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Home >> Ford >> 2012 >> Mustang Base, 2D Convertible, Automatic Trans >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1428 (Electronic Power Assist Steering Component Testing) >> Pin Point Tests >> Pin Point Test V: DTC C102D: High Friction Inside Power Steering >> Normal Operation
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Normal Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The PSCM monitors various inputs and outputs of the EPAS system in order to keep the system operating at peak capacity. Information provided by sensors (steering torque, vehicle speed, vehicle travel distance, etc.) are all compared to programmed and learned information. Likewise, outputs like the motor and steering rack (travel) are tested against programmed and learned information.

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. V1: 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  V4. ADJUST the air pressure in the tires. GO to  V2.
  2. V2: CHECK FOR LOADED STEERING SYSTEM TRAVEL FEEL 
    • Ignition ON, engine running.
    • 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  V3. GO to  V4.
  3. V3: 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 the PSCM DTC return? 
      Yes No
      GO to  V4. The concern was most likely due to low or uneven tire pressures. The repair is complete, RETURN the vehicle.
  4. V4: CHECK FOR UNLOADED STEERING SYSTEM TRAVEL FEEL 
    • With the transmission in NEUTRAL, position the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Jacking And Lifting .
    • 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
      INSTALL a new EPAS gear.
      REFER to Power Steering 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.
      When complete, SELECT the "X" in the top right corner to CLOSE this procedure.      		 GO to  V5.
  5. V5: INSPECT THE INNER TIE RODS AND STEERING RACK FOR CORROSION 
    • Remove the outer tie rod and bellows boot. Refer to Power Steering System .
    • 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
      GO to  V6. INSTALL a new EPAS gear.
      REFER to Power Steering 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.
      When complete, SELECT the "X" in the top right corner to CLOSE this procedure.
  6. V6: CHECK FOR UNLOADED STEERING RACK TRAVEL FEEL 
    • With the transmission in NEUTRAL, position the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Jacking And Lifting .
    • Ignition OFF.
    • Disconnect the outer tie rods from the wheel knuckles. Refer to Tie Rod Removal and Installation in Power Steering System .
    • 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  V7.
  7. V7: 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 EPAS 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
      INSTALL a new EPAS gear.
      REFER to Power Steering 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.
      When complete, SELECT the "X" in the top right corner to CLOSE this procedure.      		 GO to  V8.
  8. V8: 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 Supplemental Restraint System .
    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 Power Steering System .
      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 Suspension System - General Information .
      If this is a Ford paid repair, INCLUDE the RVC on the warranty claim form.
      REFER to Suspension System - General Information to DIAGNOSE further possible causes.      		 INSTALL a new steering column shaft assembly.
      REFER to Steering Column .
      When complete, SELECT the "X" in the top right corner to CLOSE this procedure.
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