The 2011-2012 Ford Fusion power steering assist fault often stems from either a PSCM system error or a damaged steering gear. To resolve it, you can reset the PSCM system using a scan tool/IDS or replace the steering gear.
In this guide, I’ll share the diagnosis, causes, and solutions for the power steering assist issue. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Diagnosis of the 2011 – 2012 Ford Fusion Power Steering Assist Fault!
You’ll need an IDS or scan tool that is the latest version. With this, you can detect the reason for the power steering assist fault 2011 – 2012 Ford Fusion. Once you have this tool, do the following steps for quick diagnosis:
- To begin with, insert the IDS tool inside your car and the laptop.
- Then, check the PSCM aka Power Steering Control Module for the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
- Next, find the DTCs by checking the presence of DTCs like this:
- If the DTCs aren’t present (no loss of steering assist), it indicates the PSCM system error.
- If the DTCs are present (loss of steering assist), it means the power steering gear is faulty.
In case you are unaware of the DTCs, here are some of the codes that you’ll see that confirm loss of steering assist:
- C1B00-62
- C200B-2F
- C200B-61
- C200B-62
- C200C-2F
- C200D-49
- U0300-00
- U2011-49
- U2011-61
- U3000-46
- U3000-49
- U3000-61
- U3000-72
- U3000-96
- P07AE-09
Note: Be sure to check this guide if you want to know how to fix any year’s Ford Fusion power steering assist fault.
Reasons for the Ford Fusion 2011 to 2012 Power Steering Assist Fault!
Because of two specific reasons, the power steering assist fault Ford Fusion 2012 – 2011 error message pops in the car’s dashboard. Let me explain it below:
Cause #1: PSCM System Failure
The Ford Fusion 2011 – 2012 power steering assist fault occurs when the PSCM system fails to operate.
This system is like a brain that figures out how much help your steering wheel needs based on what you’re doing and how fast you’re driving. But when it gets overloaded, the car disables the power steering assist as a safety act.
When this happens, turning the steering wheel becomes really hard. Based on Car Parts, the system also switches to manual mode, which means you have to do more of the steering work yourself.
Cause #2: Faulty Power Steering Gear
One of the main reasons for the power steering assist fault in Ford cars including the 2011 to 2012 Fusion is a damaged steering gear.
The steering gear is like a key player in making your steering wheel work smoothly. But if it gets cracked or its insides stop doing their job properly, it messes up the power steering.
This means your car won’t get the help it needs from the power steering, and a warning might pop up on your dashboard to let you know something’s not right.
When this happens, driving your car might feel strange. It could drift oddly or pull to one side when you try to turn the steering wheel. Sometimes, this issue might even lead to a leak in the power steering fluid, as explained by Diesel Power Products.
How To Fix Power Steering Assist Fault Ford Fusion 2011 – 2012?
After knowing the root causes, you can easily fix 2011 – 2012 Ford Fusion power steering assist fault. To do that, here’s what you need to do based on reason:
Solution #1: Reset PSCM System
The 2011 – 2012 Ford Fusion power steering assist fault reset process is easy. Here’s how you can do it yourself:
- To start with, insert the IDS or scan tool into your car and laptop to see the DTC codes in PSCM.
- Then, a prompt will show on your laptop and you’ll need to click on the red icon at the top.
- After that, hit on Module Programming > Programmable Module Installation > PSCM.
- Next, you’ll need to set the ignition switch to the ON position.
- Afterward, the screen will show the VIN code and ask if it’s right. In this case, you’ll need to check the VIN code and hit Yes option.
- Once it’s done, you’ll need to follow the on-screen instructions and do the reset procedure.
Before you do the reset process, here are a few things that you need to check and do:
- Be sure the 12V battery is fully charged.
- Inspect the Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and cables to find damages.
- Turn off all the accessories including radio, heated seats, headlights, interior lights, remote start, alarm, HVAC system, and so on.
- Close all the doors.
- Disable IDS or scan tool sleep mode.
Solution #2: Replace Steering Gear
To change the steering gear, it would be easier if you have the transmission jack, securing zip ties, and socket or ratchet wrenches. Once you have all the gears, do the following steps:
- To begin with, you’ll need to ensure that the road wheels are in a straight position. Also, be sure the steering wheel is centered and lock it.
- Next, take out the steering column shaft from the steering gear pinion. For that, use the socket or ratchet wrench to detach the 28Nm retaining bolt.
- After that, take out the front wheels and tires. Be sure to jack up the car before doing that.
- Then, detach the engine undershield if attached. To do that, you’ll need to twist the locking tangs on the right side.
- Afterward, remove the headlamp leveling sensor from the right-hand lower arm and secure it.
- Once it’s done, detach the steering angle sensor’s electrical connector. Then, you’ll need to wrap the exhaust flexible pipe with zip ties.
- Now, remove the exhaust flexible pipe from the front axle cross-member exhaust hanger insulators. It’s best to use a pry bar for this process and prevent damage to the part.
- Next, take out the exhaust flexible pipe from the muffler and tailpipe. To do that, use a socket or ratchet wrench to remove the gasket and 48Nm nuts.
- Then, detach all the bolts that hold the tie-rod end, stabilizer bar link, and lower arm ball joint.
- After that, take out the 48Nm center retaining bolt on the engine support insulator and detach the front axle cross-member.
- Once it’s over, you’ll need to remove the steering gear’s exhaust heat shield and bulkhead floor seal. To detach the exhaust head shield, use the right tool to detach 7Nm retaining bolts.
- Then, remove the 90Nm retaining bolts to take out the steering gear safely. After that, install new steering gear and reinstall all the parts.
Ending Notes
Now that you know how to fix the 2011 – 2012 Ford Fusion power steering assist fault, be sure to attempt the troubleshooting method based on the root cause.
And, don’t hesitate to contact a Ford dealer to fix the issue under warranty service or spending bucks. Hope you find this guide helpful to get rid of the error message. See Ya!
Check out this interesting guide that shows how you can fix the Ford Fusion 2010 power steering assist fault.
