Power Steering Random

[Greg]

I have been working out issues on my marauder and just got a radio installed. It has been a couple of weeks since driving and also had to get a new battery as it just wouldn't hold a charge. Now my power steering is going in and out randomly. Argh. Everything seems fine with pump, etc. My code reader (Auto Enginuity) says it can't communicate with VAP module.

So, figure it is the RAS steering/air bag module.

Thoughts ....

Also still have to work through the windshield wiper randomness as well. Then get the engine checked for the knock.

Argh .. It will get fixed.

[8UWITH6]

I will bet your radio installer either tapped into or clipped the wrong wire for power for something. And I will assume you had no issues prior to radio install......... take a few steps back take it to a competent shop or fix it yourself. Good luck!

[Greg]

Did the radio myself and all done through the oem wire harness. No clipping of wires. Agree it is very coincidental.

One time the engine fan would not shut off as well. Had to disconnect the fan shroud. Seems OK now. Electrical gremlims ....

[Turbov6Bryan]

Now my power steering is going in and out randomly. Argh. My code reader (Auto Enginuity) says it can't communicate with VAP module.

So, figure it is the RAS steering/air bag module.

Thoughts ....
It will get fixed.


Mine, make a good offer

https://www.ebay.com/itm/a12-2003-2004-Mercury-Marauder-Air-SUSPENSION-RAS-Variable-Steering-Rack-MODULE/302645865463?hash=item4677196b f7:g:s-cAAOSwW9RajJ3f

[Turbov6Bryan]

Its the ras / vaps module from a 300a 2003 marauder

[8UWITH6]

Pull radio fuse for fun see if issues go away. :)

[Greg]

Pulled the radio fuse and steering still not working right.

Also, the ac compressor kicks on and off all the time? Is the normal? It also squeaks when on now.

[Agent2006]

Wow Greg: You sure are getting it from this car! Only thing I can think of is: some Marauder owners reported shorts from the wiring harness where it goes through the firewall, sorry I can't give better hints than that. Could be some wires got pinched in a prior install or accident repair.

Maybe someone on here has a link to other threads. Other thing I was thinking was a bad ground might have electrical paths routing in different ways. I've heard of pitted axle shafts caused by electronic arcing! Weird.

[crownvic97]

I admire your determination to keep fixing your Marauder, I also bought one that’s giving me a hard time (and taking all my money).

I’d start by just visually inspecting all the harnesses you can see, maybe something got chaffed or damaged.

[Zack]

Mine, make a good offer

https://www.ebay.com/itm/a12-2003-2004-Mercury-Marauder-Air-SUSPENSION-RAS-Variable-Steering-Rack-MODULE/302645865463?hash=item4677196b f7:g:s-cAAOSwW9RajJ3f

This is a Keyless Entry Module

[Greg]

At least the radio works

[Turbov6Bryan]

This is a Keyless Entry Module

He bought my ebay ras vaps module, and i just relocated a fresh item in the place of the ras vaps module.

This way i didnt lose a listing.

Sold over 80 items on ebay in the last 30 days

[fastblackmerc]

OP - Check the harness behind the left cam cover. There is a long bolt from the cowl, I believe, that may have chaffed wires.

[Joe Walsh]

Greg,
Maybe sell that Marauder and buy mine? .... Lots less issues to deal with!
I just listed it for sale: https://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=105661

BTW: Did you get my text this past weekend?

[Greg]

Joe,
Did get your text. Considering. Saw yours up for sale as well. Very nice. I am in deep now ... hopefully can solve my problems with little expense. The power steering threw me.

What about the ac compressor? Is it common to cycle on and off with the auto clinic control? I have another car that does it as well. But it has a button to override and turn it off.

[Greg]

Thanks for the other ideas. Will check that as well. Will keep everyone updated.

[fastblackmerc]

Joe,
Did get your text. Considering. Saw yours up for sale as well. Very nice. I am in deep now ... hopefully can solve my problems with little expense. The power steering threw me.

What about the ac compressor? Is it common to cycle on and off with the auto clinic control? I have another car that does it as well. But it has a button to override and turn it off.

It will cycle even though your not using the A/C. If it does it frequently your probably low on R13. Check the bottom of the receiver / dryer as they tend to rust out. replace with an aluminum one.

[Agent2006]

"R13" might have got cut off...... R134a

[Charlie Costell]

Normally when an AC system "short cycles" it means it is low on refrigerant.
Just my .02 worth. We serviced many of them due to short cycling.

[8UWITH6]

Try unplugging the electrical component on the rack and pinion and see if it stops fading in and out. The steering will be harder but still have assist.

[Greg]

The replacement vap/ras didn't do it. Argh! Tried unplugging sensor and seems to have taken away randomness but cant drive at the moment since no seats in the car at the moment. Could it be sensor? Haven't seen any harness issues. dang it

[justbob]

The hose that hangs in front of the rack and loops towards the passenger side and back has a sensor on the passenger side that will give you intermittent power steering when it goes bad or isn’t plugged in fully.


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[Greg]

Latest info on steering. Still no luck. My code reader says no connection (same for the abs unit) but that could be because it just doesn't read it. Took out the radio and looked for damaged wire everywhere on the entire car including under the dash. Nothing.

Interestingly, if you pull the VAPS solenoid valve connection on the rack, it makes no difference. I thought it was supposed to go to full assist. It does not. If I put a large resister on the valve wire harness to act as a solenoid, I do get around 8volts at idle and less than one volt above 60mph. This has me thinking the system works it is just that the valve may be stuck.

Trying to get the solenoid valve off the rack sounds hard and apparently you can't get a new one. I am not even sure what you get if you order a new rack and pinion.

So, should I try to take it off and clean it? If it fails, do I just get a new rack? If so, how does the VAP work?

I was eventually thinking of sending my car to Marty in GA to check out the engine knock, etc. Perhaps he can handle this as well. I need to call him ....

[Marauderjack]

I know you've been chasing possible electrical causes but is the power steering pump working and does the reservoir have fluid in it??:confused:

[Greg]

I was thinking about that myself. There is no change in fluid. Nit sure how to test the power steering pump as I can't get my code reader to see the abs or vaps unit.

[Charlie Costell]

If you have high miles, have the power system flushed. Had a similar problem with a Roadmaster way back when.