such as small cars. If you have something a little larger, such as a truck or 4×4, you’re more likely to have rack-mounted EPS.

They each work based on the same principles.

When you turn the steering wheel, a torque sensor records how much effort you’re putting in. The ECU takes this reading and drives the EPS electric motor to “add” force to the steering rack.

The EPS motor can be mounted to the steering column or rack (hence the two types).

Crucially, the motor doesn’t stand in between anything mechanical. If it fails, you’ll lose power steering but should still be able to drive to a safe location.

One last thing. If your car has an electric power steering system, you won’t have any hydraulic fluid or pumps.

Symptoms Of Power Steering Assist Fault

When you see a power steering assist fault, you might notice the following symptoms:

• Warning light on the dashboard
• Difficulty turning the steering wheel (especially at low speeds)
• Vehicle pulling to one side when driving straight
• Unusual sounds (such as whining) while turning (hydraulic systems)
• Hydraulic fluid leaks visible under the car (hydraulic systems)
• Whining noise when you start the car (hydraulic systems)
• The steering wheel feels unusually light at high speeds (electric systems)
• Other electrical issues (signs of ECU failure – electric systems)

What Does ‘Power Steering Assist Fault’ Mean?

‘Power Steering Assist Fault’ means – as you might expect – there’s something wrong with your power steering system.

The exact fault could be anything in the power steering assist system.

Certain problems appear in hydraulic systems; others raise their heads in electric ones. Here are some of the most common culprits, organized by type.

Hydraulic Power Steering Assist Faults

Hydraulic power steering usually fails in one of two ways:

1. Hydraulic fluid leak
2. Power steering pump failure

It’s also possible, but uncommon, for the power steering control valve to stop working. This should only happen if dirt and debris somehow get into the fluid reservoir.

Hydraulic Fluid Leak

Hydraulic fluid leaks are pretty common. One of the regular culprits is the bushing and O-Ring sealing the hydraulic fluid into the cylinder and around the steering rack.

That said, leaks could come from anywhere. Worn-down pipes, cracks, the control valve, and even the reservoir might drip and lose hydraulic fluid.

Usually, though, leaks stem from worn-out rubber seals.

Hydraulic fluid is a distinguishable red color. Don’t get it mixed up with brake fluid, although if that’s leaking, that’s an even more serious problem.

With a hydraulic fluid leak, there won’t be any fluid to assist you as you turn.

Power Steering Pump Failure

The power steering pump is driven by the engine’s serpentine drive belt. It pressurizes the hydraulic fluid, allowing the control valve to move it between the input and output lines.

It might not be the pump itself. Since the pump is driven by the belt, it or the respective pulley might have problems, too.

Without a power steering pump, there’s no hydraulic pressure. The control valve might still open, but there’s nothing to force the steering rack in either direction.

While you’ll still be able to drive, turning the steering wheel will require much more effort.

Electric Power Steering Assist Faults

There are three main components in the EPS system. Any of them could fail, but the electric motor is most likely.

1. Electric motor failure
2. Torque sensor problem
3. ECU issue

Electric Motor Failure

The electric motor is responsible for adding torque to the steering column or rack. If it stops working, it won’t be assisting you.

The usual reason for EPS motor failure is overheating. It’s a motor, so this is always possible.

One of the most likely situations for the EPS motor to overheat is when you’re doing a lot of intense steering. Examples could include racing or going through a slalom at high speeds.

It could also fail more generically, of course. For instance, the bushes could wear out, or an electrical connection could rust.

Torque Sensor Problem

The torque sensor is responsible for recording how much turning force (“torque”) the driver puts through the steering wheel.

The ECU takes these readings and converts them into directions (if you like) for the motor.

The sensor might record too much/little torque. This could result in over- or under-assisting the steering. If the car registered this, it would display a power steering assist fault.

ECU Issue

The ECU receives raw data from the torque sensor. It then uses that data to power the motor.

The torque sensor information might be perfectly fine. However, if a fault develops in the ECU, it might give the motor too much (or insufficient) power.

Is A Power Steering Assist Fault Serious?

A power steering assist fault should be immediately addressed. It isn’t as grave as, say, a head gasket failure, but it still needs looking at.

Put it this way: if you can see there’s a power steering assist fault, either from a warning light or the text appearing on your display, act.

Manufacturers don’t design cars to inform drivers of warnings just for fun. If it’s serious enough for the vehicle to need to warn you, it needs fixing.

The main danger of ignoring a power steering assist fault isn’t damage to your steering system. Rather, you’re more likely to run into issues with, well, crashing.

Without power steering, maintaining your vehicle’s control is much more challenging. That’s why fixing it as soon as possible is paramount.

You can usually drive with a power steering assist fault unless it’s severely impacting your ability to drive safely. If in doubt, ring your mechanic and ask them, or book a call-out technician.

Some want to know how to reset a power steering assist fault warning light. While you can always clear the codes with an OBD II code reader, you won’t actually fix the problem.

Don’t do this until the root problem has been solved and repaired. It’s best to leave it to a mechanic, anyway.

Here are a few pointers on how to fix a power steering assist fault.

In general, you’ll need to replace the affected part, swapping it out for a new one.

Also, don’t forget to check for any resultant damage done to the steering rack, as unlikely as it is.

Hydraulic Power Steering Fixes

• When you suffer a hydraulic fluid leak, it should be as simple as finding the leak and replacing the part. This usually involves new rubber seals but could be any power steering component.
• You’ll need a new part if your car has a power steering pump failure. The technician might also inspect the pulley and serpentine belt to ensure they work properly. This might cost around $500 to $600.

Electric Power Steering Fixes

• If the EPS electric motor fails, you usually need a new one. This requires disassembly of the steering column and switching in a new part. This should be around the same cost as a pump replacement – possibly a little more. Expect to pay $500 to $600.
• The same applies if the issue lies with your torque sensor. Mechanics will strip away the dashboard to expose the column. They’ll then switch the torque sensor for an OEM replacement. It should cost about the same as the motor, $500 to $600. If you have both done at the same time, it’ll be much less expensive.
• Unfortunately, ECU issues are very in-depth and, therefore, expensive – probably over $1,000. This isn’t something you can hope to fix yourself. If you need a new motor or torque sensor, you might need some minor ECU work to go along with it. Expect to pay $500 to $1,000 for this.

Rounding Up: Why To Fix Power Steering Assist Fault As Soon As Possible

If your car has a power steering assist fault, get it looked at and fixed as soon as possible.

Most power steering problems aren’t immediately dangerous. There are exceptions, though, especially with electric systems.

If you’re in doubt, take your car to a shop on a flatbed trailer. If necessary, you could also call a mechanic to your home or workplace.

Don’t take any chances. Get a power steering assist fault fixed as soon as you can.

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