Pinpoint Tests Purpose
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
This test verifies the presence of PSCM DTC C102D and determines if the cause is mechanical or electrical in nature.
NOTE:
If a damaged bellows boot(s) was discovered during Inspection and Verification and this pinpoint test DOES NOT lead to the installation of a new EPAS gear or bellows boot(s), then go to PINPOINT TEST K to address the damaged boot(s) before returning the vehicle to the customer.
- AI1: CHECK AND RECORD THE LEFT FRONT AND RIGHT FRONT TIRE PRESSURES
- AI2: CHECK FOR UNLOADED STEERING SYSTEM TRAVEL FEEL
- With the transmission in NEUTRAL, position the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to the Jacking and Lifting article
- Ignition OFF.
- Raise the vehicle until the front wheels no longer touch the ground.
- Rotate the steering wheel from lock-to-lock and inspect the steering system travel for the following:
- Abnormal noises
- Rough spots
- Sticky spots
- Tight spots
- Is steering rack travel smooth and free of any abnormal noises, rough, sticky and tight spots?
Yes No Go to AI3. Go to AI4.
- AI3: VERIFY THE STEERING SYSTEM TRAVEL FEEL
- Clear the PSCM DTCs.
- Ignition OFF.
- Wait at least 90 seconds for the modules to completely shut off.
- Ignition ON, engine running.
- Drive the vehicle and verify the steering system travel for the following:
- Abnormal noises
- Rough spots
- Sticky spots
- Tight spots
Carry out the PSCM self-test.
- Does PSCM DTC C102D:xx return?
Yes No Go to AI4. The concern was most likely due to low or uneven tire pressures. The repair is complete, RETURN the vehicle.
- AI4: CHECK FOR UNLOADED STEERING RACK TRAVEL FEEL
- With the transmission in NEUTRAL, position the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to the Jacking and Lifting article
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect the outer tie rods from the wheel knuckles. Refer to Tie Rod Removal and Installation in the Power Steering article.
- Rotate the steering wheel from lock-to-lock and inspect the steering rack travel for the following:
- Abnormal noises
- Rough spots
- Sticky spots
- Tight spots
- Is steering rack travel smooth and free of any abnormal noises, rough, sticky and tight spots?
Yes No The condition may be caused by tires, wheel knuckles, ball joints, struts or damaged sub-frame. ISOLATE the component(s) causing the binding. INSTALL new component(s) as necessary. DRIVE the vehicle to VERIFY the repair. Go to AI5.
- AI5: INSPECT THE INNER TIE RODS AND STEERING RACK FOR CORROSION
- Remove the outer tie rod and bellows boot. Refer to the Power Steering article.
- The following inspection must be carried out on BOTH sides of the steering rack:
- Turn the steering wheel in one direction all the way until it stops to expose the steering rack.
- Inspect the rack, inner tie rod and gear housing for rust, moisture, corrosion and other signs of harmful contamination.
- Is the rack, inner tie rod and gear housing free of moisture, rust, corrosion and other harmful contamination?
Yes No Using a diagnostic scan tool, CLEAR the PSCM DTCs. Go to AI6. INSTALL a new EPAS gear.
CHECK OASIS for any applicable service articles: TSB, GSB, SSM or FSA.
If a service article exists for this concern,
DISCONTINUE this test and FOLLOW the service article instructions.
If no service articles address this concern, INSTALL a new EPAS gear. REFER to the Power Steering article. ORDER a replacement EPAS gear and INCLUDE the RVC on the form.
If this is a Ford paid repair, INCLUDE the RVC on the warranty claim form.
- AI6: CHECK FOR UNLOADED STEERING COLUMN FEEL NOTE: Do not allow the steering column to rotate more than 1 complete revolution in each direction. If the steering column shaft is allowed to rotate more than 1 complete revolution in each direction damage to the clockspring may occur.
- Disconnect the steering column intermediate shaft from the steering gear.
- Discard the bolt.
- Rotate the steering wheel 1 complete revolution in each direction and inspect the steering column travel for the following:
- Abnormal noises
- Rough spots
- Sticky spots
- Tight spots
- Using a suitable steering wheel holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight ahead position.
- Is steering column travel smooth and free of any abnormal noises, rough, sticky and tight spots?
Yes No INSTALL a new EPAS gear.
CHECK OASIS for any applicable service articles: TSB, GSB, SSM or FSA.
If a service article exists for this concern,
DISCONTINUE this test and FOLLOW the service article instructions.
If no service articles address this concern, INSTALL a new EPAS gear. REFER to the Power Steering article. ORDER a replacement EPAS gear and INCLUDE the RVC on the form.
If this is a Ford paid repair, INCLUDE the RVC on the warranty claim form.Go to AI7.
- Disconnect the steering column intermediate shaft from the steering gear.
- AI7: INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT U-JOINTS NOTE: Do not allow the steering column to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring may result. If there is evidence that the steering column shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and re centered. For additional information, refer to Clockspring removal and installation in the Supplemental Restraint System article.NOTE: When installing new bellows boots and clamps, apply new lubricant as instructed to prevent water contamination or damage may result to the EPAS gear.
- Inspect the steering column shaft U-joints for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering column shaft U-joints okay?
Yes No INSTALL a new Steering Gear Bellows Boots. REFER to the Power Steering article. CONNECT the steering column shaft to the EPAS gear. INSTALL a new bolt and TIGHTEN to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
ADJUST the front toe setting. REFER to the Suspenstion System General Information article.
If this is a Ford paid repair, INCLUDE the RVC on the warranty claim form. REFER to the Suspenstion System General Information article to DIAGNOSE further possible causes.INSTALL a new steering column shaft assembly. REFER to the Steering Column article.