2002 Ford F-350 SD: loss of power steering

5 of the 124 complaints about the 2002 Ford F-350 SD describe loss of power steering.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 4%
typical mileage: 59,833
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 3 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Loss of power steering by model year

2020
8
2019
6
2018
6
2017
9
2016
3
2015
3
2011
2
2008
6
2006
2
2005
6
2004
4
2003
5
2002
5
2001
5
2000
4
1999
4

What owners say

Filed Jun 27, 2014 · Steering · 198,000 miles · MI

The tie rod end at the pitman arm sheared off suddenly at the point where the ball meets the shaft of the tie rod causing a complete loss of steering control. This is not a wear point and is not something that could have been inspected since it is covered with a rubber boot, the steel looks as if it fatigued over time leading to the sudden failure. Luckily this occurred in a parking lot, had it happened on the highway someone else would have possibly been writing this.

Filed Nov 13, 2006 · Engine · 63,050 miles · TN

I have 63000 miles on my 2002 f350 super duty pick-up (7.3l diesel). My truck stalled 3 times while driving, once while turning across traffic. The fault codes indicated an intermittent camshaft position sensor. I replaced the sensor myself, and the problem has been corrected. I have the old sensor available. This is a known problem among ford truck owners. Stalling while driving causes loss of power steering, loss of power brakes, and obvious stop in traffic.

Filed Jan 18, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 24,000 miles · GA

This happened several months ago, but my f-350 power stroke had the dreaded cam position failure. My daughter was stuck at an intersection in 5 o'clock traffic and the truck was dead. I carried a spare sensor in the glove box knowing that this is a very common failure. Imagine being in the left lane of the interstate when it decides to fail. Lose power steering and power brakes. Read about cps failures on "thedieselstop.com". Could fail when turning left in front of on coming traffic. I feel this is a very dangerous flaw in this motor.

Filed Nov 14, 2005 · Engine · 59,833 miles · RI

My vehicle is a 2002 ford f-350 xlt 4x4 power stroke diesel...auto trans. The diesel engine unexpectedly shut down due to a defective " synchronizer " ( cam position sensor or " cps" ) while towing a heavy boat & trailer ( 9,800 lbs ), the engine suddenly and unexpectedly shut off for no apparent reason. When this happens there is no power steering or brakes. This makes the truck hard to steer and stop, and is a very dangerous condition,especially while towing a trailer. The first time it happened, I narrowly missed hitting a telephone pole, as I did not know the engine had died until I continued to steer the vehicle around a slight corner and it would not turn until I exerted heavy effort on the steering wheel. ( no power steering when the engine dies) a woman would never be able to steer this vehicle when this occurs. I then tried to stop the truck, and with the engine stalled ,there was no power brakes either. With heavy towing weight, this is also extremely dangerous. There was no accident or damage, but this is a dangerous condition. I found that it is common knowledge to ford dealers & powerstroke owners that these " cam sensors " fail often, resulting in the engine shutting off unexpectedly,or sometimes causing it not to start if the engine does not start , this is not a dangerous condition, however if the engine dies while towing a trailer, there is a good possibility of losing control due to the extreme effort required to stop and / or steer the truck when the engine shuts off. The part number for the replacement cam sensor is : f7tz-12k073-a. I have the old sensor available for inspection if ford wants it, but I am sure they are well aware of this problem with these trucks. There were no computer trouble codes stored when this happens. I have had 3 other ford powerstroke diesels and the " cam sensor " has failed on every one of them. Ford needs to seriously look into this problem with these sensors.

Filed Mar 10, 2003 · Lights, Steering · 12,072 miles · CO

The steering was hard to turn when the brakes were applied. There was play in steering wheel. Can be moved up and down. Dealer found some play in the tilt latch and adjusted the fluid level. However no problem found. Consumer was afraid camper could be knocked off jacks when backing truck up to 3,000 pound camper. Headlamps dim/discolored. Melted connectors and headlamp assembly replaced. *tt