Power Steering Failure

coultersd

Member
Hi all,

I purchased a 2003 1.4 petrol just over a year ago which had a power steering fault when I bought it. I continued using the car (minimally) for six months with no power steering until the MOT expired, whilst all the time trying to fix but ultimately with no luck.

The steering wheel sign with exclamation mark next to it is constantly shown on the DIS and the power steering does not operate. It has worked intermittently a couple of times but with no rhyme or reason as to when this happens (and the warning symbol is still shown at these times).

Everything I've read on here points to the fact that power steering pumps are very reliable, and most issues are usually caused by electrical faults. I've checked and cleaned all of the earth points I can find, checked all the fuses and made sure the battery is good. I took the car to my usual garage for them to have a look at and they said that their diagnostic equipment indicated a faulty ECU, but couldn't tell them any more than that and 'recommended' a particular Auto Electrician (with a warning that he's an odd character) as the only person they could think of who might be able to help. I've had dealings with him previously on another car and whilst definitely knowing his stuff, it seems to depend which side he gets out of bed on as to whether he wants to fix your car or not. Anyway I bit the bullet, took it to him and a couple of hours later he told me that it was the power steering pump that was faulty, and he could fit a replacement for £650. I said I'd think about it and left, knowing that I wouldn't be thinking about anything at that price.

He gave me the printouts from his Autologic Diagnostic equipment, which matches up with the errors I get from VCDS Lite (which I've included below). I love the car, having always wanted once since they came out around the time I was turning 17 and learning to drive, and it's in really good condition otherwise, with a bulging folder of service history so I really don't want to have to part with it. I'm unsure whether to get a second hand power steering pump and replace that, just to rule it out, try replacing the ECU and/or CCCU for the same reason, or find another auto electrician to test for wiring faults anywhere on the car.

Apologies for the long post, I wanted to try and give as much information as possible, and any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve


Address 17: Instruments Labels: 8Z0-920-xxx-17.LBL
Controller: 8Z0 920 950 N
Component: KOMBI+WEGFAHRS. VDO D04
Coding: 04442
Shop #: WSC 00001
VCID: 49E5553C60A1
WAUZZZ8Z63N027664 AUZ7Z0B2286872
1 Fault Found:
00566 - Steering Assistance Operation
27-00 - Implausible Signal
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 45: Inter. Monitor Labels: 8E0-951-177.LBL
Controller: 8Z0 951 177
Component: Innenraumueberw. D04
Coding: 00001
Shop #: WSC 00000
VCID: 55DD894CBC19
1 Fault Found:
01462 - Anti-theft alarm ultra sonic Sensor (G209)
53-10 - Supply Voltage Too Low - Intermittent
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 46: Central Conv. Labels: None
Controller: 8Z0 959 433 AF
Component: Komfortgerát TBD 1210
Coding: 06859
Shop #: WSC 02138
VCID: 8A672A30A527
12 Faults Found:
01330 - Central Control Module for Central Convenience (J393)
08-10 - Control Limit Surpassed - Intermittent
01616 - Signal Wire to Interior Monitor
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent
01370 - Alarm triggered by Interior Monitoring
35-00 - -
01368 - Alarm triggered by Luggage Compartment Switch
35-00 - -
01371 - Alarm triggered by Door Contact Switch; Driver's Side
35-00 - -
01562 - Right Rear Door
59-10 - Can't Unlock - Intermittent
01562 - Right Rear Door
61-10 - Won't De-Safe - Intermittent
00955 - Key 1
35-10 - - - Intermittent
00956 - Key 2
35-10 - - - Intermittent
01331 - Door Control Module; Driver Side (J386)
53-10 - Supply Voltage Too Low - Intermittent
01559 - Drivers Door
60-10 - Won't Safe - Intermittent
01560 - Passenger Door
61-10 - Won't De-Safe - Intermittent
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 56: Radio Labels: 8E0-035-1xx-56.LBL
Controller: 8Z0 035 186 F
Component: concert II GRO 0008
Coding: 00001
Shop #: WSC 02138
VCID: 3FF14BE42E65
1 Fault Found:
01317 - Control Module in Instrument Cluster (J285)
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent
 
Hi,

The only error that appears to be relevant is the 00566 one.

The Ross Tech site states the following
00566 - Steering Assistance Operation 00566 - Steering Assistance Operation: Implausible Signal
Possible Causes

  • Fuse(s) faulty
  • Battery Voltage too Low
  • Pump Unit faulty
Possible Solutions
  • Check Fuse(s)
  • Check Power Supply/Battery
  • Check Pump Unit
    • Use Meas. Blocks

If it should prove to be faulty then I would contact A2Steve or Sarge toi see if they have a used one.

I assume (safe assumption) that you have topped up the fluid?

Steve B
 
Many thanks for the quick reply Steve. Yeah when I first bought the car I was hoping that it would just be something like topping up the fluid but unfortunately not!

I think a second hand replacement pump might be the best way forward. At the very least it will allow me to narrow down the options.

Steve
 
The steering position sensor (slip ring) can cause problems if the steering wheel has ever been removed and the slip ring was turned.

There is a procedure to recalibrate it somewhere on the Ross Tech site.

Won't harm to try it.

Steve B
 
This may be worth trying, but you need to follow the instructions to the letter.

Steve B

Sensor for Steering Angle (G85)
Prerequisites:

  • Start the vehicle.
  • Turn the steering wheel one turn to the right and one turn to the left.
  • Drive in a short distance straight line on a level surface at a speed not higher than 20 km/h.
  • If the steering wheel is straight during the test drive then stop the vehicle with the wheels pointed straight.
  • Ensure that the steering wheel is not moved again.
  • Keep the engine running and do not switch off the ignition.
  • System voltage at least 12.0 V.
[Select]
[03 - Brake Electronics]
[Coding-II - 11]
Enter 40168, to enable the basic setting.
[Do it!]
[Basic Settings - 04]
Group 060
[Go!]
Activate the Basic Setting.
[ON/OFF/Next]
After a successful basic setting, field 2 should say "OK".
[Done, Go Back]
To make sure the basic setting was succesful, check the sensor again.
[Measuring Blocks - 08]
Group 004
[Go!]
Check field 1, the value has to be between -4.5 and +4.5 °.
[Done, Go Back]
[Close Controller, Go Back - 06]
 
I have come across an A2 with the symptoms you are having and it was caused by someone removing the steering wheel and moving the slip ring.

He had no power assistance and the steering symbol on in the dash.

It worked for him.

It is a long shot, but it is a no cost option?

Steve B
 
I have come across an A2 with the symptoms you are having and it was caused by someone removing the steering wheel and moving the slip ring.

He had no power assistance and the steering symbol on in the dash.

It worked for him.

It is a long shot, but it is a no cost option?

Steve B
Do we know if this problem got resolved?
 
Do we know if this problem got resolved?
no idea if this particular thread's fault was fixed but there are a number of these steering failure message threads which have been resolved in different ways including my own one. If you have a steering problem can you describe what you're experiencing?
 
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