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?)

This page contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

 

[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

 

[007tbirdSteve]

Have had difficult steering also on our 2003. Trusted mechanic says all ok. ThunderbirdBob performed the “update” about a month ago and said the FEM was ok. So what I did was bought a “necker knob” (what we used to call them in the 50’s and 60’s), and it makes turning corners and going into parking spaces much easier. I understand they are banned in some states, but mine is black and blends in with the black steering wheel. Otherwise, the car drives great!

 

[Carrera]

Have had difficult steering also on our 2003. Trusted mechanic says all ok. ThunderbirdBob performed the “update” about a month ago and said the FEM was ok. So what I did was bought a “necker knob” (what we used to call them in the 50’s and 60’s), and it makes turning corners and going into parking spaces much easier. I understand they are banned in some states, but mine is black and blends in with the black steering wheel. Otherwise, the car drives great!

Interesting idea...whas hoping not to give up on it....anyone know how to get a power treering system wiring diagram?

 

[Carrera]

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

"Check for faults stored in all of the control modules before proceeding." I have a code reader that I can plug into an outlet under the dash by the steering column are you saying that there are mutiple control modules to plug into individually?

 

[doug7740]

Interesting idea...whas hoping not to give up on it....anyone know how to get a power treering system wiring diagram?

 

[doug7740]

"Check for faults stored in all of the control modules before proceeding." I have a code reader that I can plug into an outlet under the dash by the steering column are you saying that there are mutiple control modules to plug into individually?

Yes, there are quite a few control modules and they can all be accessed by connecting a scan tool, not a code reader, to the OBD connector under the dash.

biddle recommends using the Blue Driver scan tool/code reader. If you are just starting out, this is a very good scan tool for home use.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

 

[jfredjr]

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

Sorry for the late reply. I have not yet attempted to replace the FEM. Still parked in the garage.