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Inspection and Verification

CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can result.
NOTE: Make the following preliminary checks before repairing the steering system:
  1. Verify the customer concern.
  2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.
    VISUAL INSPECTION TABLE

    Mechanical Electrical
    • Fluid level
    • Tire pressure
    • Tires
    • Drive belt
    • Drive belt tensioner
    • Steering column alignment
    • Tie-rod ends
    • Suspension components
    • Steering column shaft U-joints
    • Intermediate shaft bolts
    • Power steering reservoir baffle
    • Power steering reservoir filter
    • Power steering pressure lines, fittings or O-rings
    • Power steering return hoses and clamps
    • Steering gear
    • Power steering pump
    • Circuitry
    • Loose, corroded or disconnected electrical connectors
    • Central junction box (CJB) fuses:
      • 27 (5A)
      • 30 (25A)
    3. NOTE: The areas that should be inspected for possible contamination are the power steering reservoir filter, flow control and pressure relief valve in the pump, and the check valve in the inlet port on the power steering gear (if equipped).
  3. Inspect the power steering fluid for the following conditions:
  4. Check the power steering system for fluid leaks.
    • Check the power steering fluid level.
    NOTE: It may be necessary to add power steering fluid to achieve the correct level.

    With the ignition OFF:

    • Wipe off the power steering pump, power steering pressure hose, power steering return hose, power steering fluid cooler, hose assembly and steering gear.
      • CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.
    • Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times and check for leaks.
  5. Inspect the power steering pressure and return hoses, fittings and O-rings for leaks.
    • If a leak is detected at a power steering pressure or return hose, install a new hose. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
    • If a leak is detected between a fitting nut, seal the fitting nut using a Teflon® joint seal.
    • If a leak is detected at a fitting or clamp plate, tighten to specification. If the leak is still evident, visually inspect the fittings, clamp plate, O-rings and Teflon® seals. Install new components as necessary. Refer to POWER STEERING .
    • If a leak is detected at the power steering reservoir, install a new reservoir. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
    • If a leak is detected at a constant tension spring clamp, verify that the hose is fully installed on the fitting and that the hose clamp is correctly positioned. If the leak remains, install a new constant tension spring clamp.
    • If a leak is detected at a screw clamp joint, tighten the screw clamp. If the leak remains, inspect the tube end and install a new hose. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
    • If a leak is detected at the power steering pump, install a new power steering pump. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
    NOTE: To inspect for leaks it may be necessary to remove the squeeze-type clamp from the steering gear boots.
  6. Inspect the power steering gear for leaks. If a leak is detected at the power steering gear, install a new power steering gear. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .

    External Leak Check - Potential Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering Gear Leak Points 

    Fig 1: Identifying Potential Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear Leak Points (External Leak Check)
    G04626714Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
  8. If the concern remains after the inspection, connect the diagnostic tool to the data link connector (DLC) located beneath the instrument panel, and select the vehicle to be tested from the diagnostic tool menu. If the diagnostic tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
    • check that the program card is correctly installed.
    • check the connections to the vehicle.
    • check the ignition switch position.
  9. If the diagnostic tool still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the diagnostic tool manual.
  10. Carry out the diagnostic tool data link test. If the diagnostic tool responds with:
  11. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to the AIR SUSPENSION MODULE/VAPS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) INDEX  to continue diagnosis.
  12. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to SYMPTOM TABLE  to continue diagnosis.
AIR SUSPENSION MODULE/VAPS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) INDEX

DTC Description Source Action
B1317 Battery Voltage High Air Suspension Control Module REFER to PINPOINT TEST C: DTC B1317/B1318 -- BATTERY VOLTAGE HIGH/LOW .
B1318 Battery Voltage Low Air Suspension Control Module REFER to PINPOINT TEST C: DTC B1317/B1318 -- BATTERY VOLTAGE HIGH/LOW .
B1342 ECU is Defective Air Suspension Control Module INSTALL a new air suspension module.
REFER to AIR SUSPENSION MODULE .
B2477 Module Configuration Failure Air Suspension Control Module REFER to MODULE CONFIGURATION .
C1445 Vehicle Speed Signal Circuit Failure Air Suspension Control Module REFER to SYMPTOM TABLE .
C1897 Steering VAPS Circuit Loop Failure Circuit, Valve Solenoid, Air Suspension Module GO to PINPOINT TEST B .
U1950 VAP Communication BUS Fault Air Suspension Control Module REFER to VEHICLE DYNAMIC SUSPENSION
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