2002 Grand Marquis LSE!

[mercurygm88]

As strange as it sounds as of today the steering is back to normal. I think it has something to do with me unhooking the EVO solenoid the other night.

I realize when the EVO fails it’s supposed to default to full assist but I think mine was stuck the opposite way and now that it’s been unhooked for a few days it’s gone back to normal.

I honestly can’t think of any other explanation. I’ll keep an eye in it and I’ll be ordering a new EVO solenoid payday.

[mercurygm88]

I hiked the EVO solenoid back up and drove about 15 miles. The steering is like new and far better than it’s been in the two years I’ve owned the car. I guess I’m not going to worry about it as long as it continues to cooperate.

[mercurygm88]

I just got home from work and as I was pulling in the driveway the car bogged down like it was going to stall and now the steering is sticking again. I’m guessing this has to be EVO related.

Edit: I read over on CVN that the EVO/RAS is all in one module above or behind the glove compartment. I'm thinking this could be causing both of my issues, can this module simply be swapped out and if so is it easily available?

[sly]

The module can be swapped out. That said... check the wiring to it first to make sure it's not just losing contact with power. Not sure on the availability of the module though. Yes, the module is located behind the glove box. It has two wire harnesses going to it. Checked my service manual.

Edit: Actually, there may be two modules. I'm going to post the RAS troubleshooting from the service manual shortly. Probably one box with two connectors. Mind the diagrams to figure out which one is which.

[sly]

Here's the RAS troubleshooting: http://www.grandmarq.net/sly/2002%20...leshooting.pdf
Here's the EVO troubleshooting: http://www.grandmarq.net/sly/2002%20...leshooting.pdf

[mercurygm88]

Thanks Sly. I’ll take a good look at those when I get the chance. I dropped the glove box and there’s one module with two connectors that says EVO/RAS. I tried reseating the connectors, that didn’t trick it into working.

If I can just trick the EVO solenoid into freeing up again I can just unplug it for now. I don’t know what to do on the air suspension side of things as I was unable to find the exact part number anywhere online

It looks like my price for a new power steering pump with the EVO solenoid is cheaper than buying just the solenoid online. I think I’m going to try that and I’ll just keep the spare power steering pump in case I ever need it.

As for the air suspension I guess I’ll have to live with it as is unless sometime down the road I can find this exact module. I’ll probably post a WTB thread for one in the next few days.

[mercurygm88]

Does anyone know if the bolt holding the EVO solenoid on is right or left hand thread? I'm trying to get the new one off of the reman pump and it's way tighter than I would think it should be.

[mercurygm88]

It appears that removing that Allen bolt just allows disassembly of the solenoid. There doesn't seem to be a way to get the solenoid body out of the pump. Anyone know a quick fix to get this back on the road? I have the solenoid unplugged but it's apparently stuck internally.

Edit: I did some more research. It appears that the OEM EVO solenoid is 1 piece and comes out when you remove the hex screw. The aftermarket pumps use a multiple piece EVO solenoid and the body does not unscrew from the pump housing. If I put the Police/Taxi pump on the car with the non Police/Taxi gear box will that cause any issues? It's either that or leave the EVO solenoid disconnected and hope it frees up again. I don't trust putting another EVO pump on it since I'm assuming the EVO/RAS module is my issue considering both systems are acting up.

[sly]

You need a strap wrench to get that solenoid out. It's normal thread, but usually too damn tight to remove normally. Also need to clean every bit a fluid from the outside of the inner part of that solenoid before you can get it out with said strap wrench. Also high possibility of destroying that end if it collapses in on itself getting it out. They may also locktite that in so heat may be required. Not sure about that one though. I know it's f'n tight. That's where my last one failed. The inner seals on the EVO solenoid. I could not get it out either.

As for a quick fix... start the car... tap on the solenoid to try to get it to release. Move the wheel back and forth... tappy tap tap again... if it doesn't work after 5 attempts... I'd swap pumps. As for the police/taxi pump... as long as it has the same fittings, it should work, but you WILL need to use the PTFE washer on the high pressure line. I use a tall skinny funnel to slowly heat and expand that to get it over the threads as I don't have the cone tool that's used to slide it over the threads. Those are single use sealing washers. An o-ring will not work.

[mercurygm88]

I was able to remove the bolt from the rear of the solenoid, I then removed the internal siding valve and spring. Everything has been back to normal since then.

[mercurygm88]

So maybe I'm losing my mind here but I swear when I bought this car there was a little plastic cover on the hood release latch under the hood that showed the direction to push. Somewhere along the line I've managed to lose it. I was hoping someone might have one lying around their willing to part with, the steel latch itself is a bit sharp.

[sly]

There should be a plastic end on the secondary release latch lever (the steel latch under the hood) that looks like that. Never seen that break off before... but if you tweaked it just right I could see it jumping off.

[mercurygm88]

There should be a plastic end on the secondary release latch lever (the steel latch under the hood) that looks like that. Never seen that break off before... but if you tweaked it just right I could see it jumping off.

That's the one I'm thinking of I believe it just slide on, I think it came off when I pulled the plastic cover off the header panel to change the headlight housings.

[sly]

Probably a junk yard run then. I doubt anyone would have a spare unless you buy the entire latch.

[Mainemantom]

Most of the new latch assemblies I have seen do not have the plastic cover. Maybe a dealer thing or as stated, a junk yard run.