Strange Steering Problem???

[MarauderBZ]

Just turned 2100 miles yesterday on my MM and had a strange problem occur with the steering. I drove to work from my house (about 26miles) and parked. At the end of my shift (8hrs) I went and started it up. I noticed that the steering was EXTREMELY tight, however it loosened up a bit while driving. There were no strange noises or anything prior or during the drive home. I parked at home and checked things out. Only thing I noticed was that the power steering fluid was a tiny bit below the minimum mark. I topped it back up a bit and went for a drive without any problem. I've drove to work again today without incident. There are no noises or anything to indicate a bad pump or such. The vehicle doesn't leak any fluids while parked or anything, and I do remember the steering fluid being a bit low when I first got it. Anyone out there have any ideas as to what else may cause a condition like this? I'm waiting for it to happen again before I take it in for service, since I want to be sure they can locate the problem if there is one. Thanks All!

[vegasmarauder]

It sounds like your EOC (Electric Orifice Control) valve got stuck closed. It is what gives you easy steering at low speeds (to park) and firm feel at freeway speeds (to keep you from jerking it into a spin). If it loses power, or has a module problem, they default to full open so you always have full assist. If you have a friendly service advisor, I would say take it in to the dealer and have them check it with a pressure guage and module tester. They should flush and re-fill the system too in case there is debris (or break in metal particles in the fluid). The valve is located on top of the rack and pinion just under the engine oil filter. The wires run to the valve. On mine the wires (and oil pressure gauge wire) were caught under the P/S pump when the car was built and it caused a short and gave me normal oil pressure with the key on, engine not running. Mine is a 300B with 12/15/02 build date.

For you regualr Marquis owners, I was told they can program, the module to the MM settings for a firmer raod feel (but no change in ratio).

[MarauderBZ]

Drove to and from work today and did some minor around town driving (groceries, etc.) and the problem did not occur again. I'm hoping it was just low fluid or something, but I'm going to have them go over everything when it goes in for the 5,000 mile service unless it happens again. Thanks for the input! If it happens again I'll at least have a good idea of what to explain to the service dept.

[MarauderBZ]

Ok, steering now does this all the time. Trying to park is difficult, and I have to literally muscle the wheel to maneuver at slower speeds. Have a service appointment Friday morning, hopefully it will be an easy fix.

[jgc61sr2002]

Hope its a minor problem. Keep us posted. Thanks

[Ross]

Electric Orifice Control? I thought you had to be my age before you started having problems with your orifice control?:lol:

[Dr Caleb]

Originally posted by Ross
Electric Orifice Control? I thought you had to be my age before you started having problems with your orifice control?:lol:

Depends on how much blood is in your whiskey stream. :lol:


I hope this is a simple problem! Scary to think you'd have to strong arm this 4000 pound beast...

[frdwrnch]

I've seen a few pumps shear the shaft. It's a rare occurance but it happens.

[engine23ccvfd]

Scary to think you'd have to strong arm this 4000 pound beast...

You get used to the hard part is finding rubber that isnt to soft!

[MarauderBZ]

Latest update on this problem!
Ok, Dropped of the MM at the dealer's Friday morning at 7am. I get a call around 2pm saying that they've had to replace the power steering pump, and the rack&pinion system, plus something else to do with the steering system, which they have to wait on parts for. They will also have to realign the frontend, which they don't have the equipment to do, so they are trying to find someone closeby that can. Earliest return estimation is possibly Monday evening, but till then they gave me a nice 2003 Grand Marquis LS, not the same, but it'll do. I'll post the exact replaced parts when I get the vehicle back in order. Thanks All!

[vegasmarauder]

Sounds like something let go and sent metal shavings through out the system and clogged it up. Good thing they are going to repalce it all instead of trying to flush it and cross their fingers. Sounds like a good repair shop.