Power steering assist fault

[maxrev]

So just finished replacing both lower control arms on my 2016 fusion hybrid. Now I have lost power steering! I have the steering fault light as well as hill assist light on. I have checked the fuse and the battery and they are fine. I did not disconnect the battery before doing this project and didn't think I needed to . I talked to a ford tech online for a $1. and he suggested that because I may have turned the wheels during the process that I may have damaged the unit? It was working fine before I started this project and can't figure out what I may have done? I checked the harness where it plugs into the unit and it appears to be fine. I hate to take it to ford mainly because they just changed the oil and told me that the tires where shot and failed to mention that both ball joints were shot! So I really don't trust them at this point. I am pretty mechanically sound person so want to attempt this myself first. Any thoughts guys? 

Really appreciate your help in this matter.

 

Thanks,  

[FXT]

tbh the steering racks in these cars are shit!

ive read many posts about the rack failing after things like wheel alignments, work like you have done or other work, the list seems to be endless and figuring why it happened is a stab in the dark.

I replaced the lower control arms on my 2014 and all was fine but i have also had a failed steering rack too (unrelated I believe)

My suggestion would be to get forscan connected and try a PSCM reset and/or self test. Maybe the issue will resolve???

Failing that and any other tests you could try I bought a used rack on ebay from a car that had only rear damage. You can dummy connect that rack under your car and test to see 1. if it works 2. that the codes rectify.

Although a mate that had a lift i could use didnt charge me I fixed mine for $160

 

Goodluck