🔧 Fusion - Power Steering Pump Replacement (Not Applicable: EPAS)

Your Fusion uses Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS), which means there is no hydraulic power steering pump and no power steering fluid to replace.

If you’re having steering problems, the usual fixes are checking power/grounds, fuses, wiring at the steering rack, and scanning EPAS fault codes (or replacing the steering gear as an assembly if it has failed).

Difficulty Level: Beginner (checks) / Advanced (steering gear replacement) | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.5 hours (checks)

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the car OFF and keep the key/fob at least 15 feet away before working.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the 12V negative battery cable before touching main power/steering connectors.
• ⚠️ This is a plug-in hybrid: avoid orange cables/connectors (high-voltage). Do not probe them.
• ⚠️ If you lift the car, support it with jack stands on solid points.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3" extension (3/8" drive)
• Trim clip removal tool
• Flashlight
• Digital multimeter
• OBD-II scan tool with Ford EPAS access (specialty)
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Power steering/EPAS fuse(s) (assorted) - Qty: 1
• Electrical contact cleaner - Qty: 1
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Open the trunk and access the 12V battery area.
• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the 12V negative battery cable (negative is “-”).
• Wait 5 minutes before unplugging/plugging steering-related connectors.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm you have EPAS (no pump)

• Open the hood and look for a belt-driven power steering pump and fluid reservoir—on your Fusion, you will not find them.
• This confirms the system is electric assist, not hydraulic. No fluid service is required.

Step 2: Scan for EPAS trouble codes

• Reconnect the 12V negative cable temporarily using a 10mm socket.
• Plug in an OBD-II scan tool with Ford EPAS access (specialty).
• Read codes from EPAS/PSC (Power Steering Control) and write them down.
• Disconnect the 12V negative cable again using a 10mm socket.
• A code narrows the fix fast.

Step 3: Check fuses and power feed (basic causes)

• Locate the under-hood fuse box (Battery Junction Box).
• Remove the cover and inspect EPAS-related fuses using a flashlight.
• Use a digital multimeter to check fuse continuity (continuity means the fuse isn’t blown).
• If a fuse is blown, replace it with the same amperage rating.

Step 4: Inspect steering gear electrical connector(s)

• Safely raise the front if needed using a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) and support with jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Remove any lower splash shield fasteners as needed using a trim clip removal tool.
• Locate the steering gear/rack and its electrical connector.
• Unplug the connector and inspect for moisture/green corrosion.
• Clean with electrical contact cleaner, let it dry, then apply a light film of dielectric grease and reconnect firmly.

Step 5: Reconnect 12V power and retest

• Reconnect the 12V negative cable using a 10mm socket.
• Start the car and slowly turn the wheel lock-to-lock while parked.
• If steering assist is restored, rescan with the OBD-II scan tool with Ford EPAS access (specialty) and clear codes.

Step 6: If assist is still lost, plan the correct repair

• If codes point to an internal EPAS failure, the common repair is replacing the steering gear (rack) assembly, not a pump.
• That job requires subframe/steering/suspension work and a professional wheel alignment afterward.
• If the wheel isn’t centered, don’t ignore it.

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✅ After Repair

• Road-test at low speed first and confirm steering assist feels normal.
• Verify no warnings like “Power Steering Assist Fault” return on the dash.
• Rescan with the OBD-II scan tool with Ford EPAS access (specialty) and confirm no EPAS codes are present.
• If the steering gear was replaced, get a 4-wheel alignment immediately.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $150-$350 (diagnosis/electrical checks) or $1,400-$2,800 (steering gear replacement + alignment)

DIY Cost: $10-$60 (fuses/cleaners) or $600-$1,500 (steering gear parts only)

You Save: $140-$340 (checks) or $800-$1,500 (major repair) by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours (checks) or 4-7 hours (steering gear).

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.