DTC Trigger

This DTC sets if high friction is detected inside the steering gear.

Pinpoint Test Purpose 

This test verifies the presence of PSCM DTC C102D and determines if the cause is mechanical or electrical in nature.

1. AI1: CHECK AND RECORD THE LEFT FRONT AND RIGHT FRONT TIRE PRESSURES 
   • Check and record the left front and right front tire pressures.
   • Compare the recorded tire pressure readings with the information on the VC label.
   • Is the air pressure in the tires correct as indicated on the VC label? 

   Yes	No
   Go to  AI2.	ADJUST the air pressure in the tires. Go to  AI2.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.	Go to  AI8.

6. 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
   Go to  AI8.	Go to  AI7.

7. 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 Restraints 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 Suspension System - General Information article. REFER to the Suspension System - General Information article to DIAGNOSE further possible causes.	INSTALL a new steering column shaft assembly. REFER to the Steering Column article.

8. AI8: CHECK FOR SPECIAL SERVICE MESSAGES 
   • Check OASIS for any service articles relating to the concern: TSB, GSB, SSM or FSA.
   • Does a service article exists for this concern? 

   Yes	No
   DISCONTINUE this test and FOLLOW the service article instructions.	INSTALL a new EPAS steering column. REFER to the Steering Column article. If this is a Ford paid repair, INCLUDE the RVC on the warranty claim form.