Hello. The issue may not be incredibly complex or major. With newer vehicles being equipped with more complex diagnostic systems, it is not uncommon for one issue being related to two separate warning lights. The first step is to have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic codes. This can be done at most automotive parts stores or by a technician. Once you have that information you can make repairs or continue testing. Your vehicle in particular has a large number of sensors, one of which may need to be replaced. The repairs needed may be more complicated but there is no way to know until the codes have been scanned. For more help with diagnostics and repairs, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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Ford has announced that 90644 vehicles have been affected by a Power Steering recall. If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Fusion Steering Rack Recall
Additionally, service technicians should be aware that a recall has been issued for 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine because their electronic power steering assist systems may shut down due to a steering motor sensor fault.
“Warning: 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.
This warning indicates that there is a problem with the power steering system. It could be something as simple as low fluid levels or a more serious issue such as a power steering pump failure.
Ford announced today that it will recall 422,814 model year 2011 to 2013 Fusion, Flex and Lincoln MKS and MKT, model year 2011 to 2012 Lincoln MKZ and 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles for a possible electrical issue that can lead to steering difficulties.
Vehicles that are designed with a power steering pump should only be used when the power steering is operational. When the power steering stops working, you should refrain from operating the vehicle until the pump is replaced.
M-type fuse.
The Problem: A potential electrical issue in the steering gear may result in the loss of electric power steering assist while driving. This could cause the steering system to default to manual mode, making the vehicle more difficult to steer, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The average cost for a Ford Fusion Power Steering Pump Replacement is between $292 and $528. Labor costs are estimated between $123 and $155 while parts are priced between $169 and $373.
Ford has issued a recall for 1.1 million vehicles due to a defect which can cause the vehicles to suddenly lose power steering. According to the auto maker, faulty sensors and defective electrical connections within the steering column could result in the loss of electric power steering assist while driving.
Power steering pumps will whine or grind when turning if they are failing. You may also notice tight steering response or slow response when you turn the wheel. If you notice these things in combination, that is a good indication that your power steering pump is about to fail.
The power steering on a 2011 Ford Fusion 4 cylinder does not have power steering fluid/reservoir, it has fuses. You will need a schematic to troubleshoot which fuse(s) have blown.
This issue with the EPS light can also be caused if you have recently had to jump-start your car, or you`ve disconnected the battery. Occasionally, the problem can be fixed by simply turning your vehicle off and on again.
How much should I expect to pay? While the price of this repair can vary, expect to pay between $500 and $800 to get your power steering pump replaced. Depending on your car, the cost could exceed that price, or fall below it.
If you lose your power steering be prepared to hang on to the wheel with all of your strength to turn it. Stop as soon as possible. If the power steering has failed because the engine has cut out you may need extra pressure on the brakes to stop the car.
The bottom line: Do not attempt to drive a car without power steering. If your power steering fails while driving, pull over to the side of the road and have your car towed to a nearby mechanic.
When a problem is detected in with ESP, the power steering warning light comes on. One common problem with your vehicle is a faulty power steering control module (PSCM). The PSCM is integrated into the rack and pinion assembly. There were recalls issued on some Ford vehicles for faulty PSCMs.
The ECU, described here, is electric power steering, which is intended to control the motor in response to the input such as sensor signal to assist the driver`s steering effort.
2011 Ford Flex Recall
The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault. Action Need To Fix It: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC).
Contamination most frequently occurs when the tubes and hoses in your steering system deteriorate and fall apart. Likewise, moisture can get into the fluid and increase friction. Ultimately, this leads to a failed pump and steering which becomes extremely stiff, especially when your car isn`t in motion.
One of the most common problems power steering systems have is leaks. The high pressure of the system combined with the soft hoses carrying the fluid makes it relatively susceptible to leaks. A low fluid level can cause a whining power steering pump and even a loss of fluid pressure and a loss of steering assistance.
It takes two to three hours for a competent mechanic to switch over a power steering pump. Power steering pump replacement costs vary across the country according to each garage and dealership.
This is a serious battery problem if the battery is now swollen and has no power. There has been an obviously internal fault. This will cause the vehicle to power down and the EPS light to come on as well. The EPS light is the warning indicator for the electric power steering.
If your vehicle is only hard to steer when you first turn it on, then you likely have a damaged steering rack. Often this problem will go away when the car warms up, and the rack becomes hot and well lubricated.