this worked huh. sounds buyable to me. no problems? this how to is constructed very well. im going to be checking ebay shortly. i gotta be honest i was going to chalk it up to my wife being semi crazy until i drove the vehicle. then i did a little research after i drove it and started reading the $1500-$1700 horror stories. thank you for this write up. anyone else out there tried this?

 

you had no problem with this? and you didnt have to get anything re calibrated the sensor was ready to drop in and go?

 

Yes, no problems to date. Will likely have it calibrated at some point, but there is only little noticeable difference w/o the calibration. May leave it and chalk it up as a win w/o the dealership.

 

Hi dan22, I'm from Panama and I've found your manual ver useful, but now I'm facing one problem: after changing the torque sensor, the steering wheel goes straight to the right position and you need to keep the steering wheel to control it while driving . Did anyone had this issue before?

 

If the steering wheel is moving on its own without input from the driver, you have a failure in power steering unit. The sensor would not cause this fault.

 

Hi dan22, is your Escape still working normally with this sensor replacement?...I'm seriously thinking in do what you describe above.

I own a Escape 2008, sometimes when I turn on the engine, the steering wheel turns left until its limit without input from me, always when I am driving the steering wheel keeps kind of hard. Do you think that this are symptoms of failure in steering wheel position sensor?

 

Hi dan22, is your Escape still working normally with this sensor replacement?...I'm seriously thinking in do what you describe above.

I own a Escape 2008, sometimes when I turn on the engine, the steering wheel turns left until its limit without input from me, always when I am driving the steering wheel keeps kind of hard. Do you think that this are symptoms of failure in steering wheel position sensor?

Alex P, Ford issued a recall for this defect earlier this week. You should be able to bring it to your local dealer for repair free of charge.

Thanks for inquiring.

 

Ok, I'm asking because my vehicle is from an auction site, I have imported the vehicle to Mexico, so I don't know if the recall may apply in this case, I don't think so.

The only way I see (instead of spend 2k) is try to follow your manual and check if it works.

Thank you.

 

Hi, shutch, did you find a solution? I still have the same issue.

 

Hi, no, still very frustrated. Ford will not stand behind their faulty product. I will never buy another ford.

We have taken it everywhere and no one can calibrate the sensor. So we will either buy another sensor to install and see if its any different, or look around for a steering column from a wrecker. Unbelievable that ford is unwilling to repair a problem they themselves have admitted to. The worst customer care program imaginable from a big company like this.

 

Damn they will not do anything about it. Did they know that you tried to attempt to fix it. my wife quit driving her escape and started driving my truck when we started first experiencing the steering issue. the escape sat for a while then I decided to let my old faithful commuter car (1989 ford escort) rest and drive the escape for a while. the steering would come and go. then not working for 2 weeks and my lower back started killing me. Then for a month strait it steered fine then the recall came out and I took it to our local ford dealer. and they acted like it would take 10 mins to fix which it took 10 mins to update the steering software. I am not entirely convinced it is fixed but it has steered fine with no issues for about 2 months and we commute about 100 miles a day round trip. I am sorry this is happening to you. I'm pretty sure this doesn't help anyone out but I just wanted to let you know they didn't take anything apart to "fix" our issue. I am pretty sure the recall that was mailed to us said different escapes or different issues will call for different. Before I herd about the recall I was a half of a second away from ordering a new steering sensor.

 

Unfortunately for you, you just let Ford off the hook forever with your repair.
Once Ford "flashes" the computer it's then considered the "repair " end of recall for that car. I know this for a fact because I now have a failed sensor with a C1963 code and a U0452, & b1676 (an ABS code because of the ground), due to the failed esp, they common ground the 2 systems so one reacts to the other. All of this is ignored because before I bought it used, the orginal owner who traded it in, had that HALF A.. repair done and now Ford has washed their very dirty hands of it. I'm waiting 3 weeks for a review board at Ford to accept or decline the repair, as told to me by a great service manager, who understands and actually sympathizes.
The flash was done at apx 95,000 miles, and 5 years old, funny that "Repair" lasted about the same time, now at 200,000 and 10 years it has completely stopped working and I had no prior knowledge of the problem, (past not disclosed until the failure of the steering) so BUYER BEWARE, they get to just drop a $700 problem in your lap.

 

Damn they will not do anything about it. Did they know that you tried to attempt to fix it. my wife quit driving her escape and started driving my truck when we started first experiencing the steering issue. the escape sat for a while then I decided to let my old faithful commuter car (1989 ford escort) rest and drive the escape for a while. the steering would come and go. then not working for 2 weeks and my lower back started killing me. Then for a month strait it steered fine then the recall came out and I took it to our local ford dealer. and they acted like it would take 10 mins to fix which it took 10 mins to update the steering software. I am not entirely convinced it is fixed but it has steered fine with no issues for about 2 months and we commute about 100 miles a day round trip. I am sorry this is happening to you. I'm pretty sure this doesn't help anyone out but I just wanted to let you know they didn't take anything apart to "fix" our issue. I am pretty sure the recall that was mailed to us said different escapes or different issues will call for different. Before I herd about the recall I was a half of a second away from ordering a new steering sensor.

 

How do you get ford to fix it or do the computer scan thing because I asked them and they said it was something not covered under my extra extended warranty and want me to pay to fix it. Then they say you have an oil leak, I am like wtf. I take it to Ford to do routine maintenance and they tell me there is an oil leak, I just took it there in sept. I think they get you to buy a car and screw you anyway they can. I am at my wits end I am buying the whole steering column and my son is going to fix it I hope.

 

You don't have to remove the airbag, steering wheel, or clock spring, it all pulls out with the column.

 

Also, I would like to make my own update. I bought an entire column from a junkyard on www.car-part.com for $75 with 57k miles on it, so I know it's not super used. I swapped just the lower (motor) half of the column, put my old steering wheel/upper column assembly back on, and the power steering works, and no alignment issues or anything. This should save you some bank if you get a junkyard column. There is a youtube video on how to remove full column.

 

Also, I would like to make my own update. I bought an entire column from a junkyard on www.car-part.com for $75 with 57k miles on it, so I know it's not super used. I swapped just the lower (motor) half of the column, put my old steering wheel/upper column assembly back on, and the power steering works, and no alignment issues or anything. This should save you some bank if you get a junkyard column. There is a youtube video on how to remove full column.

still working?

 

Fiancés 08 Escape ltd, steering started shaking and jerking 5 months ago went in for Ford recall. A bloody software update where upon steering failed Totaly, as she is a tiny woman and the truck havin oversize tires she was unable to easily drive the truck.



Found this thread and started digging into the issue , Ford wanted $1700 Canadian to fix ha right , tries a used tourque sensor no go found a brand new sensor again no go , feeling very frustrated at this point I said screw it found a low mileage wrecked Escape and tore the lower motor assembly out of it and 2 hours later steering all fixed and in fact better than its been in ages

Moral of the story , if you start having these symptoms. Just grab a used lower steering assembly , u don't have to to remove any airbags and such just two dash pieces some electrical connectors and 2 tourque screws and the upper steering is out, at that point it's a pinch bolt on the steering universal and 1 bolt holding the motor up plus 3 plugs done deal

 

I just wanted to confirm that this fixed my problem as well. My wife's steering wheel was shaking from left to right while idling.

It was the torque sensor. I will say that the dorman sensor he used in the post is discounted. I had to buy it from Tasca Parts and it was listed under the OEM part number not the Dorman number. I don't remember the number off hand but it was easy to find.

Also you DO NOT have to remove the steering wheel from the Collume Or air bag from the wheel itself. This is a super easy and basic fix. But you will need a very large set of snap ring pliers.

How that helps!

 

I just wanted to confirm that this fixed my problem as well.
My wife's steering wheel was shaking from left to right while ideling.
It was the torque sensor.
I will say that the dorman sensor he used in the post is discounted. I had to buy it from Tasca Parts and it was listed under the OEM part number not the Dorman number.
I don't remember the number off hand but it was easy to find.
Also you DO NOT have to remove the steering wheel from the Collume Or air bag from the wheel itsself.
This is a super easy and basic fix.
But you will need a very large set of snap ring pliers.
How that helps!

Hope this helps*

 

I cant seem to find that torque sensor anywhere...if somebody knows where i can buy it, help please...

 

Depending what year you have it may be under warranty
Check with parts stores that sells Dorman products

 

still working?

Yes, perfectly.

 

Thank you
I found the piece. Now im facing another problem. I changed the sensor but it didnt fix the problem. I was wondering if anybody experinced the same problem. What should i do?!?

 

You just wasted your money because it's a 50/50 chance JUST the sensor is bad. A lot of times the motor goes bad with it too. Like I said above, I found a used column WITH WARRANTY on www.car-part.com for $75 with 50k miles on it, swapped it in an hour, everything is good, 4 months and counting.

 

I have a 2007 Escape Hybrid....which I do love. The 2007 Escape hybrids only were given the electrical power steering system. Yesterday, the power steering left without warning (I had just exited my driveway). There was no shaking -- it was just gone. Restarting it did nothing but make the little white wrench appear. However, I was able to turn the wheel a bit to get it back in the driveway. Getting the car to turn back into the driveway was a challenge because I am not strong enough, a male friend was able to turn them in a full range of motion. I am hopeful this means I only have a sensor problem.

I am curious to know if any of your cars were hybrids and what year they were.

Because my car is a 2007, the Escape Hybrids had an electrical power steering none of the Parts companies seem to have the parts when I write 2007 when they ask for 'year'.

I suspect that the same electrical system that I have was then used in the 2008's which was recalled....but the recall does not apply to my 2007

First I want to than those of you who have posted here and to ask if you think the fact that my car is a hybrid matters?

I am also having a hard time finding a mechanic who will tackle this. If anyone knows of someone in LA - Hollywood, I would be grateful. I had one mechanic say he has never done it, but is game to try. I am sending him this link tomorrow.

As an FYI:, the repair for just the sensor at the dealer is just under $1000 (the part alone is $800) and of the entire system has to be replaced, it would be $3500. I live in Los Angeles.

 

Guys please go to safecar.gov and file a complaint against Ford. When they did the recall on the power steering some people had their columns replaced under the recall only if it was giving problems at the time. If not, then you got the software update, which closes out the recall, then a few months later you start having problems and they say sorry fork up the cash.
In addition I filed a complaints with BBB

Please note Ford's software update is still under investigation by NHTSA , see attached file, So keep your receipts. Hopefully they will do a second recall but they need the complaints on file or else nothing will get done.

I had mine repaired at the dealer. It cost 1219.00 plus the initial diagnostic was $106 which is waived but at time I did not have 1200 bucks in my pocket.This is in Florida.

Another thing is to file report with BBB, we need to put pressure on Ford for their defective steering issues. There is a new recall on other makes of Ford as well, if you own one DO NOT DO THE RECALL UNTIL IT STARTS GIVING PROBLEMS AND LOCKUP UP.

Looking for someone to start a class action. There's one in California I believe and the judge denied Fords request to dismiss the case. So keep checking. I do not know any other make vehicle that has so much problems with electronic steering
Also contact you states Attorney General and files a complaint.

 

"I do not know any other make vehicle that has so much problems with electronic steering" Apparently you have not been looking very hard.

http://www.carproblemzoo.com/car/electric-power-assist-steering-system-problems.php

>>>>>>>>>>Action

 

I too used the instructions here -- thank you all! 2008 Escape, about 175K miles.

I bought a used column and used only the lower section (said 2012 with 12k miles, but it looks older, else it was left sitting for a while).

Took off lower panel (snaps), column cover (three 5mm screws), a brace (four 10mm bolts), and two large Torx bolts (T-45 I believe). That gets the upper column out.

The lower was a little harder, but takes only on long pivot bolt (13mm) and the steering pinch bolt (also 13mm). There are 3 wiring connectors, of which only 2 need to be removed.

If you buy a whole used column as I did, you may have some choices on which pinch bolt to remove, but I did the one furthest up.

It takes a little contortion like any under-dash work, but not bad really. It's a little heavy and unwieldy, and 3 hands would have helped.

I'd say it took me 2 hours total, but the next one would be an hour, as I spent a good bit of time finding the right tools, and I was worried about the clock spring when re-inserting the upper so I played with it for a while.

Worked first try, and the service light went off too, as expected since I'd disconnected the battery. So far, so good.

 

I just wanted to confirm that this fixed my problem as well.
My wife's steering wheel was shaking from left to right while ideling.
It was the torque sensor.
I will say that the dorman sensor he used in the post is discounted. I had to buy it from Tasca Parts and it was listed under the OEM part number not the Dorman number.
I don't remember the number off hand but it was easy to find.
Also you DO NOT have to remove the steering wheel from the Collume Or air bag from the wheel itsself.
This is a super easy and basic fix.
But you will need a very large set of snap ring pliers.
How that helps!

Thanks for info. This with the original post helped me replace the torque sensor. The bad news however is that this doesn't seem to have solved my issue. After a short test drive I am still with out power steering. Did you need to do any sort of calibration or anything? Just curious and looking for what to try next. This is on a 2008 escape.

 

I didn't have to do any calibration. I was ultra carefully when placing the sensor in though. I made sure not to bump it or move it in anyway.
Sorry it didn't fix your issue

 

Ford has the torque sensor, or as they list is "Angle Sensor", its ~$225 US. Replaced it and no luck. Power steering was dead before, no blown fuses etc., still dead power assist after replacement of the sensor. Ford dealer wanted ~$1000 for both the steering column and a retro or update kit to make the car I have (2009 Escape Limited), then there would be tax on top (close to $1100 US). I went online and searched used auto parts and came across some sites that search junkyards country wide, results show proximity, condition, price, etc. Was able to get the whole column from a car 2 years newer with 70K less miles with a warranty for $135. It only takes ~ 2 hours to replace (first time), now I could do it in 1 hour..

So my point, Just replace the entire electric steering unit. Don't waste the time and $ on the sensor. If you decide to do the sensor make sure you have a "Large" pair of snap ring pliers! and read the instructions with the new sensor carefully.

 

The Dorman part doesn't seem to be available anymore, so I found the Ford Part number CL8Z-3F818a -- and found that on ebay for about $145. Still better than the $1200 the dealership wanted... Here's a link...
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...trksid=p2047675.m570.l1312.R1.TR11.TRC2.A0.H0.Xcl.TRS1&_nkw=cl8z3f818a&_sacat=0

also, there's an official ford video about how to do the replacement....

 

Hi dan22
I replaced the torque sensor using your video, as my power steering had failed and my wheel was shaking like crazy etc. After the new part was installed it is doing as described above-steering wheel spins all the way to one side. We put back in the original faulty ford sensor when the recall came out and i took it to a dealership. The steering wheel also spins to one side now with the original part back in. The shaking wheel and power steering fail is not obvious now because of that. I am driving it now with the fuse pulled for power steering and no power steering at all. The dealership is refusing to do the repair on the recall because they say they aren't getting the right diagnostic codes. They say I need to have them put in a new torque sensor for me at the cost of 500$ even though the recall is for failed power steering, which is why I was trying to repair it. Apparently, even though the steering wheel spins one way, they are getting no diagnostic codes for a faulty torque sensor. I was ecstatic that they finally did this recall, and now they refuse to fix my steering. Any thoughts?

Check the video I just posted. It seems your issue is due to bad alignment of the sensor, and shows you how to install it in the correct position...

 

You just wasted your money because it's a 50/50 chance JUST the sensor is bad. A lot of times the motor goes bad with it too. Like I said above, I found a used column WITH WARRANTY on www.car-part.com for $75 with 50k miles on it, swapped it in an hour, everything is good, 4 months and counting.

Is there an instructional video for swapping out the lower column? I can't find one online but would like to attempt it.