2011 Fusion - intermittent power steering failure with code

[Klutch9]

2011 Fusion SE 2.5L with electric power steering. Lately every third or fourth start we get a “power steering failure message” (can’t remember exactly how it’s worded) on the dash. Usually shutting the car off and restarting will fix the issue and we’re on our way. I have a Foxwell NT630 scanner so I looked at the real-time steering angle, and it’s all over the place! At any given point “dead-center” on the wheel might be a degree or two off. Or it’s like 20 degrees off. There was a stored code in the system: C1277-20 steering wheel angle sensor signal failure. Thing is, I don’t know if this sensor is actually serviceable. It’s part of the rack I think. Rockauto actually lists a part for this but it’s not correct. We will be selling/trading this car shortly anyway, but I’d like it not to strand us in the meantime.

 

[michaelluscher]

Did your car fall under recall 15S18

Was it performed?

 

[Puhdantic]

Have you checked for any damaged wiring? I'd wiggle the wiring while watching the steering angle on live data

 

[Klutch9]

Did your car fall under recall 15S18

Was it performed?

Nope, that recall did not apply to this vehicle.

 

[Aichiguy]

My son said a friend's Ford had PS issues related to tire pressure?? I just thought I'd throw that out there.

 

[brages]

On my 2013, the angle sensor somehow got stuck on zero and it caused the stability and traction control lights to come on, and the turn signals would not stay on.

So I would not worry about being stranded... if the angle sensor fails, the car should still be driveable.

I yanked around on the connectors a bit and it started working again. The angle sensor is on the rack, on the side where the steering wheel shaft goes in. There is a wire that runs over to the electric motor and I suppose a control module on the passenger side.

Try removing the connector and cleaning it up a bit.