Symptom Chart - Steering System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Sable, 2008 Ford Taurus X, and 2008 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
No communication with the steering effort control module (SECM)	Wiring, terminals or connectors SECM	Go to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK article to diagnose the no communication concern.
Steering has lack of assist or inconsistent assist	Fuel efficient power steering (FEPS) system Steering gear Power steering pump Restricted power steering lines/hoses	Go to Pinpoint Test D .
Light/easy steering efforts	FEPS system	RETRIEVE and RECORD any SECM DTCs. REFER to the STEERING EFFORT CONTROL MODULE (SECM) DTC TABLE .
Excessive steering wheel play	Steering gear Steering column Steering column shaft/coupling Steering linkage Ball joints Strut bearing plate	Go to Pinpoint Test E .
Steering system drift/pull/wander	Unevenly loaded vehicle	CORRECT the vehicle loading as necessary.
	Tire pressure Wheel alignment Steering gear Steering column shaft/coupling Frame alignment	Go to Pinpoint Test F .
Poor returnability/sticky steering	Binding steering column shaft/coupling U-joints	INSTALL a new steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
	Loose, worn or damaged steering linkage	Go to Steering Linkage Component Test.
	Binding suspension components	INSPECT the suspension components. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article for the suspension diagnosis and testing.
	Binding steering column bearing(s)	INSTALL a new steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
	Binding dash boot seal	INSTALL a new dash boot seal. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.