I sold my 2011 XLT 3.7v6 to my brother when I bought my 2018.

About 2 months ago he was having the dreaded steering failure (advance track and power steering notifications on the dash). I hooked up FORScan and a bunch of codes came up. We ordered a new Cardone rack from rock auto and I saved the data from the old rack before we swapped them out. Programmed the new rack and everything was fine as far as no codes and the steering came back to life. Before swapping the rack he wouldn’t get the screeching but the power assist wasn’t working.

Fast forward a few weeks and the steering is acting up again. Same warnings on the dash and no power assist.

I’m not by him but he was able to pull the following codes: B1304 and C1278.

We’re unsure of what the problem could be and any advice/assistance is greatly appreciated

 

He sent me this pic. Anyone know what would be causing it with after the new rack was installed?

 

Bump

 

Have you Googled the dtc codes?
I saw somewhere something about a steering wheel calibration. Not sure if it will help you.

 

So another update. Talked to my brother and he said It only throws the code if he makes a really fast and hard left turn (ie turning into a parking space). But then if he turns hard to the right right away, the light will clear and the power comes back to the steering.

Could it possibly be a loose/faulty wire? He’s checked the harnesses that plug into the rack and those are fine

 

Not sure about the steering, but guys have had the connectors in the passenger side kick panel come loose or get bumped.

 

Good idea! it did start acting up a few days after we changed out the blower motor resistor. Also his key fobs stopped working around the same time. I’ll let him know!

 

Looking at the pic he sent, if while driving straight the computer(s) (not sure which one is measuring) think the rack is turned 14 degrees to the left. If the codes come when he turns left, the sensors/computer probably think the rack has reached or exceeded its limit to the left. That would also explain why it resets when he straightens up again. Has he tried watching that same screen on the dash when turning left (also turning fully right) to maybe confirm this.

I think the rack or the steering wheel was not fully centered when the rack was changed (14 degrees off to the left) - or on the rebuilt rack it is positioned wrong or something during the rebuild. Or there is a calibration needed when changing the rack. Not sure on any of this, just trying to thinking through it logically.

Keep us posted.