Steering extremely hard, after installation of a new battery

Sounds like you popped a belt. The belt turns the power steering and the alternator for charging.

I just finished replacing mine.

It is much easier if you do these steps:

1. Remove the serpentine belt.
2. Remove the nuts holding the main fuse box over the battery.
3. Remove the reinforcing bar over the battery.
4. Remove the battery.
5. Remove the windsheild washer tank.
6. Now you have access to remove the pump pulley. Without removing the stuff, it may be possible, but it will be extremely difficult.
7. Remove the pump pulley.
8. Loosen the high pressure hose fitting.
9. Remove the return line clamp.
10. Remove the power steering pump mounting bolts.
11. Remove the high pressure hose fitting.
12. Remove the power steering pump while sliding off the low pressure hose.
13. Remove the clips holding the reservoir on the pump.
14. Remove the reservoir.
15. Install new o-ring on the reservoir.
16. Install reservoir on new pump.
17. Install clips to hold reservoir on pump.
18. Install new o-ring on high pressure fitting.
19. Place new pump in position while sliding on low pressure hose.
20. Loosely attache high pressure fitting.
21. Tighten pump to mounts.
22. Tighten high pressure fitting.
23. Install clamp on low pressure hose.
24. Install power steering pulley.
25. Install washer reservoir.
26. Install battery.
27. Install reinforcing cross member.
28. Install fuse panel.
29. Install serpentine belt.
30. Bleed the power steering system.

I just finished replacing mine.

It is much easier if you do these steps:

1. Remove the serpentine belt.
2. Remove the nuts holding the main fuse box over the battery.
3. Remove the reinforcing bar over the battery.
4. Remove the battery.
5. Remove the windsheild washer tank.
6. Now you have access to remove the pump pulley. Without removing the stuff, it may be possible, but it will be extremely difficult.
7. Remove the pump pulley.
8. Loosen the high pressure hose fitting.
9. Remove the return line clamp.
10. Remove the power steering pump mounting bolts.
11. Remove the high pressure hose fitting.
12. Remove the power steering pump while sliding off the low pressure hose.
13. Remove the clips holding the reservoir on the pump.
14. Remove the reservoir.
15. Install new o-ring on the reservoir.
16. Install reservoir on new pump.
17. Install clips to hold reservoir on pump.
18. Install new o-ring on high pressure fitting.
19. Place new pump in position while sliding on low pressure hose.
20. Loosely attache high pressure fitting.
21. Tighten pump to mounts.
22. Tighten high pressure fitting.
23. Install clamp on low pressure hose.
24. Install power steering pulley.
25. Install washer reservoir.
26. Install battery.
27. Install reinforcing cross member.
28. Install fuse panel.
29. Install serpentine belt.
30. Bleed the power steering system.

you might need a new power steering pump

your car is fitted with PAS (power steering) when your engine is not running, the power steering pump will not function, thus making the steering heavy (feels like you cant move it, but you actually can, its just very very stiff and hard) when the battery light came on, and the steering went off, this is a sign that your ALTERNATOR (the battery charger) and POWER STEERING PUMP are on the same BELT, thus if the belt snaps, the light comes on and the steering gets heavy/stuck/hard.

You need to fit a new alternator belt as yours has more than likely snapped (common for all cars) and unless a new belt is fitted, you battery will go flat after a while too, as the alternator is the batteries power source (charger) when the engine is running! however the car will still drive/run, but i wouldnt advice it, as this will soon shorten the batteries power.

If you dont know how to fix it, you need to go to a garage/mechanic and tell them you need: A NEW ALTERNATOR BELT FITTING (they will charge for this service) this should then solve your problem!!

Hi, can you tell if it's the lock in the steering column or something with the power steering instead? If it feels like the power steering, check the belt for looseness and tighten as needed. If it feels like it's in the column, your locking assembly may be coming loose inside. Below is a procedure for removing the steering wheel lock for inspection. Please let me know if you have questions, and thanks for using FixYa.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION The steering lock/ignition switch/warning buzzer switch assembly is attached to the steering column by special bolts whose heads shear off upon installation. The bolts must be drilled out to remove the assembly or be removed with an appropriate tool. The bolts may also be removed with a hammer and chisel by notching the bolts and tapping them counterclockwise with the hammer and chisel.
The ignition switch or warning switch can be replaced without removing the steering lock assembly. The ignition switch is on the back of the assembly and the warning switch is on the side.


CAUTION The models covered by this guide may be equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which uses an air bag. Whenever working near any of the SRS components, such as the impact sensors, the air bag module, steering column and instrument panel, disable the SRS, as described in Chassis Electrical .

1. Disable the air bag system by disconnecting the negative battery cable and waiting at least 10 minutes, prior to starting this procedure.
2. Remove the steering column covers.
3. Remove the steering wheel.
4. Remove the spiral cable assembly.
5. Remove the combination switch from the steering column.
6. Remove the steering column support nuts and lower the steering column.
7. Disconnect the ignition switch wiring.
8. Remove the bolts that secure the steering lock and remove the steering lock assembly.

To install:

1. Install the steering lock assembly and secure with new shear type bolts.
2. Connect the ignition switch wiring harness.
3. Raise the steering column and secure with mounting nuts. Tighten the mounting nuts to 11-14 ft. lbs. (15-19 Nm).
4. Install the spiral cable assembly.
5. Install the combination switch.
6. Install the steering column covers.
7. Install the steering wheel.
8. Connect the negative battery cable.

Ignition Switch REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 1982–91 Vehicles The switch is located on the steering column and is completely inaccessible without first lowering the steering column. The switch is actuated by a rod and rack assembly. A gear on the end of the lock cylinder engages the toothed upper end of the rod.

1. Lower the steering column; be sure to properly support it.
2. Put the switch in the OFF-UNLOCKED position. With the cylinder removed, the rod is in OFF-UNLOCKED position when it is in the next to the uppermost detent.
3. Unfasten the two switch screws and remove the switch assembly. Fig. 1: Removal and installation of the ignition switch and related steering column components — 1990 vehicle shown
   Fig. 2: Exploded view of a steering column including the ignition switch — 1990 vehicle with standard column shown
   Fig. 3: Exploded view of the steering column including the ignition switch — 1990 vehicle with tilt column shown
   To install:
   
4. Before installing, move the new switch slider (standard columns with automatic transaxle) to the extreme left position. Move the switch slider (standard columns with manual transaxle) to the extreme left position. Move the slider (adjustable columns with automatic transaxle) to the extreme right position and then move the slider one detent to the left (off lock). Move the slider (adjustable columns with manual transaxle) to the extreme right position.
5. Install the activating rod into the switch and assemble the switch on the column. Tighten the mounting screws. Use only the specified screws, since overlength screws could impair the collapsibility of the column.
6. Reinstall the steering column.

this is the oldest info I have. should be similar

Section 11-05: Steering Column Switches 1994 Town Car, Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis. Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Ignition Switch Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable. Remove the upper steering column shroud by removing the four or five self-tapping screws. Remove tilt steering column lock lever (if so equipped).

1. Remove lower steering column shroud.

1. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.

1. Rotate ignition switch lock cylinder to the RUN position.

1. Remove the two screws retaining ignition switch.

1. Disengage the ignition switch from the actuator.

Installation
NOTE: A new replacement ignition switch assembly will be set in the RUN position as received.

1. Adjust the ignition switch by sliding the carrier to the ignition switch RUN position.

1. Check to ensure that the ignition switch lock cylinder is in the RUN position. The RUN position is achieved by rotating the ignition switch lock cylinder approximately 90 degrees from the LOCK position.

1. Install the ignition switch into the actuator. It may be necessary to move the ignition switch slightly back and forth to align the ignition switch mounting holes with the lock cylinder housing threaded holes.

1. Install retaining screws. Tighten to 5.6-7.9 Nm (50-69 lb-in).

1. Connect electrical connector to ignition switch.

1. Connect battery ground cable. Check ignition switch for proper function, including START and ACC positions. Also, make certain that the column is in the LOCK position.

1. Install upper steering column shroud.

1. Install the lower steering column shroud and tilt steering column lock lever (if so equipped).

BELT INTACT?CHECK FOR LEAKS..P/S PUMP HOUSING MAY BE RUSTED OUT..STEERING RACK OR LINES MAY BE LEAKING..PUMP MAY HAVE QUIT PUMPING DUE TO LOW FLUID DAMAGING PUMP..I WOULD CHECK FOR LEAKS FIRST

you need a new switch installed.. hard job , you have to remove the steering wheel with a press, and its really easy from there. don't try without a press (i have) it is an extreme pest