weird steering problem 97 Taurus Wagon

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weird steering problem 97 Taurus Wagon - 1/7/2007 1:38:11 PM

Ziggy1

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I am confronted with some strange symptoms, which have left me scratching my head. I don't even know how they are related?

Here it is...

I was driving home the other day, and all of a sudden I saw the Seatbelt light come on and the backlighting on the door power swithes went out. As i went to turn the corner I had lost power steering, I drove for a little while and the steering came back. This became intermittant, and I noticed that everytime the seatbelt light came on, the steering would go. The power windows also would not work, Oddly though if I put it neutral I could open the windows.

So can any one tell me what the Heck would be wrong? I had my mechanic look at it and he started leaning towards the Rack/pinion. I can't see that being the case, as one is electrical and the other is hydraulic??? The steering had no problems before...always smooth. There's no leaks and the fluid was always at the level.

I feel like my car is possessed LOL..

thanks for any help or insight.

Ziggy

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RE: weird steering problem 97 Taurus Wagon - 1/7/2007 5:22:32 PM

way2old

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Replace the Transmission Range sensor on the transmission. Ford runs a lot of different ground circuits through the sensor. It is located under the master cylinder where the cable comes to the shift linkage on top of the transaxle. It is fairly cheap and easily replaced. When installing new one, plae trnsmission in neutral. There are 2 little lines that need to e lined up with it in neutral. Install, line up marks, tighten and done.

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RE: weird steering problem 97 Taurus Wagon - 1/7/2007 6:35:12 PM

wheelsup68

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I've heard of this problem b4 also, and range sensor being fix, 1 quick question would b, do you think that the drive belt could be slipping, mabey causing loss of driving p/s pump pulley, and alternator not turning causing electrical issue. May have weak belt tensioner?

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RE: weird steering problem 97 Taurus Wagon - 1/7/2007 9:35:22 PM

Ziggy1

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Thanks for responding..

wheelsup68:
The belt is tight, no indication of slippage and the alternator does not seem to be a factor, the only electrical anomoly is the Power window (and back lighting on door switches) and the Seatbelt light comes on. There are no other signs that the electrical is failing, I drove quite a distance (20 KM's). Normally if it isn't charging the battery would die by then ( or at least indicate it was)

way2old:

So that sensor being bad would explain the steering also? I mean to me the events happening together, tell me they are somehow connected? That is what is perplexing me the most, the electrical part is somewhat understandable, can ussually be explained by a bad ground relay etc, but the combination of the 2 is odd?

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RE: weird steering problem 97 Taurus Wagon - 1/8/2007 1:26:14 PM

Ziggy1

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I found these 2 posts, so it's good to know I'm not alone

http://www.fordforum.com/m_9548/tm.htm

http://www.fordforum.com/m_2343/tm.htm

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RE: weird steering problem 97 Taurus Wagon - 1/8/2007 1:53:27 PM

Ziggy1

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I found this link on a web search, couldn't have done it without you guys identifying what it's called. This is also similar to my problem. My mechanic was also thinking about the sensor on the steering rack that adjusts the stiffness based on your speed. For now he just flushed the steering system, and so far it seems OK. This could also make sense if the sensor was getting a bad reading from the fluid being sludgy? Any ways, I'll post back after a few days so this can be helpful to others.

This is the article http://www.automotivetroubleshootingsecrets.com/1998FordTaurus_radio_quitting_when_put_in_reverse.html

1998 Ford Taurus radio quitting when put in reverse. Car wiring question:

Three months ago, I bought a used 98 ford Taurus from an auction lot. I plan to use it my kid going to college. The last 2 days, the kid told me that sometimes, the radio quit when she put it in reverse. After that, the power steering goes haywire too. I confirmed this myself and it seems the engine and other components of the vehicle are fine except these 2 things. Is there something I can do here except to bring this car to a garage?

Vehicle wiring advice:

You do not need to bring this car to a garage because this problem is common! First of all, what is happening right now is your GEM module (another name for body computer) is acting up because one of the sensors it controls is defective. That sensor is called TRS sensor, which stands for transmission range sensor. Another equivalent of this sensor is your old neutral safety switch.

If the TRS sensor is defective, it will send a faulty signal to the GEM module, which will make the GEM module, shut down your radio and sometimes other accessories such as your power steering, power windows, false dash readings, etc. This sensor is located on the top right side of the transaxle. Before replacing this sensor, make sure to check the wiring harness connected to it is not rubbing any metal. Also count the pins on the sensor because you will need that when ordering the part.

Unfortunately, this sensor can be bought from the dealer only and you have to ask them for the updated part. To avoid comebacks, some garages will replace the GEM module too but try the sensor first to save you some money.

What ever you do when working under the dash panel, do not touch the yellow-taped wiring harness to avoid accidental deployment of the air bag which will activate even with the battery disconnected. Remember: you do this service at your own risk.

< Message edited by Ziggy1 -- 1/8/2007 1:54:27 PM >

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RE: weird steering problem 97 Taurus Wagon - 1/8/2007 8:06:31 PM

way2old

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Hey Ziggy. The steering rack also has a sensor on it that tells the PCM how much effort is placed on the steering so it can compensate by adjusting the engine speed. Both of the problems stem from the same sensor.

< Message edited by way2old -- 1/8/2007 8:07:07 PM >

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RE: weird steering problem 97 Taurus Wagon - 1/8/2007 11:24:48 PM

Ziggy1

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Thanks, yes my mechanic said the same. That is the missing link in my thought process. I have never really done much work in the steering system, so it never occured to me that this sensor existed.

Thanks, I'll drive it for a week to see if it is OK then let ya know (is there a way to mark the posts as "solved"?

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RE: weird steering problem 97 Taurus Wagon - 1/11/2007 9:35:11 AM

Ziggy1

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Hello...here's an update....

The car Stalled the other day and would not start. It ended up being the TRS sensor after all. The part cost about $50.00 (CAD) I hope that's the end of it.

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RE: weird steering problem 97 Taurus Wagon - 1/11/2007 9:17:32 PM

way2old

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Thanks for the reply post.

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