B2278Steering torque sensor fault (column-mounted electric steering)

• Ford code · Power steering
• Lights a warning lamp

How the car detects it

Stored in the power steering module of the 2008-2012 Escape and 2008-2011 Mariner, whose electric assist sits on the steering column. The module uses the torque sensor to measure how hard the driver turns the wheel. When B2278 is the only code, Ford's recall 14S05 and bulletin 14-0016 replace just the torque sensor, not the whole column. Without assist the car can still be steered, but it needs much more effort, especially when parking or at low speed.

What you may notice

• Loss of power steering assist, sometimes intermittent
• Steering or wrench warning light

Likely causes

• PossibleSteering torque sensor
• RareTorque sensor wiring or connector

Sources

• static.nhtsa.gov › RCMN-14V284-2543.pdf · official document
• carcomplaints.com › tsb-tsb-14-0016.shtml

Backed by an official manufacturer document.

From Obdaryn's Ford pack, exactly as the app shows it, with the public sources above. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.