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P/S switch

2K views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  not ford 
#1 ·
g'day out there, I have been playing with my new you beaut code breaker that "Muzza" made for me (thanks again) and I am getting a 521 code, which means something to do with the power steering pressure switch. I have yet to check it out, but what I would like to know is: what is the purpose of the switch? It is obviously having problems in my car, but it doesn't seem to be affcting anything, least of all the P/S.
 
#2 ·
hi creature. After blowing 7 of these switches í found out from ford that they are desígned to slightly elevate idle speed when steering is on full lock and engíne ís at low revs. Main purpose ís to prevent engine stallíng when power steering loads up on full lock
 
#3 ·
The bible states:
521

PSPS Failed Open

The switch must be closed for KOEO and ER test. During ER test, the steering must be turned approx 1/2 turn. Can be caused by disconnected or faulty switch, or failure to turn steering during test.


cheers
 
#4 ·
thanks for the info TopGhia and ELGT4me. 7 of them!! it must have been expensive!! My friendly Ford dealer keeps a few on the shelf, he says they are a fast moving part. Obviously a design fault somewhere. I did turn the steering wheel as I did the test. My son's EF shows the same fault, and I replaced the switch about 12 months ago. If that's all it does, I am sure I can live without the engine speed raising slightly. Come to think of it, the engine speed does'nt alter when I turn the wheel. I never let it rest on full lock anyway, always backing off a little when i get there. My ZK Fairlane hasn't got such a thing, and that survives o.k.

Thanks again
 
#5 ·
creature3 said:
thanks for the info TopGhia and ELGT4me. 7 of them!! it must have been expensive!! My friendly Ford dealer keeps a few on the shelf, he says they are a fast moving part. Obviously a design fault somewhere. I did turn the steering wheel as I did the test. My son's EF shows the same fault, and I replaced the switch about 12 months ago. If that's all it does, I am sure I can live without the engine speed raising slightly. Come to think of it, the engine speed does'nt alter when I turn the wheel. I never let it rest on full lock anyway, always backing off a little when i get there. My ZK Fairlane hasn't got such a thing, and that survives o.k.

Thanks again
Hi creature3! yeah 4switches actually blew apart! power steering oil everywhere. These were replaced under warranty, but i paid labor costs. At sixty bucks an hour i decided to change them myself, 10 min job! the next 3 failed but no warranty,I was not qualified enough to fit them!!! This was an EBXR 6 not myELGT!!! Problem was traced to a batch of faulty switches, but by then i,d given up on Ford service and did all repairs myself. Sadly things have not improved with the purchase of the EL GT. Hope i was of any help.
 
#7 ·
If the idle isn't changing that means the switch is working by holding the idle up.

The 6's apparently only have this switch and its only needed if your engine is a little rough. If it runs good then just block it off. A power steering specialist showed me by disconecting the switch, idle just goes down a bit.
 
#9 ·
outback_ute said:
I had one leaking that had to be replaced. Without wanting to hijack the thread, would this be worse with 245 tyres rather than 205s? Is there a pressure limiting valve in the system?
Hi outback ute!! You hit the nail on the head!!! My XR6 had bog stock standard tyre&wheel package & still blew switches. My car was not the only car in town blowing switches!!! When i contacted my local ford dealer & suggested perhaps the steering relief-valve was set too high, i got laughed at!! He stopped laughing when i asked how one switch failed, the same day it was fitted!! (didn,t make it home from the dealers) Like i said i gave up on the service, but not the product. I did have enough of this!!!! Happy Motoring
 
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