Hello,

I have a 2014 Ford Focus Mk3.

I had "Steering assist malfunction" error with no power steering about a year ago, then replaced my battery and the error was gone, power steering was working for a complete year.

Then after a year, I had the same error again, error code was about wrong battery voltage, replaced battery again (unfortunately I did not put a silver-calcium battery to the car, I thought that's the reason why I had to replace battery again), but the problem remained (although there is no error code about battery voltage now).

Power steering works sometimes, actually when I drive the car the first time every day, it works, but after stopping the car, when I turn on the ignition, "Steering assist malfunction" error message shows up, but it is quite random.

Dealership suggested replacing complete steering rack (~1300 GBP). Error code: U0131:00-2F and OBD reader couldn't communicate with PSCM module

Do you think replacing complete steering rack would be a good solution? Thank you for your answers.

19 minutes ago, c1rd said:

Hello,

I have a 2014 Ford Focus Mk3.

I had "Steering assist malfunction" error with no power steering about a year ago, then replaced my battery and the error was gone, power steering was working for a complete year.

Then after a year, I had the same error again, error code was about wrong battery voltage, replaced battery again (unfortunately I did not put a silver-calcium battery to the car, I thought that's the reason why I had to replace battery again), but the problem remained (although there is no error code about battery voltage now).

Power steering works sometimes, actually when I drive the car the first time every day, it works, but after stopping the car, when I turn on the ignition, "Steering assist malfunction" error message shows up, but it is quite random.

Dealership suggested replacing complete steering rack (~1300 GBP). Error code: U0131:00-2F and OBD reader couldn't communicate with PSCM module

Do you think replacing complete steering rack would be a good solution? Thank you for your answers.

As with most intermittent faults, I would check all electrical connections, especially the Can Bus circuits. If it was a mk2.5, I would suspect instrument cluster but unlikely on mk3s . 

The dealership told electrical connections „look good from outside”.

Do you think I should take the car to some non-official service station?

I also thought of replacing the power steering fuse, as I think that is the only thing I can do by myself, I do not know whether it has sense.

6 hours ago, c1rd said:

Dealership suggested replacing complete steering rack (~1300 GBP). Error code: U0131:00-2F and OBD reader couldn't communicate with PSCM module

Do you think replacing complete steering rack would be a good solution? Thank you for your answers.

Treat the advice of a dealer with no skin in the game apart from selling an expensive part, and overpriced labour to fit it with the cynicism it deserves. If you have the option, I would certainly take it to a decent independent garage for a second opinion...

Check and clean the main chassis earth point. Unbolt it from the bodywork and remove any rust or paint. put some vaseline (petroleum jelly) on the cable terminal and tighten firmly back on to the body.

Check and clean both battery terminals and leads. Make sure they are tight and the clamps don't slip round on the battery posts.

Put the battery on charge with a good battery charger for at least 12 hours, and after doing all that see how your power steering is.

If you do need a new steering rack then you can get a refurbished rack with a 2 year warranty from western power steering. I got it done on my last car 2011 mk3 £450 including all shipping for the rack based on returning the old rack and £200 for local garage to fit it. I think they are in Bristol so if you are near there you can get them to fit the replacement. Never had a problem after that until I sold the car for part ex nearly 2 years ago.

4 minutes ago, ColW said:

I think they are in Bristol so if you are near there you can get them to fit the replacement.

The OP is not even in the UK never mind Bristol 🤣

But I'm sure that information may well be of help to others

Sorry, I didn't check. I just assumed as they were quoting the price from the dealer in GBP. I'm sure other countries have other options as well though, not just direct from Ford.

...post deleted due to stupidity of poster...

6 hours ago, StephenFord said:

...post deleted due to stupidity of poster...

What?

Thank you for the other advices, I will try those and keep the topic updated.