Inspection and Verification

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IV1: VISUAL INSPECTION

Verify the customer concern.

Visually inspect the electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.

NOTE: When inspecting the bellows boots make sure to use a strong light source and an inspection mirror.

NOTE: The ignition must be off when disconnecting EPAS electrical connectors. Failure to follow this direction may lead to DTCs being set in the EPAS module that can not be cleared, and result in the need to install a new EPAS assembly.

VISUAL INSPECTION CHART

Mechanical	Electrical
Binding or misaligned steering column.	Battery junction box (BJB) fuses 1 (50A) and 2 (50A)
Loose steering column shaft bolts.	Smart junction box (SJB) fuse 42 (10A)
Steering column shaft couplings/U-joints	Wiring, terminals or connectors.
Steering gear
Steering gear bellows boots
Inner tie rod ends
Outer tie rod ends
Tire pressure
Tires

Is an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern found?

Yes	No
Go to IV2.	Go to Known Concerns

IV2: CONCERN ISOLATION

Was a damaged steering gear bellows boot identified during the visual inspection?

Yes	No
Go to IV3.	REPAIR the concern identified during the visual inspection.

IV3: ISOLATE THE DAMAGED BOOT(S) AS THE CONCERN

Review the repair order and verify there are no customer concerns (such as a message on the message center or NVH steering system concern) in addition to the damaged boot(s).

Are any other customer concerns present?

Yes	NO
Make note of the damaged boot(s). Go to Known Concerns After diagnosis is complete, if a new EPAS gear or bellows boot has not been installed, GO to Pinpoint Test K .	GO to Pinpoint Test K .