Symptom Chart - Adaptive Steering System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Lincoln MKX and 2018 Ford Edge. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Diagnostics in this article assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to: Diagnostic Methods in General Information article

A module does not respond to the diagnostic scan tool.

Possible Source	Action
Fuse Wiring, terminals or connectors SASM concern SECM concern	-

Click noise with or without steering wheel movement during vehicle startup or shutdown

The adaptive steering system is designed with a locking device. The SECM carries out a self-test during vehicle startup and shutdown. During this time, some noise and movement from the steering wheel may occur and is a normal operating condition of the adaptive steering system.

Possible Source	Action
Adaptive steering motor Adaptive steering locking device	-

Front wheel contacting suspension control arm

Possible Source	Action
Front toe out of adjustment Adaptive steering wheel angle sensor trim out of adjustment Adaptive steering system motor angle sensor trim out of adjustment SASM-clockspring assembly incorrectly installed	-

High steering effort

NOTE: The SECM does not typically affect steering effort. Investigate the steering gear and steering column bellows boot before evaluating the SECM.

Possible Source	Action
Steering gear Steering column bellows boot (steering gear-to-steering column connection)	-

The red adaptive steering system warning indicator is always on

Possible Source	Action
Adaptive steering system lock failure	-

The yellow adaptive steering system warning indicator is always on

Possible Source	Action
Adaptive steering system failure Lost communication with the IPC An airbag deployment or fuel cutoff event has occurred	-

The yellow adaptive steering system warning indicator flashes once per second during start up

Possible Source	Action
Offset between the steering wheel and road wheels is too large	-

Message center displays Adaptive Steering Initialization

Possible Source	Action
Offset between the steering wheel and road wheels is too large	-

Message center displays Adaptive Steering Off Service Required

Possible Source	Action
Adaptive steering system failure Lost communication with the IPC An airbag deployment or fuel cutoff event has occurred	-

Message center displays Adaptive Steering Loss Do Not Drive

Possible Source	Action
Adaptive steering system lock failure	-

Steering tie-rods adjusted unevenly

Possible Source	Action
Front toe out of adjustment Adaptive steering system motor angle sensor trim out of adjustment Adaptive steering wheel angle sensor trim out of adjustment	-

Steering wheel is off center (clearvision is outside of expected parameters)

NOTE: If the clockspring is incorrectly installed, the steering wheel clear vision can be off by as much as 90 degrees.

Possible Source	Action
Clockspring incorrectly installed Adaptive steering wheel angle sensor trim out of adjustment Adaptive steering system motor angle sensor trim out of adjustment Front toe out of adjustment Tires EPAS gear mounts Steering column shaft U-joints Steering column Suspension components EPAS gear	-

Steering wheel is off center following adaptive steering trim service routines

Possible Source	Action
Adaptive steering wheel angle sensor trim out of adjustment Adaptive steering system motor angle sensor trim out of adjustment Front toe out of adjustment	-

Turn signals cancel unevenly

Possible Source	Action
SASM-clockspring assembly incorrectly installed Adaptive steering system motor angle sensor trim out of adjustment Adaptive steering wheel angle sensor trim out of adjustment Front toe out of adjustment Steering column	-

Uneven steering wheel rotation lock-to-lock

Possible Source	Action
Front toe out of adjustment SASM-clockspring assembly incorrectly installed Adaptive steering wheel angle sensor trim out of adjustment Adaptive steering system motor angle sensor trim out of adjustment Steering column	-