Power steering

[Jasonp]

Hi everyone!

Last week I bought a 2012 build Mc Mondeo wagon LX tdci. 84500kms. Really happy with it so far apart from the crappy Chinese tyres. Which will be changed soon.

I have a question regarding the power steering reservoir. I have googled but can't find an answer.

I can't find the damned power steering reservoir!!! It's not next to the coolant overflow bottle like the manual says and I've poked around with a torch to no avail.

Next step is to put it on the hoist on the weekend.

I'm probably missing something really simple but this had really got me stumped lol.

[rondeo]

My guess is it doesn't have one because it's electrically driven, don't know for sure though.
My 2011 has the fluid reservoir in the expected place.
My best tyre so far: Michelin Primacy ST3, they seem to grip well and are quiet, road noise is a little high on these cars I'd say.

[Jasonp]

Thanks Rondeo, I was thinking maybe an electric system has been fitted. Vehicle is ex fleet.

Was thinking of fitting either those Michelins or pirelli P7s (which I had fitted to our old camry before we traded it)

[NZ XR6]

The reservoir isn't next to the coolant tank - it's on the RH side of the engine. All Mk 4 Mondeos had an electro hydraulic system as far as I'm aware.

Very happy with the Primacy 3. Just be aware that it's not exactly a sports tyre.


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[Jasonp]

I will upload a picture tomorrow as the net is not behaving itself tonight.

[Jasonp]

Ok here's the engine bay.

Btw the current tyres are tracmax f1-06, not as bad as some reviews suggest, but what price do you put on your family's safety.

Edit: Part of engine bay....

[NZ XR6]

No wonder you couldn't find it ... Have a look here: http://www.talkford.com/community/to...r-where-is-it/

[Jasonp]

Oh ffs!!! I thought it might have been on the right hand side due to left hand-right hand conversion. You'd think they could have updated the damn manual

Cheers for that mate.

[NZ XR6]

Might pay to see if there is a fluid level warning for the power steering. Then you'll never need to check it!

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[Jasonp]

Ok just thought I'd add this pic for reference. The drivers side head light assembly has been removed, fairly easy process. The min/max level on the reservoir is easily visible.

the fluid level was on the low mark so topped up with penrite LDAS fluid.

[cobrin]

dayum! under the headlight?!?

Oh glad mine is out in the open...

[NZ XR6]

That's well buried. I hope it never needs to come out!

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[Jasonp]

There is reasonable access via the wheel arch.

Off topic, but does anyone know if the transmission heat exchanger on these mondeos need replacing with an air/oil cooler like the falcons?

[cobrin]

no, not needed on the mondeos they've got their own water cooled cooler, but you could if you wanted to use a larger air cooler.

[rondeo]

Just to continue veering off topic:

Transmission has a temperature sensor. DTC code for over temp is P1783. Probably a warning but don't know.

My transmission was around 75 degrees C last time I looked. Recently at outside temps of 43 deg C made no difference to the engine coolant temp (LX). As Cobrin says, the tranny is cooled by a separate heat exchanger using same coolant as engine.

Make sure the fluid and filter is done regularly (60000km usually, I DIY at 45000km). I don't think temp is an issue, better to change the fluid.

[Jasonp]

Thanks for your help, so no "milkshake" issues? The trans cooler looks similar to the one on the falcons that's why I ask.

Was planning on changing trans fluid every 45k.

[rondeo]

Not something I've heard of, but that's not saying much. My Mondeos have have been very reliable.

Before I had an ef falcon on gas, it was going well at 500000km + (two head gaskets) when I handed her in. I wanted more airbags. 1200km diesel Mondeo fill ups and handling is superb. Glad to be rid of spark plugs and coils, but electronics and wiring seem weak points . . .