Mr FIAT - Your #1 source for vintage car parts

Technical Seicento power steering issue

Currently reading:
Technical Seicento power steering issue

F

Frosty1961

New member
Joined
Feb 7, 2012
Messages
77
Points
15
Having searched and replying in an inappropriate forum :eek: I copy that reply here.....Relates to a query about steering being light to the left but stiffens to the right..

Interesting that it seems awfully common that its turning to the right that is the issue...been having the same issue randomly since new on my 2001 Sei Sporting and it seems to sort itself out after turning briefly to the left. Returning to the right turn the assistance returns. I have also found when the front end is jacked up and the engine running the steering to the left is noticeably easier almost able to spin from lock to lock with a sharp flick of the steering wheel...trying to the right the wheel stops almost immediately. The PAS ECU is connected to pin 9 on the OBD2 connector but no matter what I have tried I haven't been able to connect to the PAS ECU to see if I can read off any information.. Anyone found any real answers to this? I have replugged the ECU connectors and fuse but haven't touched the column yet..The steering check light came on briefly years ago but only once...weird stuff
 
Honeymonster said:
Monster did this when I first got him. Turned out changing the front arms and track rod ends (tracking essential after this)solved the problem.


Many thanks for that :) I will investigate the mechanical parts a little more..must say it really does feel like something jammed until it frees up but the steering is hellishly heavy if not powered so the option of simply taking the main fuse out won't work for me ;). Was interesting to see that Punto's had issues with their PAS but I am not sure if they use an identical system? My fiance has just got bought a new Golf 7 which has electric
PAS and that is wonderfully effective so hence the gloves are off to improve mine!!!
Click to expand...
 
The motors can be refurbed (if that proves to be the issue).

I've briefly run without PAS on a Sei by pulling the fuse and replacing the top mounts with Cinq ones (the castor on PAS Seis is what makes the steering extremely heavy, rather than the slightly faster rack). I've yet to finish the job by replacing the column with a non PAS one (very late Cinq/non PAS Sei) as I think there may be residual drag from the PAS motor). But as is, it's entirely workable, and I am a poor, weak old man. :(

Having said that, I don't like PAS where it can be avoided although the Sei system (when working) is pretty good.

PAS has, IIRC, it's own ECU (may be accessible with FIAT ECUscan, or whatever it's called now). Diagrams and full technical description in the Seicento Technical Manual (free in the Downloads section).
 
Last edited:
Frustratingly the FIATEcuScan doesn't seem to have the option to connect to the PAS ECU on the Sei..I noticed that in the tech manual there seem to be two different versions with the older covered in detail including the use of the FIAT tool to connect to the ECU via a separate plug near the ECU itself and not the OBD connector. If the Punto or Panda part of the software connected I am sure I would have a better idea as there are lots of diagnostics to play around with! Thanks Fingers for more of your insight..didn't know the different castor angle would make such a difference...sadly I don't have access to second hand oe after market spares as very few were sold here. I drool when I read how easily (and cheaply!) bits and pieces are available up North! Done nearly 250K kms without much drama or expense, except for replacing almost every part of the cooling system. Still a real joy to drive and looks pretty much like the day I bought it...bright yellow and cheery!
 
I have the full MultiEcuScan package with 3 leads but not used it yet. I will have a go with it this week and post results. I won't be happy if it does not work with the ABS Ecu, it is the same as ones fitted to some Punto models.
 
I have had my MultiEcuScan for about 6 months and registered the software yesterday to get an unlock code for full use.
It came back with wrong code so have mailed the company and have to wait for a reply.
If you go to their website (http://www.multiecuscan.net/) you will find that some Chinese cloned ELM 327 devices are not working correctly. Currently, there is a 76 page post about them.
Also, if you have the free software version you don't get all the features of the commercial version, like resetting of devices.
You also need the correct leads to access the correct pins for CAN etc.
My kit also came with the older VAGKKL device/connector.
 
Last edited:
Now up and running. :D
Had to download version 1.4 to match the key.
Managed to connect to ECU/AIRBAG/ABS.
Airbag and ABS needs the VAGKKL interface and correct colour adapter plug.
Takes a bit of time to get used to using the thing and getting the settings right, but "it does what it says on the packet".

Worth every penny.:)

Going to try it on my KWP2000 as it's listed.:)
 
cc1 said:
I have had my MultiEcuScan for about 6 months and registered the software yesterday to get an unlock code for full use.
It came back with wrong code so have mailed the company and have to wait for a reply.
If you go to their website (http://www.multiecuscan.net/) you will find that some Chinese cloned ELM 327 devices are not working correctly. Currently, there is a 76 page post about them.
Also, if you have the free software version you don't get all the features of the commercial version, like resetting of devices.
You also need the correct leads to access the correct pins for CAN etc.
My kit also came with the older VAGKKL device/connector.
Click to expand...

With the VAGKKL does that mean you can read like SPI centos?

Ming
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
Technical Seicento ECU issues
Replies
0
Views
132
Reffter
R
J
  • Question
General Seicento Headlights
Replies
0
Views
57
joe65l
J
Bubble Trouble
Technical Converting to Power Steering
Replies
1
Views
781
purf
purf
Sportster1108
Technical Steering anomaly
Replies
0
Views
227
Sportster1108
Sportster1108
P
General New(er) Seicento owner
Replies
0
Views
121
phonesurgeon
P
Back
Top