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Pinpoint Test B: Steering Has Lack of Assist or Inconsistent Assist

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Hard steering or lack of assist is experienced when the steering wheel effort exceeds specifications. Hard steering can remain constant through the full turn, occur near the end of a turn or differ right to left. It is important to know the difference between hard steering/lack of assist and poor returnability/sticky steering.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

PINPOINT TEST B: STEERING HAS LACK OF ASSIST OR INCONSISTENT ASSIST 

  1. B1 CHECK THE VEHICLE DYNAMICS MODULE (VDM) FOR DTCs (EARLY BUILD VEHICLES EXCEPT POLICE INTERCEPTOR AND LONG WHEELBASE VEHICLES) 
    • Connect the scan tool.
    • Key in ON position.
    • Retrieve and record all VDM DTCs.
    • Are any VDM DTCs present? 
    1. YES  : Go to VEHICLE DYNAMICS MODULE (VDM) DTC INDEX (EARLY BUILD VEHICLES EXCEPT POLICE INTERCEPTOR & LONG WHEELBASE VEHICLES) .
    2. NO  : Go to  B2.
  2. B2 CHECK THE STEERING ASSIST WITH THE ENGINE RPM RAISED 
      NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump may 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? 
    1. YES  : INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
    2. NO  : Go to  B3.
  3. B3 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? 
    1. YES  : INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
    2. NO  : Go to  B4.
  4. B4 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? 
    1. YES  : INSTALL new lines or hoses as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
    2. NO  : Go to  B5.
  5. B5 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 may 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 diagnostic 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.
    • While monitoring the engine RPM with the scan tool, turn the steering wheel quickly to the left stop position and then to the right stop position.
    • Note the engine RPM during the turns.
    • Does the engine RPM change (even temporarily) more than 30 RPM when turning the steering wheel? 
    1. YES  : INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
    2. NO  : INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
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