Help Repairing Variable Assist Steering

[computertech]

I have been reading more and more on the VAS circuit
and I cant help but wonder if when the crazy radio was installed in my MM, they cut the harness or something...From what i can see pin 14 (on the original radio plug (a GY/BK wire) supplies the VSS with + voltage.....Does this mean it just needs to be connected to the + with ignition on? The VSS sends variable voltage to the VAS right ?

The MM I just got a few weeks back has come along way for me, but the steering is lackin wildly and I would really hate to take a costly shot and just change the rack and sensor without checking on this 1st.

My Ford buddys laptop says open circuit or bad sensor on rack or rack itself
The car has 74k on it

thanks in advance

[Wires]

Sounds like the radio work is a red herring. Both the radio and the VAS module get the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) signal, but this signal doesn't go "through" the radio.

If the diagnostic indicated an open circuit on the rack solenoid valve circuit, (I don't think theres a sensor, it's just the solenoid valve) I bet it's the pinched wire that others have found.

See post 17 for wiring diagram - Yep, just a solenoid, no sensor.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=33081&page=2

[computertech]

Thanks for the response bud, today I pulled the stereo out and the original plugs were all (3) intact, nothing was hacked.....I plugged in the original radio and started it up and still no VAS (hard to turn wheel) Anyways 1 more thing out of the way right ? I then spent an hour or more searching under the dash and motor area for pinched wires, and did`nt find any.

As far as the sensor on the rack, I was told that if that goes bad and the car is driven for long periods, that can cause damage to the rack ????

Again this is what i was told........Any idea on truth to this ?

thanks again :beer: