Steering - Increase in Turning Effort at Low Speeds

Article No.
96-4-2

02/12/96

STEERING - POWER - INTERMITTENT INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT AT LOW SPEEDS

FORD:
1994-96 THUNDERBIRD

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1994-96 COUGAR

ISSUE:
Steering efforts at low speeds may intermittently increase to the heavier for highway setting on some vehicles. This is due to electrical "noise" from the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) being picked up by the Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) module. The EVO module then interprets this as an increase in vehicle speed and reduces the steering assistance to the heavier for highway level.

ACTION:
Replace the EVO module with a new module that has improved filtering for electrical noise. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Replace EVO module (F6SZ-3F712-BB). Locations are as follows:

^ On 1994-95 vehicles, the EVO module is located under the package tray in the trunk.

^ On 1996 vehicles, the EVO is located under the heater blower case on the passenger side.

Refer to Section 11-02 of the appropriate year Thunderbird/Cougar Service Manual for additional diagnosis and repair information.

PART NUMBER PART NAME

F6SZ-3F712-BB Electronic Variable Orifice Module

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

960402A Replace Electronic 0.5 Hr.
Variable Orifice (EVO)
Module - 1994-95
Thunderbird/Cougar

960402B Replace Electronic 0.3 Hr.
Variable Orifice (EVO)
Module - 1996
Thunderbird/Cougar

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
3F712 41

OASIS CODES: 303000