Pinpoint Test A: Steering Has Lack Of Assist Or Inconsistent Assist - Vehicles With Vacuum Boost
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Ford Pickup, 2011 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2011 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2011 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- A1 CHECK THE STEERING ASSIST WITH THE ENGINE RPM RAISED
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NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.
- Set the engine at 2,100 rpm and turn the steering wheel fully to the left and right.
- Is steering assist normal with the engine rpm raised?
- Yes: INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING SYSTEM SERVICING .
- No: GO to A2.
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- A2 CHECK FOR A CHANGE OF ASSIST ON LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS
- With the engine at idle, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right.
- Does the steering assist change when turning from right to left?
- Yes: INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING SYSTEM SERVICING .
- No: GO to A3.
- A3 CHECK THE STEERING LINES AND HOSES FOR RESTRICTIONS
- Inspect the steering lines and hoses for damage, kinks or restrictions.
- Are the steering lines or hoses damaged, kinked or restricted?
- Yes: INSTALL new lines or hoses as necessary.
- No: GO to A4.
- A4 MONITOR THE ENGINE RPM CHANGES NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.NOTE: Make sure that the vehicle is on a flat, dry surface, all accessories are in the OFF position and that the steering system is at normal operating temperature.
- Connect the scan tool.
- Start the engine.
- With the engine at idle, raise the power steering fluid temperature to 74-80°C (165-176°F) by rotating the steering wheel fully to the left and right several times.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: DataLogger - PCM.
- While monitoring the engine revolutions per minute (RPM) PID, turn the steering wheel quickly to the left stop position and then to the right stop position.
- Note the RPM PID during the turns.
- Does the PID change (even temporarily) more than 30 rpm when turning the steering wheel?
- Yes: INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING SYSTEM SERVICING .
- No: INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING SYSTEM SERVICING .