2008 Escape 2wd 2.3L

[KA3NXN]

I have a 2008 escape as described above in the title that sometimes what it will do is when you’re driving down the road the steering gets really stiff and goes into manual mode and the engine light starts flashing. Unfortunately I have not been able to pull the code because it only happens for a few minutes and then it clears. I know there was a recall for this vehicle, and it was taken in, in 2017for the recall, but it seems like the issue is happening again. We did not own the vehicle when it was first supposedly recalled. Also, the dashboard is showing that the vehicle has over 991,000 miles which we know it does not.

 

[J_C]

Hmm, Rock Auto shows a steering pump for an '08 like it's hydraulic. "IF" it is, then I'd guess that your belt is slipping, that you may need a new belt tensioner and probably good to throw a new belt on while you're at it.

If you instead have electric steering, was the recall for the torque sensor in the steering column?

You might get a scan tool capable of Ford-specific fault codes and live data and have it running to show faults as they happen. How often does this happen?

Specifically I'd look at the data for the torque sensor, if the scan tool can show it, especially when you are turning the wheel, and the steering wheel position sensor if it has one of those too. The right scan tool for the job, should show what is causing the engine light to flash.

I don't know if you have any recourse due to the prior recall, if they'll do the work again (for free, might be on the hook for a shop diagnostic charge if not the same problem) if it IS the *same* problem. You might call the local Ford service department and ask.

Just to leave no stone unturned, I'd also check the basics such as tight battery clamps, no excessive corrosion on battery terminals, good battery ground. Does the engine seem to continue running good when the steering goes out? Have you ever had it happen at night and also observed the headlights dimming? Can you replicate this with it parked and idling? Granted it's hard on the steering to be turning the wheel when it isn't moving.

 

[RangerX]

Closing this duplicate thread, continue discussion here 2008 Escape 2wd 2.3L