tmcolegr

SSM 47589 - 2016-2018 F-150 - Steering System Pull, Drift, And/Or Wander - Diagnostic Update

Some 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles may exhibit a steering drift, pull, and/or wander. To diagnose these conditions refer to Pinpoint Test (PPT) H - Steering System Pull, Drift, Wander or Steering Wheel is Off Center in Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 211-00. Do not use PPT I - Poor Returnability Sticky Steering or Binding to diagnose drift, pull, and/or wander symptoms. These Pinpoint Tests are in the process of being updated.

dtorres98

"These Pinpoint Tests are in the process of being updated." Does that mean I should wait a few weeks before mentioning this SSM to the dealer to try and have this issue fixed. They already checked the alignment and said that is not the cause of the pull and drift in steering.

tmcolegr

Sounds like it...

dtorres98

Thank you for posting this! Maybe there's light at the end of the tunnel. This is my only issue with my 2018 F150.

icantdrive55

Thank gawd I have an XL without all the nannies that NHTSA is forcing on the public. I still can't conceptually grasp how increasing driver aid functions like Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Speed Control, Autonomous Braking--which essentially allow and even encourage a driver to pay LESS attention to the task of driving--will result in a positive outcome as far as fewer accidents. There is WAY TOO MUCH INATTENTION behind the wheel as it is. Yup, old guy rant. PSA over--continue texting, talking on the phone, or surfing the web behind the wheel...or whatever it was you were doing instead of driving.

tmcolegr

Have you ever personally driven a vehicle with these features? You may have a different perspective.

bmwhd

Watching this thread. I noticed this the first day I had my truck and it bothers me enough I'd like ot have it looked at eventually.

icantdrive55

Not in an F150, so I can't speak to how well it operates. I have driven my wife's '18 Honda Accord--both in town and on a week-long road trip--with all the available nannies in place and pretty much hated it. Maybe with some more time behind the wheel and a 6-pack of beer, I could learn to adapt. LOL

To my point, I was commenting more specifically on the disconnect between the need for greater driver attentiveness behind the wheel, while simultaneously pushing artificial driver aid systems....to accommodate for the lack of driver attentiveness. Dunno...maybe it's just me.

dtorres98

I have a fairly low end '18 SCrew XL with the STX package and am having these issues. I don't think it's dependent upon upper level features like adaptive cruise that I don't have. It's more likely linked to the electronic power assisted steering the newer models have.

icantdrive55

Is the Lane Keeping Assist feature available on the XL? I know I don't have it on mine, but maybe it's part of the STX pkg. I don't see how the standard EPAS units can cause "wandering" unless there is a mechanical fault in the front suspension, steering rack or the steering column.

When you throw an actual "control" algorithm into the mix that can make autonomous adjustments to the steering rack without driver intervention (i.e., movement of the steering wheel), I can certainly understand where there could be a problem with respect to programing.