Steering Assist Fault - Service Required

[trmkars]

Has anyone else seen or experienced this issue? "Steering Assist Fault - Service Required"

With 109k miles on my Ranger (many of them in rough conditions) -- I received this error message on the highway just north of Vegas. I just filled the tank and driving like normal and this message popped up. I could feel something with steering was different.

I didn't show any error codes, I was able to clear it a couple times by disconnecting the battery but the issue returned within 30 minutes of driving (again just normal highway driving).

I ended up pulling the power steering assist fuse. Completed my trip to Nevada, and returned home.

After being home and couple days and way more research I was ready to really troubleshoot the issue and fix it. I put the fuse back in and now everything is normal again. Now at 110k miles.

It's been several weeks - no sign of any issues.

(now I did have a prior incident with steering a year and half ago, so I suspect issue is related to steering angle sensor in the column)

Well let me know - has anyone else dealt with this before?

Thanks

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[RangerBill]

Has anyone else seen or experienced this issue? "Steering Assist Fault - Service Required"

With 109k miles on my Ranger (many of them in rough conditions) -- I received this error message on the highway just north of Vegas. I just filled the tank and driving like normal and this message popped up. I could feel something with steering was different.

I didn't show any error codes, I was able to clear it a couple times by disconnecting the battery but the issue returned within 30 minutes of driving (again just normal highway driving).

I ended up pulling the power steering assist fuse. Completed my trip to Nevada, and returned home.

After being home and couple days and way more research I was ready to really troubleshoot the issue and fix it. I put the fuse back in and now everything is normal again. Now at 110k miles.

It's been several weeks - no sign of any issues.

(now I did have a prior incident with steering a year and half ago, so I suspect issue is related to steering angle sensor in the column)

Well let me know - has anyone else dealt with this before?

Thanks

Use a code reader such as Forscan and retrieve the codes. There should be stored codes for this message appearing. Many cheaper code readers won't read all modules in the truck.

 

[trmkars]

Use a code reader such as Forscan and retrieve the codes. There should be stored codes for this message appearing. Many cheaper code readers won't read all modules in the truck.

I do have a Forscan reader, so I will have to give that one a try. I was/am using a bluetooth scanner that others here have used in the past and I paid for the upgrade to see more PIDs or something.

Okay, I will try using Forscan. Thanks RangerBill!

 

[airline tech]

This is one of those - fault messages that may not show a code (history) unless it is an active fault - so if it pops back up, scan before cycling the ignition.

 

[NotBudule2]

. Many cheaper code readers won't read all modules in the truck.

Can you suggest a reasonably cheap code reader that will read all the important stuff? I hate to pull the trigger on one and find out it didn't do all thats needed...

 

[RangerBill]

Can you suggest a reasonably cheap code reader that will read all the important stuff? I hate to pull the trigger on one and find out it didn't do all thats needed...

I use Forscan and their recommended adaptor listed on this web page:
https://forscan.org/home.html
It runs on a Windows computer and seems to be able to see DTC codes from all the modules in the Ranger. It is the one I use. The software is free to read codes.

 

[Frenchy]

Definitely get it checked. Best case scenario it's a loose connection like a ground or something(had that happen with a Nissan Altima with the Electric Power Steering Pump. Yes that is a thing). Worst case scenario it's a faulty rack and pinion.

 

[NotBudule2]

I use Forscan and their recommended adaptor listed on this web page:
https://forscan.org/home.html
It runs on a Windows computer and seems to be able to see DTC codes from all the modules in the Ranger. It is the one I use. The software is free to read codes.

So you don't need a "handheld" scanner, just the adapter that hooks to a laptop and forscan ? I was under the impression that a "scanner" (handheld with its own screen) was still needed even with the adapter and forscan and have been hesitant to buy anything...

 

[Frenchy]

So you don't need a "handheld" scanner, just the adapter that hooks to a laptop and forscan ? I was under the impression that a "scanner" (handheld with its own screen) was still needed even with the adapter and forscan and have been hesitant to buy anything...

ForScan is a neat tool that also does Scanning Specific to Ford Lincoln Mercury Vehicles. You can do quite a bit with it. Of course there are still limitations like updating the PCM with a Factory Update, but you can still do quite a bit. It's worth having if you have a Ford Vehicle and don't plan on switching.

 

[RangerBill]

So you don't need a "handheld" scanner, just the adapter that hooks to a laptop and forscan ? I was under the impression that a "scanner" (handheld with its own screen) was still needed even with the adapter and forscan and have been hesitant to buy anything...

A Windows computer (laptop), Forscan program, and the proper USB adaptor is all you need.

 

[airline tech]

Yes - Forscan is a great for - Code Reading & As-Built (Customization) but it has some limitations as far as - T-Shooting Live Data - PID viewing and Bi-Directional - Testing.
It lacks the full PID database and even then, its cumbersome to get the PID display you want.
It requires a manual selection vs loading the full PID display automatically (in each module)
Forscan - shines over all scan tools including FDRS as it allows easy - As-Built data changes. This is its main function.

 

[RangerBill]

I would say a main function of Forscan is reading DTC codes. It is very useful for that purpose.

 

[trmkars]

Thank you everyone for the input! I will update if/when I learn something else with this issue.

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