Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Symptom Chart: Steering System and NVH
- Diagnostics in this article assume a certain skill and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to: Diagnostic Methods .
- NVH symptoms should be identified using the diagnostic tools available. For a list of these tools, an explanation of their uses and a glossary of common terms, REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) . . Since it is possible any one of multiple systems may be the cause of a symptom, it may be necessary to use a process of elimination type diagnostic approach to pinpoint the responsible system. If this is not the causal system for the symptom, REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) . for the next likely system and continue diagnostics.
- If equipped, the Lane Keeping System (LKS) can interfere with accurate EPAS diagnostics. Disable the Lane Keeping System (LKS) before test driving the vehicle to diagnose EPAS concerns. For information on disabling the Lane Keeping System (LKS), refer to Owner's Literature.
There are multiple conditions (overheating protection, high voltage, low voltage, etc.) which result in limited or reduced assist from the EPAS system. Address all existing PSCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) prior to diagnosing any assist symptoms.
| Condition | Actions |
|---|---|
| Message center displays STEERING FAULT SERVICE NOW | GO to Pinpoint Test KC-1 |
| Message center displays STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED | GO to Pinpoint Test KC-2 |
| Message center displays STEERING LOSS STOP SAFELY | GO to Pinpoint Test KC-3 |
| DTC U0131:XX A module cannot communicate with the PSCM | GO to Pinpoint Test A-1 |
| The PSCM cannot communicate with the diagnostic scan tool | GO to Pinpoint Test A-1 |
| ASSIST - Open PSCM Fuse(s) | GO to Pinpoint Test A-1 |
| ASSIST - Unable to replicate customers intermittent assist concern during a test drive | GO to Pinpoint Test D |
| LEAKING - Steering gear appears to be leaking fluid | GO to Pinpoint Test AG |
| NOISE - During acceleration (tip in) or deceleration (tip out) which may occur with braking | GO to Pinpoint Test AE-1 |
| NOISE - During braking | GO to Pinpoint Test AE-2 |
| NOISE - Driving straight on smooth roads | GO to Pinpoint Test L |
| NOISE - Over bumps, rough roads, dips, depressions or when entering a driveway | GO to Pinpoint Test AC-1 |
| NOISE - Turning at slow speeds or during parking lot maneuvers | GO to Pinpoint Test AC-2 |
| NOISE - Inside cabin when turning the steering wheel | GO to Pinpoint Test AD |
| STEERING - Excessive steering wheel play | GO to Pinpoint Test G |
| STEERING - Poor returnability or sticky steering or binding | GO to Pinpoint Test I |
| STEERING - Steering system pull, drift or wander | GO to Pinpoint Test H |
| STEERING WHEEL - Moves slightly when the engine is started and vehicle begins to move | GO to Pinpoint Test AI |
| STEERING WHEEL - Wheel vibrates or resists turning | GO to Pinpoint Test AH |
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.