08 Taurus X SEL hard to steer

[movaughn]

Two weeks ago I noticed it was hard to steer my truck left or right. There are no codes and the power steering fluid is at the proper level. I called a ford dealership giving them the codes for the truck seeing there were recalls for power steering problems with Fords but was told my 08 Ford Taurus X was not covered. The other problem I have is I can't find any manuals for this truck.

Thanks in advance.

[shorod]

The first thing I'd suggest is to make sure the tires are properly inflated per the sticker in the driver's door jamb. If that's correct, then make sure the belt is spinning the power steering pump correctly. I expect your Taurus X to run the power steering pump off the same accessory drive belt as several other components so I doubt this is the issue.

If you have the key in the Run position with the engine off, is the steering more difficult than when the engine is running? Assuming it is, you probably have an issue with the Variable Assist Power Steering (VAPS) system. This is the system that is supposed to make it easy to steer your car in parking lots but yet provides good road feel at highway speeds. It could be something as simple as a loose connection to the steering rack for the electric assist. Have you had any work performed recently on the car? Maybe whomever did the work bumped the connector.

The VAPS system is not something that can be accessed by a standard consumer-grade scan tool so another option you have is to stop by a professional shop, confirm they have a scan tool that can access the power steering system, then have them check for diagnostic codes. Keep in mind many shops won't do this service for free, they could charge nearly $100 to check for diagnostic codes, especially if they don't expect to make any money off of fixing the problem.

-Rod

[movaughn]

Originally Posted by shorod

The first thing I'd suggest is to make sure the tires are properly inflated per the sticker in the driver's door jamb. If that's correct, then make sure the belt is spinning the power steering pump correctly. I expect your Taurus X to run the power steering pump off the same accessory drive belt as several other components so I doubt this is the issue.

If you have the key in the Run position with the engine off, is the steering more difficult than when the engine is running? Assuming it is, you probably have an issue with the Variable Assist Power Steering (VAPS) system. This is the system that is supposed to make it easy to steer your car in parking lots but yet provides good road feel at highway speeds. It could be something as simple as a loose connection to the steering rack for the electric assist. Have you had any work performed recently on the car? Maybe whomever did the work bumped the connector.

The VAPS system is not something that can be accessed by a standard consumer-grade scan tool so another option you have is to stop by a professional shop, confirm they have a scan tool that can access the power steering system, then have them check for diagnostic codes. Keep in mind many shops won't do this service for free, they could charge nearly $100 to check for diagnostic codes, especially if they don't expect to make any money off of fixing the problem.

-Rod

Thanks Rod,

The tires are fine I will look into the other options you stated this week and get back.

Vaughn