Hi all,

I have a 2011, 1.6 Ecoboost Titanium Focus and I’m currently working through the problem of trying to resolve the dreaded “steering malfunction” message. I’ve reached the point where I have to replace the entire steering rack assembly, as the EPAS module, which has been repaired once before, has now had a total internal mechanical failure of some sort which renders it unrepairable, according to the overhaul / repair specialist.

I’ve just managed to source a complete steering rack assembly from a salvaged 2014 titanium focus that had a rear end shunt, which the car dismantlers assures me is the correct part number, based on my vehicle reg, vin and wheel size. However, I’m acutely aware that the replacement module will ultimately need to be flash programmed with the data stored in the old unit, which i still have.

Assuming that the salvaged steering rack is indeed the correct one for my car, I have absolutely no idea where to find a suitable auto technician to perform the flash programming of the replacement EPAS unit, as I’ve read on other forum threads that Ford main dealers won’t perform this procedure on a car unless they’ve replaced the steering rack themselves. 

Ideally, I’m looking for a garage or mobile technician in the Farnborough area that could possibly carry out the programming of my EPAS module, to help me get back on the road again and avoid sending an otherwise perfectly decent car prematurely to the scrap yard.

Any help or guidance greatly appreciated.

So fitting the new rack and module assembly will still give you power steering (assuming it is correct for your vehicle) even if not programmed to your car, you'll just get a fault code come up saying module not configured. 

I don't know why dealers wouldn't programme it in for you? I used to do it all the time when they were going wrong a lot. The only issues I had were non genuine modules causing issues when programming.