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 reduces assist noticeably. This is a normal condition programmed into the PSCM.

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.

1. X1: CONFIRM THE CONDITION WHILE STATIONARY 
   • With the transmission in PARK, turn the steering wheel to the left and the right to confirm if a sticky or binding feel condition exists
   • Does the steering have a sticky or binding feeling when turning the steering wheel? 

     Yes	No
     Go to  X3.	Go to  X2.

2. X2: CONFIRM THE CONDITION WHILE DRIVING 
   NOTE: It may be necessary to drive the vehicle up to 16 km (10 miles) to experience the condition
   NOTE: It may be necessary to test drive a similar vehicle in a similar fashion and compare the test drive results
   • Test drive the vehicle above 73 km/h (45 mph). Drive straight, make only small turns (10 degrees or less) of the steering wheel. Stay within your lane and check for any stickiness, binding, or flat spots while turning the steering wheel
   • Does the steering have a sticky or binding feeling when turning the steering wheel? 

     Yes	No
     Go to  X3.	CONSULT the customer for clarification on the concern.

3. X3: CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM VOLTAGE 
   • With the vehicle 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  X4.	Go to PINPOINT TEST A .

4. X4: INSPECT STEERING SYSTEM, TIRES, SUSPENSION AND WIRING 
   • With the transmission in NEUTRAL, position the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Jacking and Lifting in Jacking And Lifting .
   • While turning the steering wheel from side to side, inspect the following for binding, excessive play or damage:
     • steering wheel-to-steering shrouds
     • steering shaft-to-dash panel seal
     • steering shaft U-joints
     • misplaced carpet or mats
     • foreign material or debris on steering parts or steering joints
     • steering gear bellows boots
     • tie-rod ends
   • Inspect the front suspension joints and components for:
     • free movement
     • free of rust
   • Inspect all 4 tires for:
     • correct air pressure per the VC label
     • being the correct size per the VC label
     • being the same size
     CAUTION: The ignition must be off, and remain off when disconnecting PSCM electrical connectors. Failure to follow this direction may lead to DTCs setting in the PSCM which cannot be cleared, resulting in the need to install a new EPAS gear

     • Did all items listed pass the inspection? 

     Yes	No
     Go to  X5.	CLEAN, ADJUST or INSTALL new, the component or components that failed the inspection. DRIVE the vehicle as directed in Step X2 to confirm the condition has been eliminated.

5. X5: ISOLATE AND INSPECT THE STEERING GEAR 
   • Using a suitable steering wheel holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight ahead position
   • Disconnect the steering gear from the steering column
   • Raise the vehicle until the front wheels no longer touch the ground
     CAUTION: Turning the front wheels by hand too quickly may cause internal damage to the steering gear. Do not use excessive force while turning the front wheels
   • Using hand force only, carefully turn the front wheels side to side and check for a sticky condition or a binding condition
   • Does the steering have a sticky or binding feeling when turning the front wheels? 

     Yes	No
     CONNECT the steering column to the steering gear and INSTALL a new fastener. TIGHTEN to specifications. Go to  X6.	REPAIR or INSTALL new steering column components as necessary to repair the binding condition. DRIVE the vehicle as directed in Step X2 to confirm the condition has been eliminated.

6. X6: ISOLATE THE WHEEL KNUCKLES AND BALL JOINTS 
   NOTE: Do not disconnect the steering gear from the steering column.
   • Isolate the steering gear from the steering knuckles
   • Turn the steering wheel through the full range of motion (lock-to-lock)
   • Does the steering have a sticky or binding feeling when turning the steering wheel? 

     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 as directed in Step X2 to confirm the condition has been eliminated. When complete, SELECT the "X" in the top right corner to CLOSE this procedure.	The condition may have been caused by tires, wheels, wheel knuckles or ball joints. ISOLATE the component or components causing the condition. REPAIR or INSTALL new as necessary. DRIVE the vehicle as directed in Step X2 to confirm the condition has been eliminated.