Lincoln Nautilus: Power Steering / Power Steering - System Operation and Component Description. Description and Operation

System Operation

System Diagram

Network Message Chart

  Module Network Input Messages: Power Steering Control Module (PSCM)

EPAS System

The PSCM controls the functions of the EPAS system and communicates with other modules over the HS-CAN2 .

To activate, the EPAS system needs to be connected to battery voltage at the hot at all times input and at the ignition/run input to the PSCM . In addition, the system must communicate with other modules over the HS-CAN2 . The PSCM must receive the power mode signal from the BCM in order to be set into operation mode.

The main input for calculating the level of EPAS assist is the steering torque sensor signal. Vehicle speed is also taken into consideration in order to achieve the vehicle speed dependent steering assist characteristic.

The EPAS gear uses a reversible motor to apply the steering assist. The motor is connected to the rack of the steering gear by a toothed belt and pulley/bearing assembly. The motor is used by the PSCM to move the rack inside the steering gear housing.

The PSCM continually monitors and adjusts steering efforts based on the steering torque sensor signal, motor position and HS-CAN2 inputs to enhance the feel of the steering system. As vehicle speed increases, the amount of assist decreases to improve and enhance road feel at the steering wheel. As vehicle speed decreases, the amount of assist increases to ease vehicle maneuvering. Compensation is made to reduce the effect of pull or drift that can be experienced when driving on roads with a high degree of camber. Also compensation for the impact of wheel imbalance on steering feel is made up to a predetermined threshold.

The steering torque sensor senses the torque at the steering wheel. It is integrated into the PSCM and works by measuring the relative rotation between an input and output shaft which are connected by a torsion bar. The steering torque sensor sends out 2 PWM signals which allows a channel to channel cross-check and an accurate correction of the neutral point.

The PSCM is self-monitoring and is capable of setting and storing Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Depending on the DTC set, the PSCM may enter a failure mode. In addition, the PSCM may send a request to the IPC to display a message in the message center, alerting the driver of a potential EPAS concern. The warning message is sent over the HS-CAN2 to the BCM where it is converted to a MS-CAN message and forwarded on to the IPC over the MS-CAN .

Failure Modes

When a DTC is present in the PSCM , the EPAS enters 1 of 2 modes of operation.

The EPAS enters a reduced steering assist mode to protect the internal components of the EPAS when a concern is detected by the PSCM such as low/high battery voltage or over-temperature concerns that are not considered to be a critical safety concern. This reduced steering assist mode gives the steering a heavier than normal feel.

The EPAS enters a manual steering mode (no electrical steering assistance is provided) when a concern that is considered to be a critical safety concern is detected. In manual steering mode, the vehicle has mechanical steering operation only, which gives steering operation a heavy feel.

Active Park Assist

Some vehicles equipped with EPAS may also be equipped with active park assist. The active park assist system is controlled by the PAM and, when activated, can detect a parking space and steer the vehicle into the space by sending commands to the EPAS gear (the driver still controls the throttle, brakes and transmission). The active park assist system is comprised of several systems/modules that work together to aid in parallel parking maneuvers. The presence of certain Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in any of those systems or modules may either keep the active park assist system from being enabled or may disable the system if currently being used.
Refer to: Parking Aid (413-13C) .

Component Description

EPAS Steering Gear

The EPAS gear is an assembly that consists of a PSCM , a motor, and a steering torque sensor, all of which are serviced as an assembly. The inner and outer tie rods and the gear bellows boots are available for service.

• The steering torque sensor is mounted near the input shaft of the EPAS gear and is used by the PSCM to determine how much force the steering wheel is being turned by.
• The EPAS gear has one inner tie rod located at each end of the gear assembly and is available separately for service.
• The EPAS gear has one outer tie rod located at each end of the gear assembly and is available separately for service.
• The EPAS gear has one bellows boot located at each side of the EPAS gear assembly. Each boot is held in place with 2 boot clamps. The boots and clamps are available for service.

PSCM

The PSCM is the ECU for the EPAS system. The module monitors all sensor inputs and HS-CAN2 messages that relate to the EPAS system and directly controls the output of the EPAS motor.