2011 lost power assist- no DTC- No Steering

[Picocycle]

I have a 2011 Explorer and have twice lost power assist. The belt(s) are "Screaming". Almost impossible to steer. The first time the dealer patted my wife on the head, charged her $40. Done nothing and sent her on her way. The second time it happened, she almost went into on coming traffic. The dealer said "don't turn it off" and she left it running in their lot. They drove it 100 miles and had no fault. They can't reproduce the failure. The unit had the software update for the power steering recall. SO if the torque sensor was at fault, the PSCU should have captured the DTC's. My question is this...It was really wet during the (2) incidents. Can the belt driving the alternator slip and cause a loss of power assist ?? I would think VBatt would be supplied with out the need of the alternator, to supply power for the power assist. That is until the battery drains too low. Power Assist is a safety item...Like Brakes. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated... What can we do to avoid this issue ?
My wife loves the Explorer, I would hate to ditch it because we can't trust it to be safe.

 

[FordService]

I have a 2011 Explorer and have twice lost power assist...

Welcome to the forum, Picocycle; I want to do what I can to help. How many miles are on your Explorer? I'll start digging into some options to assist.

Crystal

 

[Picocycle]

We purchased the vehicle used a few months ago.
XLT currently with 83278 miles.

 

[FordService]

We purchased the vehicle used a few months ago.
XLT currently with 83278 miles.

Thanks for following up, Picocycle. I'll escalate this to your regional customer service manager so they can assist. To get started, send me a private message (PM) with your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, current mileage, and servicing dealership. Leave the rest to me.

Crystal

 

[Picocycle]

It happened again. Only worse.

Thanks for following up, Picocycle. I'll escalate this to your regional customer service manager so they can assist. To get started, send me a private message (PM) with your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, current mileage, and servicing dealership. Leave the rest to me.

Crystal

I was driving home in traffic. I receive a " charging system failure ". Lost power steering assist. Loosing the steering assist wasn't the worst, I instantly expected this following the charging error alert. But while strong arming the wheel while in the center lane of 3 lanes, " it came back ". I was strong arming to the left and the vehicle suddenly " jumped " into the other lane. As I was proceeding home, I received the "check break system warning", and all the associated warning lights. I snapped a picture of the dash lights. Also Sync shut down. The battery bar appeared and crept from left to right and went blank. The really crazy thing. It was not really raining. It was misting. I left church, drove 35 miles to town, ran errands, jumped on the bypass, lost steering, started home and began loosing the rest of electrical system, in addition to having intermittent steering. I pulled over 4 times to let the system reset. Every time the steering returned the vehicle would " jump " ... This is very dangerous. I need a solution. Fast.

 

[FordService]

...Every time the steering returned the vehicle would " jump " ... This is very dangerous. I need a solution. Fast.

Did you go to your dealership so they could help, Picocycle? PM me your current mileage and a verification of your best daytime phone number so I can arrange for your CSM to call you.

Crystal

 

[Picocycle]

Crystal;
I have no trouble codes, because It happened on Sunday, the first of Feb. I scheduled a visit last night 2-10. I requested a new alternator belt. Maybe it is the tensioning, I don't know. I requested the old belt, it looks like new. Everything points to electrical failure when the air is wet. But only after an active hour of driving. No puddles necessary. 60mph driving in wet air. It may be another month before I have another wet air event.
Please look into your database history and find a glimmer of hope. I could occasionally hear a little squealing from the belt when I loose the electrical system. But could a heavy current draw from infiltrated moisture cause the alternator to be too difficult for the belt to turn at 60mph ???

 

[FordService]

Crystal;
I have no trouble codes, because It happened on Sunday, the first of Feb. I scheduled a visit last night 2-10. I requested a new alternator belt. Maybe it is the tensioning, I don't know. I requested the old belt, it looks like new. Everything points to electrical failure when the air is wet. But only after an active hour of driving. No puddles necessary. 60mph driving in wet air. It may be another month before I have another wet air event.
Please look into your database history and find a glimmer of hope. I could occasionally hear a little squealing from the belt when I loose the electrical system. But could a heavy current draw from infiltrated moisture cause the alternator to be too difficult for the belt to turn at 60mph ???

Hi Picocyle,

I'm not a technician, so I don't have access to mechanical information or repair guides; your best bet will be to discuss this with the service manager at your local dealership.

Crystal