VAR valve disconnected

[klohmeyer]

My daughter had the r&p replaced in 94 3.2. The VAR valve was broekn when she got car back. Mechanic replaced it but still doesn't steer right. I looked at it and the wires from the valve are laying loose (unplugged) but I don't see a mate anywhere. Also there is a vacuum pod attached that looks like it should have ground wire connected to a spade connector and it has a tube on top that looks like it should have a vacuum line attached. Anyone know anything about the VAR? Thanks...

 

[projectSHO89]

I've had SHOs off and on for 13 years and I've never seen a "VAR valve" on any of them...

 

[hawkeye18]

Anyone know anything about the VAR? Thanks...

 

[LJRuddy]

Variable assist rack?

 

[turbo79]

I've had SHOs off and on for 13 years and I've never seen a "VAR valve" on any of them...

Maybe VAPS valve or something related??

 

[klohmeyer]

SHOs all have the variable assist steering which includes the VAR (I may have the initials wrong) that connects to the rack and pinion,

 

[klohmeyer]

It's the variable assist valve that attaches to the rack and pinion. It has an electrical connection with 2 wires off the top of the valve assembly. It adjusts the amount of pressure based on mph and makes it easier to steer when you are going slow and harder to steer (road feel) when you are going faster. My daughter's car is hard to steer all the time and it feels like the steering is trying to pull the wheel back to center when you go around a ramp. My 94 doesn't do this, and hers did not until the rack and pinion was replaced and the mechanic screwed it up.

 

[klohmeyer]

OK, I looked it up again and found I suffered from old guy syndrome (OGS). It is the VAPS valve on the rack and pinion that is disconnected. Thanks to whomever said VAPS. Anyway, does anyone know where the VAPS electrical connection is supposed to plug into? The VAPS is unplugged and the plug is tucked up into the harness but can't find the other plug to plug it in. The car steers badly and is rather dangerous at the moment. Thanks.

 

[LJRuddy]

Is it possible that someone replaced the VAPS rack with a non-VAPS rack from an earlier year SHO or regular Taurus?

 

[whiteguy3]

That is the PSP (Power Steering Pressure) sensor you are referring to.