Power Steering Failure

Jigwar · June 6, 2006, 11:05

Hi all,

Firstly apologies for starting a new thread on a previously covered topic, but after a search I believe my symptoms to be slightly different from anything else found. Anyway......

Symptoms: Power steering has failed, with the warning light and steering going very heavy for all steering angles/speeds etc. Fluid level is fine, no obvious leaks from the system. Sounds like a pump failure plain and simple, but the interesting bit is that a couple of times I have left the car for an hour or so and on returning its given me about 5-10 minutes of working before dieing (fortuneatley not at high speed on a roundabout s:shock: :shock: s:shock: )

So to start solving this, could someone send me the bumpf on the power steering system that I have spotted has been sent out, and unless anyone has any other suggestions I'll get on poking and prodding the leads/plugs etc.

Also, does anyone have or know where I can get hold of a second-hand pump if it does turn out to be this?

Thanks,

Steve

kanujunkie · June 6, 2006, 11:18

you have email

leon_in_uk · June 6, 2006, 11:28

i have the same problem matey. also on here... stu can you email me the same thing please?

Jigwar · June 6, 2006, 11:32

Thanks Stu, detailed stuff!

kanujunkie · June 6, 2006, 11:33

done

Jigwar · June 6, 2006, 11:38

Quote from: "leon_in_uk"i have the same problem matey. also on here... stu can you email me the same thing please?

Yeah, I was reading this one and it is similar, but mine is a definite PS failure as the light is on and the car is like a juggernaut to get round corners at all speeds and angles. I am hoping its not the pump as the system shows intermittent signs of life, but needed some inspiration as to how to fully rectify this.

I'll let you know if I have any luck following through the diagrams, but any other wise tips gratefully received,

Steve

leon_in_uk · June 6, 2006, 11:47

thanks stu, i will forward onto my mechanic....

the steering is working, as you can here it, not sure bout yours tho. and is very heavy when turning. i will let you know if i have any look. and visa versa.

cheers buddy

heathstimpson · June 6, 2006, 12:29

Leon does anything work on your car at all s:? :? s:? s:?: :?: s:?:

Anonymous · June 6, 2006, 13:10

Quote from: "leon_in_uk"thanks stu, i will forward onto my mechanic....

No but it looks like he employ's his own mechanic now!

philster_d · June 6, 2006, 13:52

try turning the ignition on and of about 50 times.

This used to work on the mk2 as it was down to dirty contacts on a relay somewhere

leon_in_uk · June 6, 2006, 14:11

you being serious here???

all major problems have been sorted, with the engine etc. the only problems iv had is the engine and the steering..

kanujunkie · June 6, 2006, 14:14

Phil, thats a really bad idea, all thats going to do is damage the contacts in other parts of the car, fair enough you got lucky but the better option would be to check voltages in the power lines to the pump, this is after all a rare but not unheard of failure so the chances are it is the pump, switching the key on and off 50 times will do damage not good

Anonymous · June 6, 2006, 14:30

Quote from: "Jigwar"Also, does anyone have or know where I can get hold of a second-hand pump if it does turn out to be this?

Thanks,

Steve

Adam (Jap GT300) should be able to help with a secondhand pump

If you can do without your pump for a few days they can be overhauled, I can't find the e-mail I had but if you try google you might find who does it

Jigwar · June 6, 2006, 17:13

Quote from: "stevewarbs"If you can do without your pump for a few days they can be overhauled, I can't find the e-mail I had but if you try google you might find who does it

Well, no amount of poking, prodding and wiggling would get it working again this afternoon so.......

http://www.powersteeringspecialist.co.uk/

Hows about these guys? Not a million miles away from me, and I can do without a pump for a few days - I presume that no damage is being done by continuing to drive the car with no power steering?

edward.carter · June 7, 2006, 08:53

Id of thought it would be fine, just heavier steering thats all.

leon_in_uk · June 7, 2006, 09:00

mine seems ok again......

just plays up when it feels like it.

Jigwar · June 19, 2006, 09:10

Quote from: "philster_d"..........it was down to dirty contacts on a relay somewhere

Quick update on this one. Have noticed that the power steering system is operational for 5 seconds every time the engine is started. Does this symptom prompt any thoughts?

Mr T servicing suggested it might be a relay as this could be energised for a short while before failing each time? Also, whilst I was there, checked the price for a replacement pump = £800+VAT s:shock: :shock: s:shock:

My local (non-T) garage took a look but couldn't find a simple explanation, so suggested going to Mr T and having them plug their diagnostic machine in. But will a diagnostic reader give specific failing in the power steering? 'Cos Mr T would want £50 just to do this!

Any ideas?

Ta

Steve

Anonymous · June 19, 2006, 09:18

Quote from: "Jigwar"Quick update on this one. Have noticed that the power steering system is operational for 5 seconds every time the engine is started. Does this symptom prompt any thoughts?

Mine ran up for a couple of seconds, but something was overheating and being shut down by the bloody computer.

We drove ours for a couple of weeks without the power steering after checking with MrT that it wouldn't damage anything.

Anonymous · June 19, 2006, 09:20

Quote from: "Jigwar"But will a diagnostic reader give specific failing in the power steering? 'Cos Mr T would want £50 just to do this!

Any ideas?

Ta

Steve

Mr T's can but certainly the AA's couldn't.

leon_in_uk · June 19, 2006, 09:33

yep i still have the problem also...

Jigwar · June 19, 2006, 10:20

Quote from: "stevewarbs"Mine ran up for a couple of seconds, but something was overheating and being shut down by the bloody computer.

Steve - Did you discover the "something" that was overheating?

What is the cooling means for the power steering system?

TIA

Anonymous · June 19, 2006, 10:50

No it was Mr T's diagnostics that found it and it was an electrical component inside the ECU ( power steering ECU) which is why the reconditioners claim to be able to recondition them so cheeply, it's probably just a 10p resistor that's failed.

leon_in_uk · June 19, 2006, 11:00

how much did it cost you in total then matey??

also how can i check if it is just a resistor then?

Jigwar · June 19, 2006, 13:53

Bit more digging around on Spyderchat.......

Quote from: "panek"When I turn the car off and then back on the power steering briefly works and then stops working and doesn't come back until I turn the car off again.

......which is similar to my symptoms and resulted in a new pump being required, since the power steering CU registered a higher current being drawn by an "on the way out" pump and switched it off. But it could just as easily be the control unit itself I suppose.

Also, there is a possible means of diagnosing with OBD II.......

Quote from: "WTS"You can connect the ODBII ports Tc and CG , IGN ON and watch the PS Light blink the DTC code out in flashes.
Heres where they are in the OBDII connector left of the steering wheel.
......!
12345678 - #4 is CG
12345678 #5 or (13th) is Tc
.......^
C1521-1523 P/S Motor Malfunction - Temp above 390F
C1533- P/S ECU Malfunction - P/S in Failsafe mode
C1539- " ' - Self correcting eprom error.
C1552 - PIG voltage drop - disables the vane pump assy.
C1553 - Ignition switched off while vehicle in motion - Disables P/S until you stop, cycle IGN OFF then IGN ON.

.........if anyone has the equipment (and translation!)

Would SP be able to help out on this? I'm up that way on Friday.

Steve

leon_in_uk · June 19, 2006, 14:14

me?? also who is sp?