C102D: Power steering control module fault with loss of assist (Ford)
C102D power steering assist fault (Ford)
Severity: Inspect soon
C102D comes with a loss or reduction of power steering assist, which makes the car hard to steer even though steering still works mechanically.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Treat as Stop if a red steering indicator shows or assist is gone. Ford's Focus bulletin says the red indicator means assist is completely removed.
C102D in short
On Ford vehicles C102D is a power steering control module code tied to a loss of steering assist. Ford bulletins for the 2012 Focus and 2020 Explorer fix some cases by reprogramming the module. The steering becomes heavy, so have it checked promptly and stop if assist is lost.
The power steering control module runs the electric assist motor. When it detects a fault it stores C102D and may lower or remove assist, showing a steering assist message.
Ford's 2012 Focus bulletin describes a yellow warning on the first key cycle and a red warning with no assist on later cycles. The 2020 Explorer bulletin describes no assist at first engine start.
Steering is safety-critical, so this page explains the cause only and gives no do-it-yourself steps.
Pick your make
C102D is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.
Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Power steering control module software needing an update
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Ford bulletins for the 2012 Focus and 2020 Explorer, Aviator and Police Interceptor Utility prescribe PSCM reprogramming for C102D.
- What would change this
- Rises if a dealer finds your VIN is covered and the module is not up to date. Falls if it is already current.
Cause 2: Steering gear, motor or wiring fault
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- Ford says to continue normal diagnostics if C102D returns after reprogramming, so hardware or wiring faults stay possible.
- What would change this
- Rises if the code returns after an update. Falls if an update clears it.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Have a Ford dealer or shop read the PSCM, run the workshop manual pinpoint test and check for a software update for your VIN.
Warning:Steering faults are safety-critical; do not attempt repairs yourself.
IfThe pinpoint test points to software
It meansReprogram the module.
Points to: Power steering control module software needing an update
IfThe code returns after reprogramming
It meansFurther steering diagnosis is needed.
Symptoms
- Steering Assist Fault, Service Required message
- No power steering assist at engine start
- Red steering indicator with no assist Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
How to fix
This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.
Parts and cost context
- Power steering control module:Software reprogramming comes before replacement in the Ford bulletins. Labor varies; get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
FordYour car
2020 · Explorer
Supported by vehicle dataFord SSM 49172 covers 2020 Explorer, Aviator and Police Interceptor Utility built 07-Nov-2019 to 04-Aug-2020 with no assist at start-up and C102D. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
2012 · Focus
Supported by vehicle dataA Ford bulletin for the 2012 Focus with electric assist built on or before 4/19/2011 prescribes PSCM reprogramming for C102D. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
2020–2022 · Transit
Supported by vehicle dataFord SSM 51295 covers 2020-2022 Transit and 2022 E-Transit with no assist at start-up and C102D:00, fixed with a PSCM software update. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
SSM 49172Status unverified
Lack of power steering assist at start-up, C102D
2020explorer · NHTSA 10180390
Reprogram the PSCM if the pinpoint test points to software; continue diagnosis if the code returns.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
SSM 51295Status unverified
Lack of power steering assist at start-up, C102D:00
2020–2022transit · NHTSA 10230797
Update the PSCM software; applies to 2020-2022 Transit and 2022 E-Transit built on or before 26-Apr-2022.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
No curated relationships for C102D yet.
C102D questions
Can I drive with C102D?
Steering still works without assist, but it can be very heavy. Stop if a red steering indicator appears or assist is lost.
Sources and review
- Electric Power Steering Glitch (2012 Ford Focus)
- Ford SSM 49172: Lack of power steering assist at start-up, DTC C102D
- Ford SSM 51295: Lack of power steering assist at start-up, DTC C102D:00
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error