Check Steering Assist on my 97 Conti. Any Help??

[napoleon1072]

My Check Steering Assist has been coming on for the past few weeks and when it does the steering stiffens but when I shut the car off and restart it the problem disappears sometimes momentarily and sometimes for a good while. Any ideas as to what this is and how to fix it?


My Car is a 97 Lincoln Conti

 

[bradyelich]

Check Steering Assist on 1997 Conti

This is happening to me right now. The first time the warning was displayed, the reservoir was low, so I added fluid. Since then, there is a whistle like noise while going 30 mph or faster. Since I have put on new water pump, belt tensioner and idler, I am assuming it is the power steering pump. I am going to change the pump out with a Ford unit - I do not like aftermarket parts.

Brad.

 

[bradyelich]

power steering fix

I pumped out the power steering fluid reservoir, filled it, ran car, pumped out and filled one more time. the noise my car was making went away, so no need to change the pump. I used Mobil 1 ATF.

I suggest changing the power steering fluid. Mine smelled really burned and probably not providing any lubrication to the pump.

Brad.