This procedure drains and replaces the power steering fluid in the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system to maintain proper lubrication and extend component life.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering reservoir cap seal (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
4. Locate power steering fluid reservoir on driver side of engine bay
5. Clean area around reservoir cap to prevent contamination
6. Prepare drain pan and catch containers

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove old fluid from reservoir
   Remove the power steering reservoir cap. Using a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump, extract as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir. Transfer old fluid to drain pan. Continue removing fluid until reservoir is nearly empty, leaving only residual fluid at the bottom.
2. 2

   Raise and support front of vehicle
   Safely raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack and support on jack stands at the frame rails. Ensure vehicle is stable and wheels can turn freely. Do not support vehicle by lower control arms or suspension components.
3. 3

   Prepare return line for flushing
   Locate the power steering return line at the reservoir (lower hose connection). Place drain pan beneath the connection point. Loosen the hose clamp and carefully disconnect the return line from the reservoir. Allow residual fluid to drain into pan. Position the disconnected return line end into a catch bottle.
   ℹ️The return line is the lower hose connection on the reservoir. The supply/pressure line is the upper connection.
4. 4

   Attach flushing tube to reservoir
   Insert the clear plastic tubing into the return line port on the reservoir where you disconnected the hose. Ensure it fits snugly. Route the other end of the tubing into your drain pan. This will allow old fluid to drain as you add new fluid.
5. 5

   Fill reservoir with fresh fluid
   Pour fresh Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid into the reservoir through the filler neck until it reaches the MAX cold fill line. Do not overfill. Keep the bottle of fresh fluid ready for continuous topping off.
6. 6

   Turn steering wheel to circulate fluid
   Without starting the engine, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock (full left to full right) 10-15 times. This circulates fluid through the system using the EPAS motor. Watch the reservoir level and continuously add fresh fluid to maintain level at MAX line. Old dark fluid will flow out through the clear tubing into the drain pan.
   ℹ️Do not start the engine during this process. The EPAS system can circulate fluid with just the ignition in ACC or ON position.
7. 7

   Monitor fluid color change
   Continue turning the steering wheel lock to lock while adding fresh fluid until the fluid flowing through the clear tube runs clean and matches the color of new fluid. This typically requires 1.5-2 quarts of fresh fluid total. The old fluid will appear darker or may have a burnt smell.
8. 8

   Reconnect return line
   Once fluid runs clean, remove the clear plastic tubing from the reservoir. Reconnect the power steering return line to the reservoir return port. Secure with the hose clamp, ensuring it is positioned properly and tightened adequately to prevent leaks.
9. 9

   Fill to proper level
   Fill the reservoir to the MAX cold fill line with fresh Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid. Reinstall the reservoir cap securely. Wipe up any spilled fluid from surrounding areas.
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and bleed system
    Lower the vehicle from jack stands safely. With the engine still off, turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start). Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 5-10 times to purge any remaining air from the system. Check reservoir level and top off if needed.
11. 11

    Start engine and final check
    Start the engine and let it idle. Turn the steering wheel lock to lock several times while idling. Check for leaks at the return line connection. Monitor reservoir fluid level and top off to MAX hot fill line if necessary. Listen for any unusual noises from the EPAS system.
    ⚠If you hear whining or groaning noises, air may still be in the system. Continue turning steering wheel lock to lock until noise disappears.

Reassembly

1. Ensure reservoir cap is installed securely with seal properly seated
2. Verify all hose connections are tight and clamps are properly positioned
3. Clean any spilled fluid from engine bay surfaces
4. Dispose of old power steering fluid according to local environmental regulations

Verification

• Check power steering fluid level is at MAX hot fill line with engine at operating temperature
• Verify no leaks present at reservoir or return line connection
• Confirm steering operation is smooth with no unusual noises when turning lock to lock
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal steering assist operation at various speeds
• Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Monitor fluid level over the next few days and check for any signs of leakage

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