B2278: Steering Shaft Torque Sensor Malfunction (Ford)
Severity: high
What it means: On Ford electric power steering, the steering module sees a fault in the steering shaft torque sensor, which measures how hard you're turning the wheel.
Safe to drive? Use caution. Power steering assist can switch off, making the wheel very heavy. Get it checked promptly.
Common symptoms
- Power steering warning or message
- Heavy steering or sudden loss of assist
- Often set with B3104
Likely causes, ranked
- Failed torque sensor in the steering columnShop
- Power steering module power, ground or network wiring faultShop
- Low battery voltageDIY
Vehicle-specific notes
- 2008–2011 Ford Escape: Ford's 2008 Escape manual lists B2278 as the steering shaft torque sensor and B3104 as the shaft position sensor, both part of the column-mounted steering module. Recall 14V284 covers 2008–2011 Escape and Mariner built from August 2006 to September 2010 for a torque sensor that can drop assist. Read the full answer · Source
What it means: On Ford electric power steering, the steering module sees a fault in the steering shaft torque sensor, which measures how hard you're turning the wheel.
Severity: High. Safe to drive? Use caution. Power steering assist can switch off, making the wheel very heavy. Get it checked promptly.
DIY or shop?
Shop. On some Fords the torque sensor is built into the steering column, so the column is replaced as an assembly.
Before you replace parts
- Read all stored codes with a scan tool that can talk to the ABS, steering or body modules, not just the engine computer.
- Check battery voltage, grounds and the module connectors first. Low voltage can set chassis codes.
- Check your VIN for recalls, service bulletins and extended coverage.
- Clear the code only after a repair, then confirm it stays off.
Safety / mechanic note
Verify with a mechanic. Loss of power steering assist can make the vehicle hard to steer, especially at low speed. A code points to a circuit or system, not always a specific part.