Your Ford F150 likes throwing an error message now and then. Some of the messages are really annoying and misleading. Like it can say that there is a problem with the steering assist, but you are driving without any problems and the power steering is working. Or the power steering may be off but you don’t get any messages.
When your Ford F150 says “Steering Assist Fault, Service Required”, it hints that the problem occurred with the power steering, electricity supply, PS control module, etc. It doesn’t exactly mean that the power steering is not working now. But it can lead to situations when you can’t even start your truck.
In this article, I will tell you about the following:
- What are the symptoms that accompany the Steering Assist error message?
- Common reasons for “Steering Assist Fault” in your F150.
- Ways to locate the problem and fix the issue with power steering in your car.
- When will you obviously need professional help with this error message?
Registering the symptoms that come with “Steering Assist Fault” in F150
First of all, you should know that this kind of error message can only appear on your Ford F150 dash if the vehicle is quite modern and equipped with electric power steering. The older models with hydraulic power steering systems have different messages and warnings and the reasons for their problems were also quite different.
If you see the “Steering Assist Fault, Service Required” message in your Ford truck, you should immediately pay attention to all other symptoms that your F150 may experience.
Keep an eye on such important symptoms:
- heavy steering wheel – this means that the steering assist is actually off;
- low electric power – this will also trigger other error messages and warning lights, eventually;
- the engine doesn’t start – this may happen if there is a problem with the relays and fuses;
- everything is fine and the message disappears – you may deduct that the problem is with the PCM or ECU;
- the steering wheel is possible to turn but harder than usual – this means that the steering assist is limited;
- the message is on the dash but nothing changes – it seems that some electrical issue has just happened to your truck.
By observing the symptoms that accompany the “Steering Assist Fault” error message in the Ford F150 you obviously come closer to locating the actual problem that may cause this warning to come on the dash.
Unfortunately, in a lot of cases, you will not be able to diagnose the problem and find the actual reason on your own. I will try to describe some more advanced inspection options later in this article though, so that you could try and avoid spending money on pure inspection. But first, let’s see what exactly can trigger this message in the Ford F150.
The reasons for the “Steering Assist Fault” message in the F150
There are numerous reasons why this error message can show up in your truck. Ironically, almost none of them actually means that there is a problem with the steering assist. The electric power steering system in the F150 truck is very reliable and usually doesn’t cause any problems. But the electronics that control this system… I’m not so optimistic about it.
Here are some of the most common and possible problems that can trigger this annoying message:
1. The problem with the PSCM – Power Steering Control Module
This electronic block is pretty faulty and can throw some problems now and then. The problem is that if you go to the dealership and they locate this issue, the repair will cost you over a thousand dollars!
Another bad thing is that locating this problem on your own is almost impossible. The block may work well for years and then start glitching. One time you turn on the ignition and see this message immediately, then you can’t start the car. After you turn the ignition off and then on again, you can start the truck without any problems.
Of course, I recommend repairing the problem elsewhere unless your truck is under warranty. The dealership will just rob you!
2. The wiring
Unfortunately, the two latest generations of the F150 have quite a lot of problems with wiring harnesses. Again, this is a really hard-to-locate problem because you will need professional scanners and other equipment to get an idea of where to look.
Also, repairing the problem is not that easy because you may need to replace the big pieces of wiring harness in your truck and this will cost you some money.
Again, you can go to the dealership to have the vehicle diagnosed but then you can clearly head to the trusted independent repair shop for repairs.
3. Low battery
This error message almost always appears once you turn on the ignition without even starting the engine. If this is what happens in your case, you may need to check the battery. While it can still show 12.5V when disconnected and unloaded, it can drop voltage sharply under any load. So, when you turn on the ignition and some electronic blocks start draining power from the battery, it may drop voltage and the system will glitch.
In this case, all kinds of different messages may appear on the dash. You can clearly see the “Steering Assist Fault” message if the battery is low or dying because the electric power steering needs quite a lot of power to function properly.
Replacing the battery will help you check this guess and maybe even solve the problem with the steering assist issue.
4. Bad alternator or voltage regulator
Another possible issue is that your alternator doesn’t supply the system with the proper voltage. It’s also possible that the voltage regulator that is part of your alternator is malfunctioning and sending the wrong voltage to the vehicle’s system.
Once the ECU feels that there is a problem with voltage, it can cut some systems to keep the engine running. For example, it can cut the power steering and, in this case, you will actually experience the bear-to-steer situation.
Checking the alternator and the voltage regulator is challenging, so you better leave this task to professionals.
5. Bad relay that powers the PSCM
In your F150, there is a mystery box called BJB. It’s a very questionable unit that houses several relays and fuses. This box is considered unserviceable, so if some of the relays are broken, the entire BJB will have to be replaced.
Well, this is what the dealership says. I believe you can service the BJB and change the relay without paying about $1100 for the replacement of the box. But for this, you will need to go to the independent shop, so the warranty, if any, will be voided.
Locating this relay when it malfunctions is a challenging task. I would let the dealership do this and then would consider where to go and how to deal with the situation.
Can you drive if you see the “Steering Assist Fault” in the F150?
This highly depends on how your vehicle acts. If it lacks power steering, you can slowly drive after turning the emergency light and move on your own to the dealership or to the nearest repair shop.
But if your vehicle doesn’t start after you see this message, things are much worse and you will probably need a tow truck. But before you call for help, try doing the following:
- turn off the ignition;
- locate the 12V battery in your truck;
- disconnect it (first negative terminal, then positive one);
- wait for several minutes;
- connect the battery (first positive terminal, then negative);
- try starting the truck.
This may help you reset the ECU, PCM, PSCM, and any other electronic modules that control the work of your F150. In many cases, after such a hard reset, the vehicle will start and you’ll be able to move the truck without calling a tow truck.
But be careful. Driving your Ford F150 with malfunctioning power steering is not a good idea. This can be dangerous and can lead to accidents that will cost you much more than calling a tow truck or roadside assistance when you need this.
Signs your F150 actually needs professional help
You will obviously need some help if the vehicle doesn’t start and stubbornly shows you the “Steering Assist Fault, Service Required” message. In this case, you will not move the truck from its place without help.
Also, you shouldn’t keep driving if the steering assist is absent and the steering wheel is too hard to turn. This may lead to accidents and is dangerous.
Another sign you need professional help is if your vehicle throws random error messages and warning lights. This shows you that the car is glitching heavily and you can never predict how it will act in five minutes. Driving such a truck is a lottery that you are unlikely to win.
Final thoughts
The “Steering Assist Fault, Service Required” error message is not usually connected to the power steering system. It may show some problems with relays and fuses in the BJB or with the issues with PSCM in your Ford F150. Sometimes, a low and dying 12V battery causes this problem.
Anyway, there are no good DIY methods to locate the problem. I tried to give some tips on how you can locate the issue or even try to overcome the problem and still drive the truck. But you shouldn’t ignore the message. It needs proper attention immediately.