Power steering stiff on Cupra

[Italiandave]

Hi people,

First post I must start by saying the last 3 years ownership with my MY56 Ibiza Cupra diesel has been amazing. Its time to sell and the steering has started to feel a bit heavy.

When I start it up initially it will be very stiff but after a minute or if I restart the car it will be normal.

I've not checked the fluid as I believe it's under the battery? Will I have to unplug the battery?

What is the likely cause low fluid or new pump? No leaks on driveway...

Thanks in advance.

 

[The Seer]

I get this too, well it's temperamental, doesn't matter wether the engine is hot or cold. Only seems to occur when on full right lock.

 

[Italiandave]

Mine is on initial start up and then clears up....

I've red that it could be battery related ?

 

[747_727]

They are not electric power steering on these are they?

 

[Italiandave]

Well I think they are not - was hoping that somebody on here could say for sure??

 

[DEAN0]

They are not electric power steering on these are they?

They are electro-hydraulic steering.

Pump is electric and under the reservoir which is under the battery.

Pump pushes fluid to assist the rack depending on what the steering angle sensor tells it.

YES you will need to remove the battery to check the level correctly

Low voltage in the battery can also affect the steering because the pump draws a lot of juice. ( try turning the steering when sitting still with headlights on and watch them dim )

It is also quite common with a duff battery for the pump not to start at all first thing and leave you with no power steering - it usually fixes itself if you switch off and re-start.

Also - be careful if the fluid is too low - you can lose your steering under heavy braking just when you need it most - the force of braking with a low fluid level starves the rack and stops the assistance.

 

[Italiandave]

Please tell me I won't loose my stereo code if I disconnect the battery or even if there is a code on the std radio....

 

[747_727]

They are electro-hydraulic steering.

Pump is electric and under the reservoir which is under the battery.

Pump pushes fluid to assist the rack depending on what the steering angle sensor tells it.

YES you will need to remove the battery to check the level correctly

Low voltage in the battery can also affect the steering because the pump draws a lot of juice. ( try turning the steering when sitting still with headlights on and watch them dim )

It is also quite common with a duff battery for the pump not to start at all first thing and leave you with no power steering - it usually fixes itself if you switch off and re-start.

Also - be careful if the fluid is too low - you can lose your steering under heavy braking just when you need it most - the force of braking with a low fluid level starves the rack and stops the assistance.

Very interesting thanks.
I always thought the steering was very light just liked wifes micra which has electric power steering but didn't think my cupra would have it!
That must be why my light flicker when I turn the wheels while stationary.

 

[DEAN0]

Please tell me I won't loose my stereo code if I disconnect the battery or even if there is a code on the std radio....

I can tell you whatever you like but the truth is that you will loose the code when taking off the battery.

 

[DEAN0]

Very interesting thanks.
I always thought the steering was very light just liked wifes micra which has electric power steering but didn't think my cupra would have it!
That must be why my light flicker when I turn the wheels while stationary.

If you know someone with VCDS / VAGCOM they could turn down the assistance of the steering.

I had it done on my 130TDi sport - felt much nicer after.

 

[Italiandave]

Thanks Deano - ill actively seek for code prior to removal - not looking fwd to this...

 

[747_727]

If you know someone with VCDS / VAGCOM they could turn down the assistance of the steering.

I had it done on my 130TDi sport - felt much nicer after.

I've got vag-com but I don't know how to change the steering settings anyone know how to do it?

 

[Italiandave]

Horrible design - run out of daylight to complete the simple task of checking power steering fluid - couldn't get off the bottom of the battery cover so gave up as light had faded - it appears that I have to remove the air filter box to get cover off ?

Ahhh

 

[DEAN0]

Horrible design - run out of daylight to complete the simple task of checking power steering fluid - couldn't get off the bottom of the battery cover so gave up as light had faded - it appears that I have to remove the air filter box to get cover off ?

Ahhh

Agree - crap design - deffo not a 2 min job.

Can you not get at the cap though a hole in the bottom of the battery tray ?

 

[Italiandave]

Nope it was all plastic cover - so anoying got close but thought I'd better put her back together....

I measured the voltage, with engine off just over 12v but when running it was 11.5 v so before I buy a new battery I want to check the fluid...

How much would a new battery cost?

 

[DEAN0]

Nope it was all plastic cover - so anoying got close but thought I'd better put her back together....

I measured the voltage, with engine off just over 12v but when running it was 11.5 v so before I buy a new battery I want to check the fluid...

How much would a new battery cost?

Check the LOAD SIGNAL WIRE first before you go changing battery - the 11.5 is not charging so you need to find out why.

Look at this thread - http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=209472&highlight=load+signal+wire+fix

 

[Italiandave]

What does it do ? I thought the battery was dying?

Do you access it via the under carriage hatch?

 

[DEAN0]

What does it do ? I thought the battery was dying?

Do you access it via the under carriage hatch?

The load signal wire and the one that runs next to it tell the alternator to charge the battery.

Look at the thread i linked - it is two wires just in front of your starter motor.

Quick check first - do you have the red ignition light comming on with ignition and going off when you start ?

 

[Italiandave]

The lights come on and off to my memory

 

[DEAN0]

The lights come on and off to my memory

You have oil light and ignition light - both should light up when switched on and go off when engine starts

Strange - a charging battery should be up around 14v

11.5v is not good and sounds like charging system is not working.