CapeDave

 

 

After the 2 newer replacement (SECM aka Steering Wheels) from Ford which didn't work, they pulled one out of a new car from the dealer lot. So my fix in the end was to swap the wheel from a new car. So I'm actually still using an old part.

 

Wonderful.

Unless just maybe that car was new enough that it had the new part? Or is that impossible because no new cars have the new part yet?

 

 

Bingo. My dealer replaced the Steering Wheel... TWICE. 1st one Adaptive Steering wasn't working, 2nd one was Grinding when turning the wheel. FWIW, the steering wheel part number has been discontinued, Ford referred to a new steering wheel part number. (of both didn't work)

 

After escalations with FoMoCo and having my car at the dealer for about 20 days, 3rd pickup. Ford realized that one more trip would meet Michigan Lemon Law. It would be qualified for buyback from the manufacture. In Michigan it is 4 repairs for the same issue or 30 days on in-service.

 

Anyways, I got my car back on Friday and it seems to be fine for now. Only put a couple hundred miles on it since I got it back.

 

How did they fix it? Let's say there is a new Edge Sport in the back new dealer lot that is missing a steering wheel.

Wow. Ouch. Let's hope that "borrowed" steering wheel does not also have the issue. As much as I like many thing about this car, I would change it out in a hot second. I feel like I should have bought the X5

Why is "clock spring" a mystery? It's what connects the wiring in the steering wheel to the car and allows the wheel to turn without kinking the wires. Clock spring failures are relatively common.

Again, I stand edified. In all my years as a wanna be car guy, I never heard that part mentioned ever. Which is why it was a mystery to me.

Swapping out a steering wheel would be a cake walk for most mechanics, don't worry about that part.

Oh, I did not know that. Thanks. Makes me feel a bit better.

There is another TSB that just came out:

 

Nov 3 2016 3960 - 2016 Edge/MKX - Adaptive/Active Steering - Check Adaptive/Active Steering Message Illuminated With DTC C1B00

See TSB: 16-2066 for details.

 

It calls for replacing the steering wheel:

 

Issue: Some 2016 Edge/MKX vehicles equipped with adaptive/active steering may exhibit a check adaptive/active steering message illuminated in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) message center with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C1B00 stored in the steering effort control module (SECM).

So it would appear that there are at least three separate fixes. One computer fix, one replace steering wheel assembly and one "Clock Spring" which is still a huge mystery.

When I buy a car new, it is because I expect a sealed unit. I do not want the engine swapped out, the steering wheel swapped out, or the transmission swapped out, to name a few. I want it to be correctly assembled from working parts the first time, at the factory. I realize that manufacturing is excellent, albeit not perfect. And yet I have never had an issue like this on a new car, and I have bought a few. More than most.

Because like I said, when was the last time a Ford mechanic EVER swapped out a steering wheel? I am guessing probably never. Or very rarely. And bad enough my car was an unasked for BETA test of this crappy adaptive system, I certainly do not want to be a training ground for complex repairs.

You would be surprised at how many people will hit up internet forums to complain about or find information about a problem. We will see as winter comes though as it seems like the majority of people having active steering issues are either in the northern states of in Canada.

 

Personally, I do not like this variable ratio steering but had no choice.

Yeah, I did not want it either. But I figured it would work as advertised. Not this crap.

The Sport active steering setting actually just recalibrates the wheel to require more effort at low and highway speeds. I am not sure what it does to the adjustment of steering ratios as you drive, but I have never gone back to the normal mode since I switched it to be on the sport steering setting all the time. The normal setting feels too light and floaty for my taste.

 

I am glad that Ford is making progress on this issue. That is the downfall of being volunteered to test cutting edge technology. I still believe this will be an isolated incident. Notice that since this thread started, we really havn't had a whole lot of people running here to report this problem. There are likely at least 10000 2016 Sports on the roads and a high failure rate would have caused a stampede to the internet forums. Since the 2016's have been out for over a year now, some have probably hit high miles.

Funny, I find the steering to be up to my high standards when all is working and no warning lights are on I will try the sport setting to see what I think, I am curious.

I think that many car owners are not Forum people. So it is very possible that they are heading right to the dealer with this issue rather than head here. I would estimate that there are between 10 and 100 with this issue for each individual here on this forum/thread.

Also, my issue first happened at 2200 miles. And then was almost constant for awhile. And for the last three days one would have no way of even knowing there was an issue. So, it is intermittent to one degree or another and also prone to happening at different mileages.

That said, I am very happy with the knowledge gained on this forum and the "progress" made. Still, Ford needs to step up. Beta testers of software often get a free copy of the software. What will we get from Ford?

 

Move the shifter to S instead of D.

Precisely I will try the sport setting in the gauge and report back tomorrow. I have never tried it. Sure would be nice if we could just turn this feature off completely. I would be interested to see how it drives with regular steering.

CapeDave, I just got a call from the dealer (my Edge is still in the shop)...they did some "reprogramming" and are going to test drive and release it back to me today. IF the fault light comes back on they said I may need a new clock spring. I'm worried about this as it sounds like that didn't correct your problem...? How is your car today? Light still off? Can you drive in sport and regular mode? Are you hearing/feeling anything in the steering column? Thanks.

Ah, so you got the "clock spring" diagnosis too. They did not replace mine yet, so I cannot speak to whether that fixes it. My car has been perfect for about 3 days. I do not drive in Sport except by mistake. But it has been fine. No steering issues. No sounds. No warning lights. You KNOW that it will come on as I am about to take a trip to the store

Also, dealer has not called my to say the part was in. Or for any reason. And so it goes.

 

This falls under the normal warranty coverage which does not provide free loaners unless you purchased the ESP. That said, dealers can still offer loaners on their own.

It is the second part of what you said that appeals to me

 

Nov 2 2016 3947 - 2016 Edge/MKX - Adaptive/Active Steering Fault Message With DTCs U3000, C2003, B137F, B1380, U210A, And U2000 In The Steering Effort Control Module (SECM)

Some 2016 Edge/MKX vehicles may exhibit an illuminated adaptive/active steeringfault message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) message center with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U3000, C2003, B137F, B1380, U210A, and U2000 stored in the SECM. If DTC U3000:96 is present, the SECM must be replaced. If DTC U3000:96is not present, reprogram the SECM to the latest calibration using Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) release 102.05 or higher. Make sure you are connected to the internet when entering module programming to obtain the latest updates. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraftservice.com. Use causal part3600 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) manual.

 

Thank you! This is excellent information. I will make sure my dealer knows about it. Also, it seems a loaner is in order. If not for a situation like this then for what? All I got was "Call Enterprise". Ouch.

If they know they will have a fix within the next 30 days it would be stupid to go replacing vehicles. They should accommodate free loaners for anyone who doesn't feel comfortable driving with the problem. And if it's not actually fixed by the end of the month then I think the buyback discussion is warranted.

Yes, I agree. I see below some good hard information about the issue. That is great progress. I sure hope mine is a computer fix rather than part replacement. And I hope the same for all on here.

I would sure like to see some official response from Ford. Like the CEO. I spent over 2 years researching what car to buy. I now feel like I made a huge mistake.

Funny, the warning light has not come on for almost 2 days. I do not know what to think. Good? Bad? Worse?

I am thinking that there will be MANY more with this issue. I think every car with the set of options that includes adaptive steering will have this issue.

Together we are strong.

I feels all your pain for sure! This is no fun at all. I would like to see some photos of this "steering harness" and learn about the actual problem. It seems to have two variations:

1. The scary warning comes on and not much else is changed.

2. The warning comes on and the steering wheel turns to the left and/or makes "grinding" noises. In my case, it turned 90 degrees to the left. No small matter.

Mine also makes a clicking noise (very light) during "normal" operation. I hate this because why would Ford use a part that clicks ever?

Also, that fact that the "fix" is to yank off the entire steering wheel assembly (something that I cannot imagine that Ford workers have much, if any experience at) means the likelihood for screwing up something else is high.

I want a different car. I paid good money for this car, like we all did.

I have reported this issue as above. Had to cancel a road trip for business due to it just does not seem wise to do extra driving that is not very local. I wish Ford had let this "feature" gel for another year or two before doing us the "favor" of letting us beta test for them.

Hint: if you have Ford Credit, you can go there to get your VIN number for reporting purposes. Saves a trip to the car, etc.

 

 

I wish I would have kept my previous VW... :-(

 

They supposedly replaced the steering wheel twice on mine, and the adaptive steering still isn't right. The part #s of the replacement wheels were different than the original one that came on the car.

 

3 weeks and still going....

 

Yes and better be covered under the bumper to bumper warranty

 

I also have 2 kids and have lost all confidence in this car. I refuse to drive my 2 kids in it. I'm driving a loaner from the dealer.

 

Ford Customer Service is the worst that I have ever experienced. They are playing a game. The rep accidentally called my mobile instead of the dealer and they left a message regarding me and my vehicle as if she was leaving a message for them. The things that were said did NOT have the customer's best interest or care in mind. I'll leave it at that. Absolutely horrible service and treatment.

Make sure you do NOT delete that message. What a big mistake she made!

Mine is a part not the steering wheel. Dealer already fixed one car by replacing the part.They said if not for that fix they might know know what to do..

I have the part name and number but left it in Canada.

I have been told that part has to be re-engineered which is why it is not available until Nov 29.

Dealer was not comfortable with my driving even though there seemed to be no effect. He was concerned that while driving the computer might recognize fault and shift into 'limp' mode - not good.

Dealer/Ford has supplied loaner.

Customer service rep was useless, just repeated the party line.

Curious as to how you have already fixed one car if the new part is not available until November 29th? Also very upset that my dealer happily let me drive off. What is the real deal with this issue? Car safe or not? I need to do a 2 hour drive tomorrow but cannot risk life doing it. DAMN this sucks.

Hi, I feel your pain. I had my car in yesterday for diagnostics on this same thing. They said, "I need a new "Clock Spring"." They were not sure about it and said they would order the part and then see what was up, and then judge if they needed to order a new steering wheel. I am heartbroken that my new car may get a new steering wheel, I kind of love this one!

And she also said it would be in the shop a few days if that were the case

They let me drive it out. I am very sensitive to how the car drives and it feels OK to me. But I may not take it on a long trip. If it did start not driving well I wold notice and take whatever action was needed. No loaner for me. That does not come with their standard warranty. Yuck.

We are in this together, let's work to get this stupid issue solved 100%. Dave

That is not good. Keep us updated.

Yup, not good. I am scared every day. Car goes in on Monday. I really do not want them to start doing crazy stuff to TRY and fix it. I just want the damn thing fixed, fixed right, and without breaking or even scratching anything else in the process.

I test drove a platinum Edge with heated and cooled seats and I don't remember anything uncomfortable about them. Are you sure yours aren't defective? If not then it must just be a personal issue. There are some complaints about the seat bottoms not being big enough and the cooling not working but don't recall any about that particular problem.

This is part of the issue. It did not become apparent until the 3 or 4th day I drove the car. And it is a serious issue.

I test drove a platinum Edge with heated and cooled seats and I don't remember anything uncomfortable about them. Are you sure yours aren't defective? If not then it must just be a personal issue. There are some complaints about the seat bottoms not being big enough and the cooling not working but don't recall any about that particular problem.

It may be defective. It may be due to poor design. The effect is the same. Unuseable. And I have let many friends of very different sizes try it and they "get it" right away.

But the steering issue is way more safety oriented, so let's make this thread about that. Others are having the precise same issue. Safety first.

Yeah, emotions can run tense on both sides of the fence during issues like this, but staying 100% factual with the details while remaining calm will often help you to build rapport with others and they may be much more motivated to go the extra mile. The Titanium seats must be different as I thought they were all the same except for the faux suede inserts on the Sport. A good automotive upholstery shop can actually do wonders for the comfort of your seats. I even bet your dealer knows of some they could refer you to. Due to seat frame constraints, they will not be able to turn them into Lincoln Continental like couch cushions, but they can really do wonders.

All the different seats in the different models make for a very confusing choice. Especially as my dealer never had these particular seats to test drive. Stay away from the "perforated" heated and cooled seats if you value your comfort!

Just give then a chance to do their job and get things fixed. Something this new unfortunately means there are sometimes issues that will need to be fixed. If you feel things are not progressing like they should, escalate it to the service manager, then the dealer GM. If that does nothing, your next step in the chain is with Ford's customer service hotline where a regional representative will get involved. Does your dealer offer loaners? Mine does but not all of them do. Just be polite and stay completely factual during correspondence. Once it gets resolved, I bet you will be back to loving this car again. Also give the Ford seats some time. They usually get much more comfortable after they have had a chance to break in which can take 5k miles or more.

Thanks. Good advice. Except the main reason for the uncomfortable seats is a metal rod that is not padded correctly, so it would be impossible for it to get more comfortable over time.

But be calm and factual during negotiations is great advice

Ah, so that is what the light clicking is. I have heard it and I hate it. Before all the errors coming up, I kind of liked the steering. It seemed smooth and tight. But also, like some here, I hate new fangled tech. I can hardly believe that this "tech" is actually in the steering wheel itself. It all makes me feel very squirrely.

And also like many here, I buy new to avoid this crap. If they tell me I will need to pay for a rental I may go ballistic. Not what I signed up for. I pretty much want them to take the car back and reverse the lease deal. Although I know I will not get back the RX350 I traded in

It first happened to me about 2200 miles or so. And now the darn warning comes up 2 times per day at random. I do not know my build date but I picked it up after ordering it on July 18, this year.

Choosing a car these days is very stressful.

Will Ford step up?

I will check. Is that on the inside of the door?