How To Fix Power Steering Assist Fault in Ford Focus – 3 Methods That Work!

So, you are not sure how to fix power steering assist fault in Ford Focus. Start with identifying the cause behind the issue.

Because of faulty steering gears, low battery power, and an error in the EPS, you’ll likely experience the power steering assist fault in the Ford Focus. For troubleshooting, you need to change the bad gears, replace the battery, and reset the EPS with an IDS or scan tool.

Here in this guide, I’ll break down the symptoms, diagnosis, cause, and fixes of this issue for easy troubleshooting. Let’s Begin!

Symptoms of Power Steering Assist Fault in Ford Focus!

There are a few common signs that tell you as a driver that your Ford Focus car’s power steering is not working. Here are a few signs:

1. Power steering fault service required message shown in the dashboard.
2. Vibration in the steering wheel.
3. Hard to shift the steering wheel.

Diagnosis of Ford Focus Power Steering Assist Fault!

To identify the exact cause of the power steering issue in your Ford Focus, you’ll need to use the scan tool to find the DTC codes. Here’s how to do that:

• Firstly, you only need to connect the scan tool to your car and laptop.
• Then, scan the DTC codes.
• Afterward, check the codes and their causes which would be written on the screen.

In case you don’t know, let me share some of the common DTC fault codes that appear when the power steering assist doesn’t work:

How to Fix Power Steering Assist Fault in Ford Focus?

To fix the power steering assist issue in your Ford Focus car, you’ll need to know the causes. In order to help you with it, here I’ll share the causes and fixes:

Cause #1: EPS System Error

A lot of times the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system might stop working properly, which causes the power steering assist mode to get disabled.

When this happens, a message will pop up on your car’s dashboard or instrument panel. To fix it, you can reset the system and that should make the message go away.

How to Resolve?

If you are wondering how to reset power steering assist fault Ford Focus, it’s easy to do with an IDS or scan tool. Here’s how to do it:

• To start with, insert the IDS or scan tool into your car along with your laptop with a USB hub.
• Next, open the file that shows the DTC code and scan it to find the error code in the EHPAS drive.
• Then, follow the on-screen instructions to reset the system.

Cause #2: Low Battery

Sometimes the battery in your car can lose power and only give around 60% to 75% voltages of its usual strength. When this happens, the car might not run the system properly, and some functions like the power steering might not function based on one user in Ford Owners Club.

To make things right, you just need to charge the battery completely so it can give its full 100% power. In that case, just contact a Ford dealer or its authorized auto stores. They might replace the battery for free if it’s under warranty, or you can try replacing it yourself.

How to Resolve?

• Begin with safety in mind. You’ll need to ensure the car is turned off and wear safety gloves.
• Then, take the bolt securing the black pin (-) of the battery from the bracket on the suspension tower. Next, remove the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) wiring plug and unclip the wiring loom.
• Afterward, disconnect the vacuum hose and air outlet hose, releasing any retaining clips or straps. Then, pull up and detach the front cover located above the battery.
• Next, loosen up the red pin (+) clamp nut and detach it from the terminal.
• Afterward, remove the wiring plugs and unclip the wiring looms around the battery tray. Be sure to slide and remove the front panel of the battery tray.
• Now, detach the nuts securing the battery retaining clamp. Be careful when you slide the battery forward and disconnect the battery sensor wiring plug. Then, lift the bulky battery out of place, handling it with care.
• Once it’s done, loosen up the nut and disconnect the black lead (-) clamp from the battery negative terminal (if needed).
• Then, refit the black lead (-) clamp securely onto the negative terminal of the new battery. You can also apply petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.
• After that, put the new battery in the tray.
• Next, reinstall all the removed parts.
• Then, connect the scan tool to both the car and your laptop. Afterward, open FORScan and connect it to the car by turning on the key.
• After it’s connected, follow the steps on the screen (hit the Wrench Icon > BdyCM Battery Monitoring System Reset > Play button).
• Next, follow the instructions.
• When it’s done, hit Stop and check for any issues before you disconnect FORScan from the car.

Note: Always refer to the specific car owner’s manual or seek professional help if unsure about anything.

Cause #3: Bad Steering Rack and Pinion

Another possible reason you might see a message on your car’s dashboard about a power steering assist fault could be because of a faulty steering gear.

Usually, it’s the steering rack and pinion part that’s causing the steering to become harder to move. To fix this, you’ll need to replace this specific part either by taking your car to a Ford dealer or doing it yourself.

How to Resolve?

• To begin with, you’ll need to use a 19-millimeter socket to loosen five lug nuts on the wheel.
• Then, loosen the jam nut using a 24-millimeter wrench, and if it’s stuck, gently tap it with a rubber mallet.
• Afterward, use a 15-millimeter socket to remove the tie rod nut and gently separate the tie rod from the knuckle using a hammer.
• Next, count the turns it takes to remove the tie rod for alignment purposes. If needed, remove the inner tie rod nut using a 24-millimeter socket and air gun, applying heat if necessary.
• Once it’s done, take out the bellows boot using needle-nose pliers and a pry bar with a hammer. Also, ensure to replace the boot, secure it with a wire tie, and cut off any excess if you can.
• After that, apply anti-seize on the threads of the new tie rod and install it, matching the number of turns from the old one.
• Now, reattach the tie rod to the knuckle, torque the castle nut to 35 foot-pounds, secure it with a cotter pin, and bend the pin to lock it in place.
• Then, tighten the jam nut and straighten the tie rod before putting the wheel back on.
• Lastly, tighten the lug nuts snugly and finally torque them to 100 foot-pounds.

Ending Notes

Fixing the power steering assist fault in the Ford Focus is pretty straightforward once you identify and know the reason.

From the Ford dealer or auto store, the fixes may cost a lot ($3,000 or more). but, if you think getting help from an expert is better, then do so. Hope this guide helps you in any way. Catch you in the next guide soon!

If you have a Ford Escape and facing the same issue, learn here to know how you can fix the power steering assist fault Ford Escape. Start Reading!