Normal Operation

With a fully charged battery and the ignition ON, the EPAS system should provide adequate assist to maneuver the vehicle and should be able to return to the straight-ahead position with little difficulty. The assist provided by the EPAS system should be smooth and consistent at all times. The steering and suspension components should be free of any binding conditions and should not interfere with the steering assist provided by the EPAS system.

If the steering wheel is held at lock end for more than 2 seconds the EPAS system noticeably reduces assist. This is a normal condition programmed into the PSCM to protect the system from permanent damage. This test generates a RVC for a new PSCM when directed to do so from pinpoint test. A RVC is required to order a new PSCM and to document billing for payment.

I1: CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM VOLTAGE

Ignition ON, engine running.
With the engine running, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock and take the voltage measurement while holding the wheel in a lock position.

Measure the voltage between:

(+) 12 Volt Vehicle Battery	(-) 12 Volt Vehicle Battery
Positive terminal	Negative terminal

Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock with the vehicle running and note the PID reading while holding the wheel in a lock position.
Access the PSCM and monitor the MOD_SUP_V (VOLT) PID.

Is the battery voltage greater than 13 volts and does the PID match battery voltage +/- 1.5 volts?

Yes	No
Go to I2.	Go to PINPOINT TEST A .

I2: ISOLATE THE STEERING GEAR AND COLUMN

With the transmission in NEUTRAL, position the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Jacking And Lifting .
Isolate the steering gear from the steering knuckles.
NOTE: Do not disconnect the steering gear from the steering column.
Turn the steering wheel through the full range of motion (lock-to-lock).

Is the binding condition still present?

Yes	No
Go to I3.	The condition may be caused by tires, wheel knuckles and/or ball joints. ISOLATE the component(s) causing the binding. INSTALL new component(s) as necessary. DRIVE the vehicle to VERIFY the repair.

I3: CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT AND DASH SEAL

While turning the steering wheel, check for binding conditions between the moving components of the steering column and the vehicle body and steering column shroud(s).
- Steering wheel rubbing against steering column shrouds.
- Binding steering column shaft dash panel seal.

Has a binding condition been identified?

Yes	No
ISOLATE the component(s) causing the binding. INSTALL new component(s) as necessary. REFER to Steering column in Steering Column . DRIVE the vehicle to VERIFY the repair.	Go to I4.

I4: ISOLATE AND CHECK THE STEERING GEAR

NOTE: The steering column must be locked in the straight ahead position before the steering column is disconnected from the steering gear to prevent damage to the steering wheel clockspring.

Using a suitable steering wheel holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight ahead position.
Disconnect the steering gear from the steering column.
Connect the steering gear to the wheel knuckles.
Check the steering gear for correct installation, tight spots and uneven operation by slowly moving the front wheels through their full turn radius.

Is the binding condition still present?

Yes	No
INSTALL a new EPAS gear. REFER to Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) System . ORDER a replacement PSCM and INCLUDE the RVC on the form. If this is a Ford paid repair, INCLUDE the RVC on the warranty claim form. DRIVE the vehicle to VERIFY the repair. When complete, SELECT the "X" in the top right corner to CLOSE this procedure.	ISOLATE the component(s) that is causing the binding. INSTALL a new component(s) as necessary. REFER to Steering Column Shaft in Steering Column . DRIVE the vehicle to VERIFY the repair.

I5: ISOLATE THE STEERING GEAR AND COLUMN

With the transmission in NEUTRAL, position the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Jacking And Lifting . Isolate the steering gear from the steering knuckles.
NOTE: Do not disconnect the steering gear from the steering column.
Turn the steering wheel through the full range of motion (lock-to-lock)

Is the binding condition still present?

Yes	No
Go to I6.	ISOLATE the component(s) causing the binding. INSTALL new component(s) as necessary.

I6: CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT AND DASH SEAL

While turning the steering wheel, check for binding conditions between the moving components of the steering column and the vehicle body and steering column shroud(s).
- Steering wheel rubbing against steering column shrouds.
- Binding steering column shaft dash panel seal.
- Binding steering column U-joints.

Has a binding condition been identified?

Yes	No
ISOLATE the component(s) causing the binding. INSTALL new component(s) as necessary.	Go to I7.

I7: ISOLATE AND CHECK THE STEERING GEAR

Make sure that the steering wheel is set to the straight ahead position.
lock the steering column using the service bolt. REFER to Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) System .
Disconnect the steering gear from the steering column.
Connect the steering gear to the wheel knuckles.
Check the steering gear for correct installation, tight spots and uneven operation by slowly moving the front wheels through their full turn radius.

Has a binding condition been identified?

Yes	No
INSTALL a new Steering Gear assembly. REFER to Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) System .	INSTALL a new EPAS assembly. REFER to steering column removal and installation in Steering Column . ORDER a replacement PSCM and INCLUDE the RVC on the form. If this is a Ford paid repair, INCLUDE the RVC on the warranty claim form. When complete, SELECT the "X" in the top right corner to CLOSE this procedure.