Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SYMPTOM CHART

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
No communication with the front electronic module (FEM)	Circuit. FEM.	Go To PINPOINT TEST A: NO COMMUNICATION WITH THE FEM MODULE/UNABLE TO ENTER SELF-TEST .
Unable to enter self-test	FEM. Diagnostic tool.	Go To PINPOINT TEST A: NO COMMUNICATION WITH THE FEM MODULE/UNABLE TO ENTER SELF-TEST .
Hard steering or lack of assist (no DTCs present)	Seized lower steering column shaft U-joints. Damaged, fractured steering column bearing(s). Power steering pump. Suspension components. Steering gear internal leakage. VAPS circuits 8-CE9 (WH/GN), 9-CE9 (BN/GN).	INSTALL a new lower steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN in this section. INSTALL a new steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN in this section. INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING PUMP in this section. REFER to FRONT article for suspension system diagnosis and testing. INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to STEERING GEAR in this section. Go To PINPOINT TEST D: HARD STEERING/LACK OF ASSIST WITH NO DTCS .
Steering system noise	Low fluid level. Fluid aeration. Steering gear. Power steering pump. Loose or damaged steering linkage. Loose or damaged suspension component(s). Steering column. Steering column boot bearing. Intermediate shaft. Loose dash boot seal.	Go To PINPOINT TEST E: STEERING SYSTEM NOISE .
Steering is very difficult/very easy	Seized intermediate shaft U-joints. Damaged, fractured steering column bearing(s). Steering gear. Power steering pump. Power steering hoses. Binding dash boot seal.	Go To PINPOINT TEST F: STEERING IS VERY DIFFICULT/VERY EASY .
Excessive steering wheel play	Steering gear. Steering column. Steering column intermediate shaft. Steering linkage. Ball joints.	Go To PINPOINT TEST G: EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL PLAY .
Steering system drift/pull/wander	Tire pressure. Wheel alignment. Steering gear. Unevenly loaded vehicle. Steering column intermediate shaft. Frame alignment.	CORRECT the vehicle loading as necessary. Go To PINPOINT TEST H: STEERING SYSTEM DRIFT/PULL/WANDER .
Feedback	Loose, worn or damaged tie-rod. Loose, worn or damaged tie-rod ends. Loose or damaged steering gear insulators or bolts. Loose lower steering column shaft U-joint or pinch bolts. Loose suspension bushings, fasteners, ball joints, or strut bearing plate (if applicable). Worn or damaged steering column bearing(s).	GO to COMPONENT TESTS , Tie-Rod Articulation Torque in this section. GO to COMPONENT TESTS , Steering Linkage in this section. INSTALL new steering gear insulators or bolts if necessary, or TIGHTEN the bolts as needed. INSTALL new lower steering column shaft and bolts or TIGHTEN the bolts. REFER to STEERING COLUMN in this section. INSTALL new as necessary. REFER to FRONT article. INSTALL new steering column bearing(s). REFER to STEERING COLUMN in this section.
Poor returnability/sticky steering	Binding lower steering column shaft U-joints. Loose, worn or damaged front wheel knuckle tie-rod. Loose, worn or damaged tie-rod ends. Suspension components. Binding steering column bearing(s). Binding dash boot seal.	INSTALL a new lower steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN in this section. GO to COMPONENT TESTS , Tie-Rod Articulation Torque in this section. GO to COMPONENT TESTS , Steering Linkage in this section. REFER to FRONT article for the suspension diagnoses and testing. INSTALL new steering column bearing(s). REFER to STEERING COLUMN in this section.
Shimmy	Loose, worn or damaged tie-rod end. Loose, worn or damaged tie-rod. Suspension components.	GO to COMPONENT TESTS , Steering Linkage in this section. GO to COMPONENT TESTS , Tie-Rod Articulation Torque in this section. REFER to FRONT article for the suspension diagnosis and testing.