AutoCodes – Mercury – B3104 Mercury

B3104 Mercury Code - Steering Shaft Position Sensor Malfunction

Quick Answer

The voltage required for correct Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system operation is 10-16 volts. Common causes include Faulty Steering Column, Steering Column harness is open or shorted, Steering Column circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: B3104 Mercury indicates Steering Shaft Position Sensor Malfunction.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Steering Column, Steering Column harness is open or shorted, Steering Column circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 879

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 03, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code B3104 Mercury Description

The voltage required for correct Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system operation is 10-16 volts. Above or below that voltage range the OBDII codes will be set. The EPAS motor, torque sensor and steering shaft/wheel position sensor are all integrated into the Power Steering Control Module. The Power Steering Control Module is integrated into the Steering Column. If any new components need to be installed, a new steering column must be installed.

OBDII Code B3104 Mercury - Steering Shaft Position Sensor Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — B3104 Mercury Code - Steering Shaft Position Sensor Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B3104 Mercury?

Faulty Steering Column
Steering Column harness is open or shorted
Steering Column circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC B3104 Mercury?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B3104 Mercury code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the B3104 Mercury code?

Need more information on how to fix the B3104 Mercury code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B3104 Mercury code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about B3104 Mercury Code

1. What does the OBDII code B3104 mean on a Mercury vehicle?

The B3104 code indicates a malfunction in the Steering Shaft Position Sensor, which monitors the steering wheel's position and angle.

2. What are the common symptoms of the B3104 code in a Mercury?

Symptoms can include difficulty steering, a steering angle warning light, electronic stability control issues, or intermittent power steering assist.

3. What causes the B3104 code to be triggered?

Common causes include a faulty Steering Shaft Position Sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or an issue with the sensor's calibration.

4. Can I drive my Mercury with the B3104 code active?

Itâ€™s not recommended, as the code may affect vehicle stability and steering performance, potentially leading to unsafe driving conditions.

5. How is the B3104 code diagnosed in a Mercury?

A mechanic will use a scan tool to confirm the code, inspect the Steering Shaft Position Sensor, check wiring and connections, and test the sensor's functionality.

6. How do you fix the B3104 code on a Mercury?

Repairs may involve replacing the Steering Shaft Position Sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, and recalibrating the sensor.

7. Does the B3104 code require reprogramming or recalibration?

Yes, after replacing or repairing the Steering Shaft Position Sensor, recalibration using a scan tool is often necessary to ensure proper operation.

8. How much does it cost to fix the B3104 code on a Mercury?

The cost can range between $150 and $400, depending on whether the issue is with the sensor, wiring, or labor involved in recalibration.

9. Can a dead battery cause the B3104 code on a Mercury?

A dead or weak battery is unlikely to directly cause the code but could potentially lead to electrical issues that affect the sensor's operation.

10. How can I prevent the B3104 code from occurring again?

Regular maintenance, inspecting wiring and connectors for damage, and ensuring the Steering Shaft Position Sensor is calibrated after repairs can help prevent this issue.