steering problems and speedometer not working

[CooLManZilla]

Hi Everyone

I just joined
I am having a weird problem with my Marauder
it is an 04 with 25k miles
recently the speedometer has stopped working and the steering has become real tight feeling.
When I took it to the shop they told me a fuse relay had blown and fixed it. Everything was fine for 2 weeks and then the same problem happened again. All the other gauges are working fine
has anyone else come accross this?
Any help would be great

Thanks and happy new year to all!

[RoyLPita]

Check the wiring going to the speed sensor. It sounds like it is shorting out.

[CooLManZilla]

Thanks!
any reason why it affects the steering?

[Bluerauder]

Thanks!
any reason why it affects the steering?
IIRC. The steering is speed sensitive. If it is getting bogus speed input, it may affect the feel of the steering.

[CooLManZilla]

That is what I suspected.
I am going to have it looked at today.
Thanks for your help I will let you know how it turns out

[CooLManZilla]

Shop looked at this all day and cant fix it without keeping it for days to check everything
sounds like its time for a second opinion!

[musclemerc]

Shop looked at this all day and cant fix it without keeping it for days to check everything
sounds like its time for a second opinion!
Yup probably time for a 2nd. The steering on the MM is speed sensitive so it will tighten up at higher speeds. That along with the speedo failing might want to take it to the dealer.

[CooLManZilla]

Just got back home with it. They changed the relay fuse and did not charge me anything
Car is working fine for now
They showed me the wiring schematic the line branches off to a bunch of different things
same wiring also works our air suspension and ties in with the speed steering.
The mechanic suggested I turn off the air suspension and drive it around and see if it still blows the fuse perhaps we can start ruling things out. Could this hurt anything driving with the air bags off?
They said the checked with a few local dealers to see if this was a problem anyone had come across before but no one had :(
if anyone else has any ideas please let me know

[Canadasvt]

I imagine you've had this problem fixed by now. Did the odometer stop working too? What was the final result to repair.? And no, I wouldn't suggest driving with air suspension turned off.

[RF Overlord]

And no, I wouldn't suggest driving with air suspension turned off.Why? There's no issue turning the system off, it just won't automatically level...it'll stay where it was when turned off, unless there's a leak.

[Canadasvt]

Why? There's no issue turning the system off, it just won't automatically level...it'll stay where it was when turned off, unless there's a leak.

I figure the air bags would get damaged. That is what the owner's manual says, to make sure to turn air suspension switch back on after having car on hoist, before driving.

[RF Overlord]

I figure the air bags would get damaged. That is what the owner's manual says, to make sure to turn air suspension switch back on after having car on hoist, before driving.No.

The reason they say to shut it off is so the system doesn't inadvertently activate while the car is on the lift.

[Canadasvt]

I'm trying to figure out what is wrong with mine. Steering, suspension and speedo went yesterday. Fuse 114 under hood had blown. Replaced it and blew again. Turned suspension off and replaced fuse, not blowing now.

[RF Overlord]

The suspension is controlled by the RAS/EVO module...Rear Air Suspension and Electronic Variable Orifice, which is how the speed-sensitive steering works. Try unplugging the module (both connectors) and see if the fuse holds.

[Canadasvt]

The fuse is holding with the suspension turned off.

[RF Overlord]

Does it hold if you unplug the connectors at the module?

[Canadasvt]

Unplugged both connectors at the module, turned suspension switch back on. Speedo works with no steering or suspension. Fuse is holding.

[fastblackmerc]

Unplugged both connectors at the module, turned suspension switch back on. Speedo works with no steering or suspension. Fuse is holding.

Any work done recently?

Sounds like there is a pinched or shorted wire(s) somewhere.

[Canadasvt]

Only work done was in January I had the original radio replaced with a new Pioneer unit.

[RF Overlord]

Possibly a bad RAS/EVO module. The one in The Blackbird decided to turn the compressor on and leave it on until the battery went dead. Followed the troubleshooting guide at lincolnsonline.com. Replaced the module and all is well.

[fastblackmerc]

Only work done was in January I had the original radio replaced with a new Pioneer unit.

Is the new headunit a NAV unit?

[Canadasvt]

Ford dealer wants $450 for module. Ouch. Head unit is the most basic with no navigation.

[fastblackmerc]

Ford dealer wants $450 for module. Ouch. Head unit is the most basic with no navigation.

You can probably find one on eBay or your local recycle yard.

[Canadasvt]

You can probably find one on eBay or your local recycle yard.

Yes, I've seen them on eBay. Looking at yards. Up here in Canada can sometimes be a pain for parts like this.

[jwibbity]

I had this exact problem before, any time the compressor for the suspension ha to run longer than about 10 secs, the 114 fuse would blow and I would lose power steering, speedometer, and the air susp light would come on.

Turned out to be the compressor for the RAS was on its way out and drawing too many amps and popping the fuse, replaced and haven't popped the fuse since.

how long has your air compressor been in the car? Is it the original compressor? Did you drill holes underneath where the compressor sits???

[Canadasvt]

Original compressor, no holes drilled. Just started hearing about that problem. Is there some kind of bench test to check if module is working correctly or not?

[fastblackmerc]

Original compressor, no holes drilled. Just started hearing about that problem. Is there some kind of bench test to check if module is working correctly or not?

Not that I know of but if you pull the compressor out and it's all corroded looking I bet that the problem. You'll also notice a bunch of debris in the bucket the compressor sits in. Clean it out and drill more holes in it so it won't hold debris and water.

[Canadasvt]

Thanks all for the help. Waiting for later next week when the temps hopefully get above freezing here in The Great White North, then my fingers won't fall off.

[Canadasvt]

Um, good chance I've found what may be causing my air suspension fuse to blow. Opened up the hood to take a look at compressor and this is what I was greeted by:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/Canadasvt/Mercury%20Marauder/DSC03844_zpsqcybqdd0.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Canadasvt/media/Mercury%20Marauder/DSC03844_zpsqcybqdd0.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/Canadasvt/Mercury%20Marauder/DSC03847_zpsrqafygvy.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Canadasvt/media/Mercury%20Marauder/DSC03847_zpsrqafygvy.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/Canadasvt/Mercury%20Marauder/DSC03848_zpsfildd0ef.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Canadasvt/media/Mercury%20Marauder/DSC03848_zpsfildd0ef.jpg.html)

[Canadasvt]

Wow! We've had our longest stretch of below freezing temps here of over 35 days. This must be the first time the ice never had a chance to melt. I've drilled a couple of holes in the bottom and melted some of the ice through those holes.

[Canadasvt]

Now that compressor is de-iced and dried out, with the engine running I turned the air suspension switch on. It works. Took her out for and good run, with no issues. Thank you guys for all your words of wisdom and help. :D

[RF Overlord]

Holy frijoles....

[fastblackmerc]

Now that compressor is de-iced and dried out, with the engine running I turned the air suspension switch on. It works. Took her out for and good run, with no issues. Thank you guys for all your words of wisdom and help. :D

I'd take it out and drill more drainage holes in the box.

[RUSTY]

Put it in the trunk behind the trim panel on the right hand side.
This is the only way to protect it from the elements.

[jwibbity]

Now that compressor is de-iced and dried out, with the engine running I turned the air suspension switch on. It works. Took her out for and good run, with no issues. Thank you guys for all your words of wisdom and help. :D

Yea I win!!!