How to Fix Power Steering Assist Fault Ford Fusion? [Ultimate Guide]

Due to faulty parts, system bugs, fail-safe mode, or battery power drain, the power steering can stop working in Ford Fusion.

To fix the power steering assist fault in the Ford Fusion, address the issue by changing the defective parts, resetting the system, refilling the coolant, or lubricating the battery terminals.

These steps are relatively simple and can be performed without extensive technical knowledge. In the following guide, I’ll break down each task, providing clear instructions to empower you to tackle the problem on your own. So, let’s dive into it!

The Causes for Ford Fusion Power Steering Assist Fault!

There are quite a few reasons why your Ford Fusion car can show the power steering assist fault message on the dashboard. Let me share all of it below:

Cause #1: Damaged TPS

When the Throttle Pressure Sensor (TPS) gear is broken or spoiled, it can restrict the power steering from working properly.

This happens a lot and is one of the main reasons why folks see a power steering assist fault error message in the dashboard. To get rid of this issue, all you have to do is change the broken part with a new one.

Cause #2: PSCM or EPS System Error

Now and then, if there’s an issue with the PSCM or EPS system, the power steering might stop working. Due to overload, the car’s system can disable the power steering assist mode temporarily.

To figure out what’s going on, you’ll follow the Ford Fusion power steering assist fault reset process using a scan tool.

Cause #3: Activated Fail-safe Mode

Sometimes, when the emergency fail-safe mode turns on suddenly, it can limit certain systems including the power steering assist mode.

When this happens, a message about the problem might show up on the dashboard. You can fix this by turning off the car and adding more coolant to the reservoir.

Cause #4: Rust in Battery Terminals

Apart from other reasons, the corrosion in battery terminals can cause this kind of issue. Because of this, you’ll see overheating or sudden loss of low/high battery voltage. This causes the EPS to reduce the steering assist mode.

Due to this, it can switch to manual mode as the rust in the battery pins fails to send power to the car.

Based on Just Answer, the battery’s low voltage sends codes in power steering. And, the codes stop the motor from operating which causes this issue. To sort this out, you’ll have to put some lubricant on the battery terminals.

Cause #5: Bad Steering Gear

Another reason for this kind of issue is damaged steering gear that eventually makes the wheel harder to turn with the error message on the dashboard. To resolve the issue, you’ll need to change the steering gear.

Cause #6: Faulty Fuse

The last possible reason is blown-out EPS fuses that power the power steering assist system. According to one user in Vehicle History, it’s good to check the fuse’s condition before doing any solutions.

Once you are sure that the fuses are burnt, you’ll need to change the fuses to new ones to make this system work again.

Fix Power Steering Assist Fault Ford Fusion!

After knowing all the causes of the power steering assist fault Ford Fusion, it’s time to know how you can fix it by yourself. Here’s the detail:

Solution #1: Replace TPS Part

• To begin with, find the air filter housing, a big black box near the throttle body under the hood. Then, follow the inlet to locate the throttle body mounted nearby. After that, check for debris around this area to ensure cleanliness.
• Next, locate a red locking tab and pull it towards the front of the car. After finding it, press the center tab to remove the connection. Then, inspect the removed part for rust or damage.
• Afterward, you’ll need to detach the inlet tube connected to the throttle body. Next, set the tube aside to access the mounting bolts.
• Then, take out the 4 mounting bolts holding the throttle body. Be careful when you take out the throttle body, paying attention to a gasket attached.
• Once it’s done, inspect the gasket to know if it’s in good shape and clean it for reuse. Next, check for any debris or dirt around the area where the throttle body sits.
• After that, inspect the inside of the tube for debris or oil residue (oil residue may be normal due to the PCV tube). If the gasket is in good condition, place it back in position. Then, ensure the wiring harness of the new throttle body faces the correct direction.
• Now, place the new throttle body in position and align it correctly. Next, start and snug all four bolts before torquing them to 89 inch-pounds in a crisscross pattern.
• Lastly, reattach the inlet tube, PCV hose, disconnected wiring harnesses, and so on parts.
• After doing that, here are a few things that you’ll need to start the car and ensure there’s no Check Engine Light (CEL). Then, take the car for a test drive to ensure everything works smoothly.

Solution #2: Reset Power Steering Assist System

• To change how the power steering works, you can use a special tool that connects your car to a computer. Then, follow the given steps:
• First, turn off the engine and wait for 10 seconds.
• Then, start the engine again. This will reset the EPS system.
• Next, follow the directions on the screen to finish resetting everything. If you want more details, you can check out a guide about fixing power steering issues in the 2011-2012 Ford Fusion.

Solution #3: Turn Off the Engine and Refill the Coolant

• First, make sure your car’s engine is turned off and has cooled down. Also, ensure that the vehicle is in Park or Neutral and that the parking brake is set.
• Next, pop open the hood and find the engine coolant reservoir. Usually, it looks see-through and white, connected to the radiator by hoses.
• On the side of the reservoir, there’s a marked fill range. When the engine is cool, the coolant level should reach the line for cold temperatures.
• Then, gently loosen the cap on the reservoir, step back to let the pressure out, and then remove the cap entirely.
• After that, check if the coolant level is low or not. Then, add the right coolant to the reservoir, not directly into the radiator.
• Once the coolant hits the cold fill line, put the cap back on and twist it until you hear a click. Finally, shut the hood and turn on the engine.

Solution #4: Lubricate the Battery Terminals

• To start with, open the car hood and use a 10mm socket to loosen the nuts on the red (+) and black (-) battery terminals.
• Then, disconnect the cables and place them aside so that they don’t contact with other gears or each other.
• Next, remove the battery by using an 8mm socket to detach all the bolts.
• After that, clean the terminals with baking soda and water.
• Once it’s done, wipe them down and reinstall everything back in place before closing the hood. You can know the process in detail by checking this guide where I’ve described how you can fix the Ford F150 won’t start no clicking noise.

Solution #5: Change the Steering Gear

• Begin the process by making sure the wheels are straight and the steering wheel is centered and locked.
• Then, lift the car and take off the front wheels.
• Afterward, take off any covers attached to the car.
• Next, disconnect the sensors and electrical parts connected to the steering. Then, secure the exhaust pipe with ties and remove it carefully to get rid of damage.
• After that, undo the bolts holding different steering parts and take them out. Now, remove the bolts holding the steering gear and shields, then carefully take out the steering gear.
• Lastly, install the new steering gear and put everything back together in the opposite order. You can know this procedure in a better way by checking this guide that explains how you can fix the 2010 Ford Fusion power steering assist fault.

Solution #6: Replace Burnt Fuses

• Start by finding the box for car fuses inside the passenger area. It should be under the left side of the steering wheel near the brake pedal. To know it better, be sure to check the owner’s manual.
• Then, take off the cover to see inside.
• Afterward, look for fuses that power the EPS or PSCM system. Then, check its condition and if it’s not good, replace it with new ones. After that, put on the cover.
• Next, pop open the car hood and find the fuse box in the engine area. Then, take off the cover to see the fuses inside. After that, find fuses that energize the power steering assist system.
• Once it’s done, check these fuses too and if they’re not in good shape, swap them out with new ones.
• Finally, put back all the things you removed and close the car hood.

So, if you choose to go to the dealer, it’s vital to know how much does it cost to fix power steering in a Ford Fusion.

It costs around $2,500 – $5,000 or more (including tax and diagnosis costs) to fix the power steering in a Ford Fusion.

Ending Notes

That’s how to fix the power steering assist fault Ford Fusion! It only takes no more than 10 minutes to 2 hours to troubleshoot the issue.

You also need to have a little mechanical skill to change the parts like steering gear. If you are not confident in this field, it’s best to seek help from an expert.

Hope you find this guide helpful to get rid of the power steering issue in your Ford Fusion car. And, be sure to try the solutions given above. See Ya!