Steering Column Issues

M

mpsjr

Registered
In addition to the airbag code on my '97 Mark VIII, my steering column is giving me problems. When I got the car, the steering column wouldn't move on it's own. We replaced the entire assembly which houses the blinker switch/memory switch but that didn't address the problem. I checked for power to the motors and the In/Out function on the steering column started working. However, the Up/Down function still didn't work. I found a relay under the dash that, when pulled, makes the steering column move Up/Down when using the In/Out motion on the switch. I was completely baffled when this happened, and never expected it. I also rerouted the power from the In/Out motor to the Up/Down motor and that also worked. My question is, why isn't the Up/Down function working on the switch. The switch is sending power, but there's nothing going through the relay. I even swapped out the relay with another one that's working, and it was the same result.

Is there anyone else out there who's also experienced this problem?
 
It prob a bad switch...called a potentiometer. I understand they are no longer in Lincoln inventory, but may be in junked Marks. Small little town dealers may have them tho...
 
I would agree, which is why we replaced the entire assembly.

The new switch did the same thing as the old switch, so unless the new switch is bad too, that's not our problem. When I got the car, the column moved properly; however, after sitting for a few months while the motor was being replaced, it eventually quit working all together. Now at least it moves in a out.

I managed to manipulate it enough to get the steering wheel at a comfortable height; however, I'd like it to work the way it should. I just don't understand why it's not getting power through the relay for the Up/Down function.
 
PM or email FrankieX. He's very good at troubleshooting these cars. He's a master tech in Canada. Ask him if he'd take a stab at it. Be sure you tell him you're with this site. Or just ask him to take a look at this forum and your problem.
 
Hello again, Matt!

All functions of your steering column are controlled by the SCIL (Steering Column/Ignition/Lighting) module.

You mentioned in the airbag thread you had access to a scan tool.
Get it back out.
The SCIL module IS part of the OBDII network. It should generate fault codes for you, but more importantly, if your scanner is more than just a code reader, you can use the multiplex network to take control of the SCIL and manually command column movement and see the information the SCIL sees (potentiometer positions, switch commands, relay action, etc.)

There's some fairly sophisticated diagnosis available to you if you have the right OBDII tool. If you do get any useful information, let's work with it.

Unfortunately, I can only copy and past text from the Ford technical information website. I cannot duplicate wiring diagrams.

Can anybody else help Matt out and post pages 77-1 to 77-5 from the '97 EVTM?
 
Frankie,

Thanks again for your help on the airbag issues. The scanner I was using is a Snap-on MT-2500, although I don't know much about how to work it. I didn't try to read any codes other than the airbag code, so I'm not sure if the SCIL is sending anything. I know the scanner can be used to clear codes and such, but as far as controlling the SCIL from the scanner; I wouldn't know how to do that. I'm by no means a mechanic, but I'm pretty quick at picking things up. I'll try to take a look at the scanner again and see what I can come up with.

There's bound to be an electrical problem due to the high water from the previous owners. The steering column worked when we got the car, but by the time I got it from my dad, it wasn't working at all. When we pulled the steering wheel to replace the multifunction switch we had some trouble getting the wheel off. Afterwards, I was trying to get the steering column to move back in (it was only moving out) and I pushed on the wheel while holding the switch to the "in" position. Well, apparently there was something jamming the column, because that was all it took. A small piece of plastic fell out of the column, and thereafter, the steering column had no problem going in or out.

That's when I tried to find out what was going on with the Up/Down function and started pulling relays to see if I could get it to work. I never located the SCIL, although my dad suspected it was either the switch or the control module. When I pulled one of the relays, I did get the column to move up and down, so I know it's not jammed like the In/Out function was. I just don't know what's causing the problem there.

On a side note, there are other issues with my Mark. It seems to have developed a shifting delay where it won't shift quick enough (although that's an issue for another day).

Again, I appreciate everyone's help in diagnosing my Mark. I absolutely love this car. It's much better (though not faster) than the Cadillac I've been driving for the past few days. But hey, 280 HP RWD on the Lincoln vs. 300 HP FWD on the Cadillac and there's not much competition for the Caddy. Too much HP loss through the driveshaft. :)
 
Thanks for the link. I did a search before posting, but I didn't see anything pertinant to my problem. The column moves freely, only the controls won't make it move up or down properly. Other than that, I don't have any issues with the column being loose or frozen, etc.
 
" Well, apparently there was something jamming the column, because that was all it took. A small piece of plastic fell out of the column, and thereafter, the steering column had no problem going in or out."

This statement you made is why I posted the link to the pictures of the column....
 
There may not be any looseness or noise yet, but I'm with Bud 100% on this: there's not much else that "small piece of plastic" could be other than part of the telescoping bearing carriers.

Matt, read the thread Bud gave you. In post #6 there's this:

column.jpg


Look for the part # 3F795 in the illustration. The complete parts department number is F7LZ-3F795-BB. ~$12.00 (x2).

Next:

You're the only one who can see your car - from a long distance away, the rest of us can only guess at things based upon what you tell us, so it's easy to jump to conclusions.
That being said, here's my theory. I'm relying on what I can see in my crystal ball, so take it as you like.

We know the steering column is capable of all movement. Let's assume it's OK.
The control switch sends signals to the SCIL on two wires by varying resistance. If the SCIL sees In/Out resistance, it should see Up/Down, unless there's corrosion in those wires and the received resistance is incorrect.
The SCIL could have an internal problem and can't see or understand Up/Down signals.
It's mounted low behind the glove box/right kickpanel area.

Water entry?

The RCM self destructed because it saw a phantom short that is no longer there. The safing sensor is low on the driver's side.

Water entry??

Now you say the transmission isn't shifting correctly. Before you start worrying about a teardown or overhaul, think:

Water entry!

If the transmission went deep enough to submerge the vent on the top of the case, it probably ingested water that's now mixed with the fluid. Drop the pan after you let the vehicle sit for a day or so and see if there's any indication of water separating out of the fluid. It would be noticeable in the bottom of the pan; remember, oil floats. Change the fluid with fresh MERCON V only, then drive long and hard enough to let transmission heat boil any remaining moisture out. 30-45 minutes of abuse should do it, unless hard components are already damaged.

The PCM is low on the driver's side, just above the safing sensor. If it's been damaged and can't understand sensor information properly it won't be able to send transmission control signals correctly.

Water entry???
 
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So...I'm beginning to see a pattern...Water Damage.

I had a chance to tear down the steering column today after school. Both of the bearings on the steering column were broken; however, the lower bearing was completely shredded. There was no plastic left to it, and the upper track on the lower bearing was turned sideways instead of being parallel to the lower section. I managed to fit the ball bearings back into their position, but I'll be ordering new bearings tomorrow.

Additionally, the Potentiometer is definitely what's causing the problems with the steering column. Apparently, it controls the ground through the switch (thankfully the switch is working). Using a jumper, I was able to manipulate the column quite easier once I figured out what I was looking for. The sensor on the "pot" that tells it your steering wheel is too high isn't working. If I slide the sensor arm forward, the wheel moves up and down with no problem. Unfortunately, it stopped working by the time I got everything put back together, so I'll be ordering a new "pot" as well. That is, if I can find someone that's got one.

I noticed that someone had apparently done some work in the column before I got into it. Several of the torques screws that hold the upper section of the column together were stripped, so I'll need to order some new screws as well.

Thanks, Bud, for referring me back to those posts. I had originally dismissed them as being irrelevant to my problem, but they turned out to be extremely helpful.

Frankie X, I really appreciate your help and the parts illustration. I was able to find all of the part numbers that I'll need to fix up my steering column.

I thought that I'd mention my shifting problems seem to have subsided since I got my Mark back from the shop. I don't know if they cleared all of the engine codes which made it start working better, but it's a definite improvement. Like I said, I don't know if that's the actual reason, because the only other thing that's changed since I made that post is the fact that I went to a 10w30 synthetic, intead of the 5w30 synthetic I had been using. I don't know that it's enough of a difference to notice, but the shifting delays are gone, and there seems to be much more power for passing and takeoffs.

At any rate, I sincerely appreciate all of the help I've gotten from you guys.

Thanks again,

Matt
 
Perhaps those of us at dealerships depend too much upon our diagnostic equipment, but I would have looked for potentiometer fault codes and monitored position data in the SCIL to reach the same conclusion you did on your own!

The potentiometer full part number is: F7LZ-14A605-AA.

I have a slight problem, though. Canadian Parts Network shows it obsolete, not available except as part of the complete steering column assembly.

This may not be the case in the US. Use the part number and see what you can find out.
 
I've heard it is also unavailable here in US. You MIGHT find an out-of-the-way dealer with one in stock...but I think you oughta call on Jamie.
 
Well, I have some great news. I called the local Ford dealership and they had all the parts I need in stock. I'll have them delivered tomorrow, and since I'm out of classes tomorrow (the Jena 6 rally...it's only a few hours from here), I'll have a chance to get everything fixed. Once I get everything back together, I'll let you guys know how it turns out.

Again, thanks for all of your help. You guys are great.

Matt
 
Just an update.

Just an update.

The repair job yesterday was a total failure. The new parts came in (with the exception of the new potentiometer that was supposedly "in stock" when we ordered it), and I started tearing everything down to replace the bearings.

Everything was going well at first. I had replaced both sets of bearings and had everything lined up to go back together. I was grabbing the plate that mounts on top of the column when the rest of the column rolled off of the bench and hit the concrete floor. It fell directly on the motors that are mounted on the rear of the steering column and broke the plastic mount for the Up/Down motor completely off the assembly.

I also think the fall bent something in the column, because when I attempted to put everything back together, nothing would line up. I eventually got it all back together, with the exception of the broken motor, and was able to get the telescopic function to work to some extent, but now it seems to be jammed again. The bearings are in the correct place, and the V-channels are in the correct orientation as well. I don't know if the balls in the bearings are a little larger than the old ones, which isn't allowing enough clearance or what, but I didn't have much of an opportunity to get into it yesterday, as I needed my Mark to be in driving condition for today.

I'll try to tear everything down again tomorrow and hopefully will be able to find the problem. At this point, I'm not sure if I should spend the $150 for a new motor, or try to buy a complete used steering column (which would probably cost the same). We'll see what happens.

I'll keep you guys updated.

Thanks again.

Matt
 
Final Update

Final Update

I managed to find a '98 at a local junkyard. It had the steering column still in tact, so I removed it, along with some other trim parts that were broken on my car. The entire column cost $35 and it had a working potentiometer, cruise switches, and airbag, not to mention working bearings, and the "pins" that keep the bearing rails in position. I really lucked up here, although the color interior was tan, while mine is gray. I managed to use the best parts from both columns to put mine back together. Everything works perfectly now, and I was able to replace the broken trim pieces (which were included in the $35 for the steering column).

Thanks again, Bud and Frankie.

Your advice was more helpful than you could know.

Matt

P.S. I learned a lot about the steering columns in these cars. Unfortunately, that learning process was full of frustration and disappointment; however, everything worked out in the end.
 
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