Power Steering Warning Light

66Beetle

A2OC Donor
What does it mean when the Power Steering Warning Light comes on when Turning the Ignition On / Starting the Engine please ? It seemed at first that it was if it did it because I had hold of the Steering Wheel and was unintentionally turning it slightly when Turning the Ignition On but not so sure about that now.
 
Could it be low voltage while the cranking is taking place? As the steering pump is a large electric motor, doesn't the system have a load shedding capability so that critical systems remain active while others are gradually whittled down in order to preserve vital functions?
 
Thank you. Not checked Fluid Level yet. The Power Steering Warning Light (Amber) always goes out when the Engine has Started. I’ve mentioned it in other threads that the Battery is still the Original from New, so 17 Years Old this year. Never let us down, and I’ve never had a Charger on it . . . . . yet.
 
^^ looks like that might be your problem ^^ the PSP takes a drain from the battery, Go for the cheap fix first though, check your fluid level.
 
Checked Power Steering Reservoir Fluid Level. I would say it was at Minimum or just above, so I have topped it up very slightly. Fortunately I had some Genuine Audi Hydraulic Fluid. I think it may be more to do with still running on the Original Battery from new. It has that Magic Window that changes colour to indicate the level of charge. It should be Green for Fully Charged but I think it looks Black, so I’ll put the Smart Charger on it now ( Aldi’s Finest ).

Original Varta Battery is Audi Part No. 8Z0 915 105E ( 12V 70Ah ). According to VARTA On Line Catalogue either of these is correct E11 ( 74Ah ) E44 ( 77Ah ).
 
Last edited:
According to VARTA On Line Catalogue either of these is correct E11 ( 74Ah ) E44 ( 77Ah ).

The E11 battery is slightly lower spec and slightly cheaper as a consequence. You pays your money, you takes your choice....
 
Anyone bought a Battery from Orius Batteries in Leyland eBay Shop ? They seem to be 2nd Cheapest on eBay with Varta E44 at £83.13 and Bosch S4008 at £80.70 Also they seem to be offering a Lifetime Warranty ! The very cheapest on eBay are Plymbatt with the Varta E44 at £78.50 and Bosch S4008 at £79.95
 
Anyone bought a Battery from Orius Batteries in Leyland eBay Shop ? They seem to be 2nd Cheapest on eBay with Varta E44 at £83.13 and Bosch S4008 at £80.70 Also they seem to be offering a Lifetime Warranty ! The very cheapest on eBay are Plymbatt with the Varta E44 at £78.50 and Bosch S4008 at £79.95

I bought my new E44 from Plymbatt a couple of years ago and had no issues - it arrived the next day. Whether they can offer that level of service right now is of course unclear.

I've now found the Orius listing and they do indeed a lifetime warranty - but it's one that I suspect they won't honour after the 5 years are up.
 
Last edited:
I asked Orius some detail about the Varta & Bosch equivalent earlier. Just got back to me so I’ve asked how come they can offer a “ Lifetime Warranty “. Will let you know. I bought a Battery with a Lifetime Warranty for our 1966 Beetle from Smiley Tyres. Remember them ? That Warranty disappeared when they were bought out by National Tyres.
 
Checked Power Steering Reservoir Fluid Level. I would say it was at Minimum or just above, so I have topped it up very slightly. Fortunately I had some Genuine Audi Hydraulic Fluid. I think it may be more to do with still running on the Original Battery from new. It has that Magic Window that changes colour to indicate the level of charge. It should be Green for Fully Charged but I think it looks Black, so I’ll put the Smart Charger on it now ( Aldi’s Finest ).

Original Varta Battery is Audi Part No. 8Z0 915 105E ( 12V 70Ah ). According to VARTA On Line Catalogue either of these is correct E11 ( 74Ah ) E44 ( 77Ah ).

I put the Smart Charger ( Aldis Finest ) on the Original from 2003 Varta Battery for 24 hours. The “ Magic Window “ turned Green and Smart Charger said the Battery was Fully Charged. Started the Engine twice without any Power Steering Warning Light coming on. Battery still says it is Fully Charged 48 hours later. I’ve not got anything against buying a new Varta or Bosch Battery. Just interested to see how long a Battery really can last !
 
The Original Battery is still keeping Fully Charged and the A2 only gets Started about once a week these days. Power Steering Warning Light has never come on again, so Battery must have just been a bit down when that was happening,
 
Power Steering was working fine, until today. The Amber Warning Light had started coming on when starting the engine. Then going away. Today it came on and did not go out. Power Steering was definitely not working. Tried it a few times. No working. Checked Fluid Level - Full. I’m thinking the New Power Steering Pump fitted in September 2018 has failed. Remembered about the Battery being low could cause Power Steering problems. Drove the A2 down the road to turn it around to get it in the most convenient position for the Charger. Got a Red Hand Brake Warning intermittently, ESP Amber Warning, and ABS Amber Warning. But the Power Steering Amber Warning had gone, and even better the Power Steering was working again ! Reversed it in under the Car Port. Stopped Engine. Re Started - No Warning Lights. What’s going on there then ?

I’ve put the Battery on Charge anyway.

Steve
 
As previously stated change the battery. Low power causes all sorts of issues with the A2. The car will shut down systems to try an keep itself alive as long as possible. Just not good when power steering is shut down, or the locking and windows do not function as expected. Longer you leave it the greater the chance of it completely failing and leaving you stranded. Not to mention the extra load on the alternator.
 
Thank you for the advice. I’ll probably get a new Battery. No problem buying one. Just have this fascination about how long the Original Battery from new in 2003 can last !
 
Hi Steve, I ended up replacing my battery unnecessarily before lock down. I didn't have a good enough earth on the charger and thought it wasn't taking a charge. I've now put it through a recon and about to put it up for sale - it's an AGM. I'm in the Gloucester area so probably too far away but let me know if you are interested.
 
Back
Top