Ford recalls nearly 423K vehicles for power steering problem

[blwnsmoke]

Peter, although this does not include the Explorer, I hope you will let this stay for discussion purposes since the Explorers are still having this problem.

Ford is recalling nearly 423,000 cars and SUVs in North America because the power-assisted steering can fail while they're being driven.

The recall covers certain Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles, as well as the Lincoln MKS and MKT from 2011 through 2013. Also covered are the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ from 2011 through 2012 and some 2011 Mercury Milans.

Ford says an intermittent electrical connection can cause the power steering to stop. That sends the steering into manual mode, making the vehicles harder to control.

Dealers will either update power steering software or replace the steering gear.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ford-recalls-nearly-423k-vehicles-131236001.html


This is the best part of it.. "Ford says an intermittent electrical connection can cause the power steering to stop." So it is an ELECTRICAL CONNECTION problem but Ford is going to try to pass this off with a software reflash (just like the original recall on Explorers) which I assume will be done if there are no codes and then once you get the failure, Ford will have met their recall obligations and hit the customer with the replacement bill.

 

[peterk9]

I also posted about this in the Power Steering issue thread. Here is the post;

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3416132&postcount=942

Peter

 

[Bobmbx]

Better question:

Why does software control the power steering in the first place?

1965 Ford Galaxy 500s are looking pretty good nowadays.

 

[182RG]

Better question: Why does software control the power steering in the first place?

Because it's electro-mechanical based. The issue is the ribbon cable that drives the electronics. They are wearing and shorting.

The TSB was in place to flash the ECU to make the failure of this cable more manageable while driving. Replacement of the rack is the real fix (if you are under warranty)

 

[Bobmbx]

Because it's electro-mechanical based. The issue is the ribbon cable that drives the electronics. They are wearing and shorting.

The TSB was in place to flash the ECU to make the failure of this cable more manageable while driving. Replacement of the rack is the real fix (if you are under warranty)

Power steering existed, and didn't suffer from intermittent software/cable failures, for decades. It was probably cheaper then, too.

 

[acschilling]

Tin-whiskers!

 

[Bobmbx]

Tin-whiskers!

I didn't read the article. Is that what they're claiming?

 

[blwnsmoke]

Power steering existed, and didn't suffer from intermittent software/cable failures, for decades. It was probably cheaper then, too.

The reason is simple frankly.. By it not being belt driven, it makes the motor more efficient in their quest for higher mpgs...

That right there is the reason they did it as well as other manufacturers. The problem is, this is the result that WE have to deal with.

As much as I love Ford, I'm disgusted by the way Ford is handling this issue.