Power steering assist fault is one of the most common problems with the ford fusion not only fusion but also other ford models.
The problem is so common that Ford issued a recall on some models. In this article, I am talking about the possible causes and things you can do to fix the “Power Steering Assist Fault” on your Fusion, Let’s jump to it.
What Does Power Steering Assist Fault Mean on a Ford?
The power steering assist fault on a Ford is a message that displays when the power steering system on your vehicle has failed. When this happens the steering will feel heavier since it is not assisted by the power steering system.
Now that we spoke about what this fault really means, now, let’s look at the main causes of the power steering assist fault on a Ford.
Why Does Your Fusion Display “Power steering Assist Fault”?
Since the newer Ford fusion models are equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems, it is more prone to experiencing power steering assist faults.
These systems use electric motors to assist the driver in turning their vehicle’s wheels. Here are the causes of the power steering assist fault on your Ford Fusion.
1. Faulty Electric Power Steering Fuse:
If the fuse is faulty, then it will cause the power steering assist fault on your Ford Fusion.
In order to check this, first, you need to look for the fuse box under the instrument panel, Once you have located it, check if there are any blown fuses inside or not.
If there are none and still your Fusion displays the power steering assist fault on startup then move on to the next cause.
2. Broken Steering Vacuum Line:
When the vacuum line is broken, it will cause the power steering assist fault on your Ford Fusion. You can check this by first checking if there are any cracks or breaks in the vacuum line itself.
If there are none and still your Fusion displays the power steering assist fault on startup then move on to the next cause.
3. Worn Out Electrical Wires:
If there are any worn-out electrical wires, it will cause the power steering assist fault on your Ford Fusion. Wires do get worn out over time as the car is exposed to various factors like heat, cold, and moisture.
If there are any worn-out electrical wires then I would advise you to get the replaced as soon as possible. You can also check if there are any loose connections in the wires and tighten them up if you find any.
Related Post: Tire Pressure Sensor Fault Causes on a Ford Fusion.
4. Damaged Steering Rack:
Although the steering rack generally doesn’t fail often, they do get damaged over time.
The main issue with the steering rack is that it’s impossible to see if it has been damaged or not unless you take off the front wheels and check it out yourself.
some telltale signs that your Steering Rack is damaged are if there is any play in the steering wheel and if it feels like it’s vibrating when you are driving at high speeds, you hear Grinding Noises when turning.
What Should You Do if the Power Steering Assist Fault Warning Comes On?
The first thing I would recommend is to check if your model is part of the recall and if so, to have it repaired.
You can use your VIN number to find out if your model is affected by the recall.
If your Fusion isn’t part of the recall, then you should take it to your local Ford dealership and let them take a look at the issue.
The power steering assist system is a vital component of your Ford Fusion, so it’s best to get it checked out as soon as you can.
Can You Drive Your Fusion with a Power Steering Assist Fault?
As a Mechanic, I wouldn’t recommend you to drive with a faulty power steering assist since when this happens the steering becomes a lot stiffer and the car will feel like it’s pulling to one side.
You’ll have to put a lot more effort into turning your wheels, and this could lead to unwanted situations.
If you’re having problems with your Fusion’s power steering assist system, then it’s a good idea to get it looked at by a Ford dealership as soon as possible.
The sooner you can get the problem diagnosed and fixed, the better off you’ll be in the long run.
Additional Sources:
https://media.ford.com/content/dam/fordmedia/North%20America/US/product/2019/fusion/19_Fusion.pdf
My 2011 ford fusion was not on the recall list but is now showing the power steering assist fault on my dash with all the symptoms described in the recall. Would there by any more recalls in the future?
where is the electric power steering line located?
Since there is a recall in it than why won’t ford dealer ship fix it? They Said my Vin number isn’t part of the recall!! My 2013 is on the recall but not my car!