Fiat Punto. Electric power steering fault

[roosteruk]

Started a few months ago, after starting up, the steering wheel light would stay on and steering would be heavy.
Ignition off and restart a couple of times and it would go off....all fine.
Could be a few days, then same again.
Now the light is on coinstant and steering is too heavy to drive (bad physical joints)
Has anyone had dealings and do you know any fixes?
Ta in advance.

 

[Mickymoody]

Maybe the relay to the steering system went faulty? All you experience is the effect of before power steering was invented. Have you done any checks?

 

[roosteruk]

Not as yet, never seem to find the time, but I need to make time now!

I have been told that the connection at the motor is not a fantastic design, so I will have a look at that, but I trhought I would post up here and hopefully get some more ideas to go at, so I can hit it all in one day!
Ta

 

[wingcoax]

Is there a link with vauxhall? The Meriva has a similar problem.

 

[stuartturbo]

Common fault there is a company that sells remanufactured ones with a 3 yr warranty in Rochester. ( I used to work there)
the column is different to the Meriva BUT it is the same sensor that goes faulty in the column. I can not be brought as it is integral to the column
Fiat have had the problem for years I reckon BBA-reman used to sell about 50 a week

 

[wingcoax]

I mentioned the Meriva as i had the same problem. It was highlighted on WATCHDOG the other week, i phoned the main dealer and within a week had the problem solved and new bits on the steering column.

 

[Burnerman]

The 'shake your ass' Renault Megane had this problem too...a new steering column, ta very much.
John

 

[stuartturbo]

I mentioned the Meriva as i had the same problem. It was highlighted on WATCHDOG the other week, i phoned the main dealer and within a week had the problem solved and new bits on the steering column.

touch wood my meriva will last LOL
funny how Vauxhall have been abused yet others have disappeared under the radar

 

[Mursal]

Just in case its not the steering column/motor check the large blue fuse in
the box beside the battery.

It may not be blown, but may have corroded terminals.

Worth doing a "Wiggle" check on the wiring loom. Shake it and see if it
starts working!

Also check the earth points, where the leads are bolted to the chassis for
corrosion/bad connection.

Otherwise internal

Some say to keep it in the "City" mode as it reduces the work load on the
motor, not sure myself.

 

[roosteruk]

Just in case its not the steering column/motor check the large blue fuse in
the box beside the battery.

It may not be blown, but may have corroded terminals.

Worth doing a "Wiggle" check on the wiring loom. Shake it and see if it
starts working!

Also check the earth points, where the leads are bolted to the chassis for
corrosion/bad connection.

Otherwise internal

Some say to keep it in the "City" mode as it reduces the work load on the
motor, not sure myself.

I will try the above....cheers