Power steering fault

w5ccb

Active Member
Sep 13, 2013
18
0
Hi

I was driving my 63 plate 1.2 Ibiza the other day and suddenly the power steering stopped working and the warning light appeared on. I managed to get it off the main road and restarted the car and it was fine. Got it booked in on Thursday just wondering if anyone had experienced similar. The electric power steering also seems to use a lot of power as when turning at low revs the lights dim quite considerably.

Thanks
 

DEAN0

Old Git
Feb 1, 2006
5,438
1
425
Preston - UK
Dimming lights at standstill is normal - the steering pump uses a lot of current.

Any chance you were braking reasonably hard when the steering failed ?
Have a look at the fluid level - when the level gets low it can starve the rack under hard braking.
 
Last edited:

w5ccb

Active Member
Sep 13, 2013
18
0
Dimming lights at standstill is normal - the steering pump uses a lot of current.

Any chance you were braking reasonably hard when the steering failed ?
Have a look at the fluid level - when the level gets low it can starve the rack under hard braking.


I was just approaching a junction when it happened so no harsh braking. Cars in at seat just now, will see what they come back with.
 

Benzo

Guest
power steering is electric, so no power steering fluid. Runs of the cars electrics, which your lights run off too, thats why your lights dim slightly when you turn the wheel. its normal :)

But my power steering also packed up yesterday. gotta love the warranty and the seat rescue service :) back at the dealer and in a courtesy car from enterprise within 2 hours of it breaking.

not happy as this is the second thing to go in 4months (EPC and Engine light, crawl home mode kicked in) turns out it had to havenew turbo (1.2 tsi)

Audi parts should me more reliable than this!! only done 14,000 miles :cry:
 

DEAN0

Old Git
Feb 1, 2006
5,438
1
425
Preston - UK
power steering is electric, so no power steering fluid. Runs of the cars electrics, which your lights run off too, thats why your lights dim slightly when you turn the wheel. its normal :)

Sorry but that is WRONG. There is power steering fluid - the reservoir cap is UNDER the battery if your battery is in the engine bay.

Steering is electro/hydraulic

Electric pump for the hydraulic fluid that assists the steering rack.

Yes the electric pump uses a lot of power which is why your lights dim if you steer when stationary.
 

Baggik

Global Terminator
Oct 24, 2013
59
0
Slovenia
Are you still able to turn the wheels, when power steering fails?
Or does it just block the wheels?

Sent from outer space using tapatalk
 

DEAN0

Old Git
Feb 1, 2006
5,438
1
425
Preston - UK
Are you still able to turn the wheels, when power steering fails?
Or does it just block the wheels?

Sent from outer space using tapatalk

You can turn the wheels but it is very hard. Try turning on the ignition ( don't start the car ) and turning the steering wheel.

The worst part is that the lack of power assistence catches you by surprise so you are not ready for it.
 
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Baggik

Global Terminator
Oct 24, 2013
59
0
Slovenia
Thanks for the info.
Good to know, that you still have some control and it doesn't just die

Sent from outer space using tapatalk
 

mykitto

Guest
Hi guys,
Two weeks ago i was driving at a slow speed and my power steering warning light came on , steering was heavy for a few seconds, and light went off..then a few days ago i was reversing from a parking space and the same thing happened. Just got her back from diagnostics and they can find no fault , havent checked fluid level as there has been some debate about does she or dosent she !! now ive found this forum i Know she does lol and i can see it under the battery (and they laughed at the silly woman).Now i just need someone to take it out
 

DEAN0

Old Git
Feb 1, 2006
5,438
1
425
Preston - UK
Hi guys,
Two weeks ago i was driving at a slow speed and my power steering warning light came on , steering was heavy for a few seconds, and light went off..then a few days ago i was reversing from a parking space and the same thing happened. Just got her back from diagnostics and they can find no fault , havent checked fluid level as there has been some debate about does she or dosent she !! now ive found this forum i Know she does lol and i can see it under the battery (and they laughed at the silly woman).Now i just need someone to take it out

As well as checking the fluid level
I would get that battery tested.
The power steering pump draws a lot of current.
 

Big Col

Active Member
Nov 5, 2013
626
89
North Ayrshire
on certain Vauxhalls if the alternator is not working properly the ECU kills the power steering.

Not sure if VAG products work in the same way.