You rely on your Ford Fusion’s power steering to glide through city streets and winding roads. But over time, fluid can run low or become contaminated—making steering stiff, noisy, or unreliable. In this guide, we’ll show you how to check your power steering fluid quickly, confidently, and accurately.
Why Checking Power Steering Fluid Matters
Checking power steering fluid is more than a quick check—it’s a vital part of your Fusion’s maintenance. Proper fluid level ensures:
- Smooth Steering: Low fluid can make steering heavy or jerky.
- Reduced Wear: Plenty of fluid protects the pump and hoses.
- Safety: Losing power assist can lead to harder steering, especially in emergencies.
If left unchecked, leaks or contaminants can damage components—leading to expensive repairs. A brief monthly check helps you catch issues before they escalate.
Overview: What You’ll Need
This process is simple—no advanced tools required. Here’s what to gather:
- Shop towel or clean rag
- Latex or nitrile gloves (optional, but neat)
- Paper towels (for cleaning up spills)
That’s it! The 2010 Ford Fusion doesn’t need special tools for this task. Let’s walk through the steps.
Step 1: Park Safely & Prep Your Car
Before you open your hood, make sure you’ve:
- Parked on level ground and engaged the parking brake.
- Turned the engine off and let it sit for a few minutes—cooling down fluid and engine parts.
- Popped the hood and secured it with the support rod (if equipped).
A level surface ensures accurate readings. And letting the engine rest means hot fluid has settled back into the reservoir.
Step 2: Locate the Power Steering Reservoir
On the 2010 Fusion (2.5L and 3.0L engines), the power steering fluid reservoir is
- White or cream plastic with a black cap labeled “Power Steering.”
- Located toward the front driver’s side of the engine bay—next to the serpentine belt and alternator.
If you’re unsure, here’s how to identify it:
- Looks like a round or square jug.
- Hose leads down into the power steering pump.
- Usually translucent—fluid level can be seen from the outside.
Visually confirm you’ve got the right reservoir before proceeding.
Step 3: Clean the Cap & Area
Before opening the reservoir, wipe around the cap and neck with a clean rag. This prevents dirt or debris from getting into the fluid—a surefire way to damage the pump or rack.
Step 4: Check the Fluid Level
Your Fusion’s reservoir features a built-in dipstick on the underside of the cap. Here’s how to read it:
- Unscrew or pop off the cap—don’t tilt the reservoir too much.
- Wipe the dipstick clean with a shop towel or paper towel.
- Re-insert the cap fully and remove it again to check.
- Read the level against embossed marks (LOW/HOT and FULL/HOT).
What the readings mean:
- If it’s between the marks, you’re good to go.
- If it’s at or below LOW, you’ll need to add fluid.
- If it’s above FULL, it’s overfilled—an issue to correct.
Step 5: Assess the Fluid Condition
Beyond level, check fluid color and smell:
- Healthy fluid: Clear to light pink/red. Smells slightly oily.
- Warning signs: Reddish-brown color, black flecks or burnt smell. These indicate breakdown or contamination.
If fluid smells burnt or looks dark/brown, plan a full fluid flush soon.
Step 6: Top Up or Drain Excess
Topping Up
If level is low:
- Find the correct fluid: Use Ford Motorcraft MERCON LV or equivalent synthetic power steering fluid.
- Use a clean funnel to avoid spills.
- Pour slowly and re-check the dipstick often.
- Fill only to the FULL line—not above.
Draining Excess Fluid
If you’ve overfilled:
- Use a turkey baster or fluid pump to remove excess until the level is correct.
- Never loosen hoses or lines—this can create leaks or air in the system.
Step 7: Run Engine & Circulate Fluid
After topping-up:
- Start the engine—let it idle at normal temperature.
- Turn the steering wheel fully left and right a few times.
- Shut off engine and wait a few minutes.
- Recheck fluid level and top up if it’s dropped.
This helps purge air bubbles and distributes fluid throughout the system.
Step 8: Clean Up & Monitor
Once finished:
- Wipe up any spills with paper towels.
- Secure reservoir cap tightly.
- Lower the hood properly.
Now keep an eye on fluid level over the next week. If it drops, you may have a leak to locate and repair.
Signs You May Need a Power Steering Fluid Flush
Checking level is part of overall health checks. Consider a full fluid flush if you notice:
- Dark, burnt-looking fluid.
- Whining noise or jerky steering when turning.
- Pump is hot or leaking at hoses.
- Manufacturer recommends flushing every 50,000‑75,000 miles (check your owner’s manual).
A flush replaces all old fluid, clears out debris, and gives your system a fresh start.
Common Questions About Power Steering Fluid in Ford Fusion
How often should I check the fluid?
Check monthly—especially during hot seasons or long road trips. Apart from scheduled oil changes, include this simple check.
Can I mix fluid types?
No—mixing MERCON LV with other fluids can damage seals and reduce performance. Stick to the right Ford-approved fluid.
What if I find a leak?
Inspect lines, hoses, reservoir, pump, and steering rack. Common trouble spots include worn hoses or loose clamps. Small leaks may be cleaned and re-tightened; larger ones require a mechanic’s help.
Is it safe to drive with low fluid?
If fluid is low, it’s best to top it up before you drive. Low fluid leads to increased steering effort, pump noise, and potential damage.
Real‑World Example: Lisa’s DIY Maintenance Routine
Lisa owns a 2010 Fusion 2.5L. At 90,000 miles, she noticed flickering steering effort and a faint whining noise. She checked fluid and saw a dark brown tint. She topped it up and scheduled a fluid flush. After the flush, steering returned to smooth, and the noise vanished.
She now checks fluid monthly, catching small leaks early—saving her hundreds in repair bills.
Maintenance Schedule Table
| Service | Frequency | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Power Steering Fluid Check | Monthly | Catches low levels or contamination early. |
| Fluid Top‑Up | As needed (LOW line) | Prevents pump strain, leaks. |
| Full Fluid Flush | Every 50-75k miles | Removes old fluid, debris, and air. |
DIY Tips & Best Practices
- Label your funnel: Use one specifically for power steering—avoid cross‑contamination.
- Use micro‑fiber towels: They catch small drips better than paper towels.
- Check belt condition: Worn serpentine belt can cause low pump performance—check while you’re in there.
- Record results: Keep a maintenance log—levels, smell, color, service dates for future reference.
Troubleshooting Quick Guide
| Problem | Possible Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Steering stiff | Low fluid | Top up to FULL line. |
| Steering whining | Air or old fluid | Run engine with full turns; flush fluid. |
| Fluid leaking | Broken hose or seal | Inspect and replace hose/repair seal. |
| Dark/burnt fluid | Fluid breakdown | Flush system and refill. |
When Professional Help Is Best
While DIY works for most people, call a pro if:
- There’s a major leak under the vehicle.
- Fluid level drops repeatedly after topping up.
- You’re unsure about the right fluid type or flush procedure.
- Steering issues persist after maintenance.
These signs often point to a failing pump, rack, or hose—best diagnosed with proper tools.
Conclusion
Checking power steering fluid on your 2010 Ford Fusion takes just a few minutes—but it pays off with smoother steering, more reliable performance, and longer component life.
Make it part of your routine: check monthly, top up as needed, and schedule a full flush every 50,000–75,000 miles. Be proactive—your Fusion will handle the road with ease.
If you found this guide helpful, leave a comment with your experience or questions. And keep an eye out—our next guide will help you change the air filter in your Fusion too!