Power steering issue

[ruhurt]

My car is a 2013 PP SHO with 28K miles, an Unleashed tune, 3-bar map, H&R springs.

Lately I've noticed the steering on my car becoming inconsistent. More frequently I've noticed what seems to be a loss of power steering. When I'm turning it takes more effort to turn and to return the wheels to the forward position. It will also go back and forth with he level of resistance. The first quarter turn will feel like no power steering, then it gets easier as I continue to turn...and just the opposite coming back (last quarter turn to go straight is harder).

I've tried searching for others with the same issue, but haven't found anything. I did find a recall for a potential power steering problem for 2001-2013 (http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/201...led-for-potential-power-steering-problem.html). Not sure if this could be the fix. I did a search on Ford.com for recalls on my vehicle and nothing comes up for power steering.

Has anyone else seen this issue? Any suggestions for where/what/how to track down the cause? Does the tune from Unleashed do anything to adjust he electronic power steering?

I would take it to a Ford dealer, but I'm currently in Germany and don't have a Ford dealer near me. Finding a German auto shop to dig into the electronic power steering may not be an easy task.

Thanks for any help.

 

[SHOdded]

A tune will not fix the issues. More than likely, there is rust on the gear/sensors, and/or the SECM/SASM (steering control module) needs replacement.

Check for codes, there may be clues there.

 

[krewat]

If I recall correctly (pun intended), the recall had to do with corrosion on the connectors. I'd definitely look at that first. But the symptom you have of it getting hard in that last 1/4 turn (effectively at the same spot in the rack) sounds more like a mechanical issue.

Jack the front tires off the ground, and with the engine NOT running, see how stiff it is, and if it's stiff in the same spot without power applied, I'd say you have a mechanical issue.

 

[ruhurt]

Thanks for the advice. I called Ford and they told me, based on my VIN, the power steering recall does not apply to my car. I will see what I can find looking myself and am trying to locate an authorized Ford service center close to me.

 

[SHOdded]

Fords recalls and tsbs are not all inclusive. May still be the same issue.

 

[ruhurt]

If it's the same issue from the recall, will Ford cover the cost even if they say my car was not identified as part of the recall?

 

[SHOdded]

Not automatically. A lot depends on the dealer you are working with or who you are working with at Ford. Sometimes they will make an allowance if you make a strong case, and/or your vehicle matches every other criteria but falls just barely outside the dates identified.

 

[ruhurt]

Found a Ford service center in Homburg. They checked for codes and got C1B00. From a post on the ecoboost forum, I found out the code means...

DTC C1B00:64 (Steering Angle Sensor: Signal Plausibility Failure) - The PSCM calculates an absolute steering position offset based on several inputs, when the steering wheel compensation message from the ABS module matches or exceeds this calculation, the PSCM sets this DTC. Torque steer compensation is suppressed for the remainder of the ignition cycle in which DTC C1B00:64 is set.

The guidance the code gave him was to clear the fault and gave me drive it for a while (few days) to see if the code returns. Good news is the steering seems to have returned to normal for now. If the code and/or steering problems return they will investigate further.

They also checked for active recalls and found the one for the fuel pump. So they ordered the part, which takes about 2-weeks to get here. Glad I found this shop that will take care of the recalls and seemed very knowledgeable about my car.

I'll keep you updated on the steering issue if the code returns.

 

[SHOdded]

Glad to hear it

 

[ruhurt]

Latest update....steering issue and code returned. Back to the dealer. Further investigation showed a need to replace the power steering gear box. Usually a 1-day process, but in Germany it takes 2-weeks to get the part. Good news is the dealer said this will be covered by my extended warranty, which I didn't think it would since I'm outside the US.

 

[SHOdded]

Go Ford! Hope this will be THE fix. Please update with a pic of the invoice after work is completed.

 

[ruhurt]

Finally got my car back today...been a long 2-weeks. Things work very different here in Germany. I asked for a copy of the invoice, but he didn't have one. He said it all gets submitted as warranty work and will show in the "system" in about 4 weeks. He will give me a copy of the report when it shows. He did tell me the part alone was 2300€, which is around $2450. Glad I spent the $1700 for the extended warranty earlier this year.

As a side note...I was very surprised when the service manager told me the repair would be covered by the warranty here in Germany. According to the paperwork I have for the warranty....it's only good in the US, Canada, and Mexico. It also has a $100 deductible, but the dealer didn't ask for it. They also did an alignment and the 30K mile service....didn't charge me. I picked up the car and paid $0.

 

[SHOdded]

Keeper of a dealer