2003 Power Steering Not Working

[Carrera]

2002 power steering just quit working about 3 years ago, in the time since I have replaced all of the mechanical parts over time, taken it to 2 private shops and 2 Ford dealers, still stiff as a truck. Read about the FEM and sent that to a guy in Detroit who rebuilds them, stood on my head to replace it then nothing again....them one day I started it up and voila, magic I had my power steering back...but then two drives later nothing, then a while passes and its back again. Drives like a dream when it works but rare, getting ready to give up & sell it but thought I'd try asking this group for last ideas. Seems like an electrical thing going on and off at random...appreciate any and all thoughts, Thanks (PS on my last oil change I asked my mechanic to replce one last part, the pressure witch...he said he couldn't find the part to fit but said if it wasn't leaking it was fine is he right?)

 

[jfredjr]

2002 power steering just quit working about 3 years ago, in the time since I have replaced all of the mechanical parts over time, taken it to 2 private shops and 2 Ford dealers, still stiff as a truck. Read about the FEM and sent that to a guy in Detroit who rebuilds them, stood on my head to replace it then nothing again....them one day I started it up and voila, magic I had my power steering back...but then two drives later nothing, then a while passes and its back again. Drives like a dream when it works but rare, getting ready to give up & sell it but thought I'd try asking this group for last ideas. Seems like an electrical thing going on and off at random...appreciate any and all thoughts, Thanks (PS on my last oil change I asked my mechanic to replce one last part, the pressure witch...he said he couldn't find the part to fit but said if it wasn't leaking it was fine is he right?)

Not sure if my issue is the same as yours, but a few years ago my 2002 started leaking power steering fluid from a sensor mounted to the side of the pump. Replacing the sensor fixed the leak, but the steering has been heavy since the repair. The car soon after developed multiple symptoms of a defective FEM. Since heavy steering is one of the many symptoms of a defective FEM, I'm not sure if the replacement sensor created the steering issue or if it was the first sign of a dying module.

 

[Carrera]

Not sure if my issue is the same as yours, but a few years ago my 2002 started leaking power steering fluid from a sensor mounted to the side of the pump. Replacing the sensor fixed the leak, but the steering has been heavy since the repair. The car soon after developed multiple symptoms of a defective FEM. Since heavy steering is one of the many symptoms of a defective FEM, I'm not sure if the replacement sensor created the steering issue or if it was the first sign of a dying module.

Thank's for the reply...did you then fix/replace the FEM & restore the power steering?

 

[doug7740]

The Front Electronic Module (FEM) outputs a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) current to the control valve actuator. The control valve actuator controls the hydraulic valve that determines the amount of hydraulic assist provided to the steering gear. The FEM pulse-width modulates the control valve actuator current to provide the desired amount of assistance.

Yes, a defective FEM can cause your power steering to quit working, but fault code C1925 will also be stored in the FEM. There are other things that can also cause your power steering to quit working. Check for faults stored in all of the control modules before proceeding.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue