C102D on Ford

Power steering control module fault with loss of assist (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.

Safety-critical system: explanation only, no DIY steps. Source: how we rate severity

This page covers only what differs on Ford. For what C102D means, the ranked causes and the test order, see the C102D guide.

2020 · Explorer
Supported by vehicle data
Ford 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 data
A 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 data
Ford 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.

Ford SSM 49172: Lack of power steering assist at start-up, DTC C102D — Ford Motor Company via NHTSA
Electric Power Steering Glitch (2012 Ford Focus) — VehicleServicePros
Ford SSM 51295: Lack of power steering assist at start-up, DTC C102D:00 — Ford Motor Company via NHTSA

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