1998 Ford Taurus - Why would your power steering not work when your car is in reverse but work fine otherwise?

Answer 1

Most third generation (GenIII) Tauruses had electronic VAPS (Variable Assist Power Steering) that uses electric motors to restrict the boost to the steering gears. This is so that on highway driving the car is under more control with much stiffer steering. When the power to the system goes out, the steering system goes into a low-boost mode. Changing electrical conditions is a lot of times due to a faulty TR sensor (Transmission Range). It's the flat plastic switch mounted on top of the transmission with a connector and the shifter cable / rod going into it. When this fails, it could cut power to systems when in some gears but not others. The VAPS system's power might be affected by this sensor, and therefor cut out power assist in some gears. (Some say that 1999 models may use a different VAPS system that is purely mechanical without any electronic controls) (The TR sensor may or may not interrupt power to the VAPS system, but it's certainlly a possibility)