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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Taurus LX, 3.0 2, AX4N >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 69 (Steering System - General Information) >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Steering System >> Inspection and Verification

Inspection and Verification

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel (3600) at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump (3A674) can result.
NOTE: Make the following preliminary checks before repairing the steering system:
NOTE: The FEM must be reconfigured upon replacement; see MODULE CONFIGURATION .
  1. Verify the customer concern by operating the steering system.
  2. Inspect Tires:
    • Check the tire pressure. For additional information, refer to the Vehicle Certification (VC) label.
    • Verify that all tires are sized to specification.
    • Check the tires for damage or uneven wear.
  3. Belt and Tensioner Check:
    • See ACCESSORY DRIVE for diagnosis and testing of the accessory drive system.
  4. Fluid Level Check:
    • Verify that the power steering fluid level is within the appropriate hot or cold range on the dipstick. Add MERCON® Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-02-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.
  5. Air Bleeding:
    • Verify that there is no air in the power steering system. Run the engine (6007) until it reaches normal operating temperature. Turn the steering wheel to the left and right several times without hitting the stops. If any air bubbles are present, see POWER STEERING SYSTEM PURGING .
    Fig 1: External Leak Check - Typical Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering Gear
    G01105220Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. External Leak Check:
    • With the ignition switch at OFF, wipe off the power steering pump, power steering pressure hose (3A719), power steering return hose (3A713), power steering fluid cooler and hose assembly and steering gear (3504).
    • With the engine running, turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times. Do not hold steering wheel at stops. Check for leaks. Repair as necessary if leaks are observed.
  7. Turning Effort Check:
  8. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage. For additional information, see Fig 2.
    Fig 2: Visual Inspection Chart
    G01105221Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported malfunction is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
  10. If the concern remains after the inspection, connect the Scan Tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC) located beneath the instrument panel, and select the vehicle to be tested from the Scan Tool menu. If the Scan Tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
    • Check that the program card is correctly installed.
    • Check the connections to the vehicle.
    • Check the ignition switch position.
  11. If the Scan Tool still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the tester manual.
  12. Carry out the DATA LINK DIAGNOSTIC TEST. If Scan Tool responds with:
  13. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to FEM DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) INDEX  to continue diagnostics.
  14. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, proceed to SYMPTOM CHART  to continue diagnostics.
  15. If the fault is not visually evident, determine the symptom and proceed to the SYMPTOM CHART .
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