Fiat panda electric power steering column faults


The fiat panda produced between 2003 – 2012 (169 chassis), uses and electric power steering column, the fiat panda electric power steering column (EPS) is unique to the panda and shares no part with other fiat EPS systems.

The steering column in the fiat panda consists of a torque position sensor, motor control unit. The fiat panda eps can suffer from the following faults;

A faulty torque position sensor is the most common cause of failure; this can cause the steering to fail sometimes this will cause the steering wheel to groan and vibrate when turning sometimes the power steering will become lighter in one direction than the other. A faulty panda torque position sensor may also cause the EPS system to completely fail, the steering will go heavy and the steering failure light will illuminate.

If a scanner is plugged into the vehicle it will show a fault code of; C1002 for a faulty torque position sensor. It is possible to have just the torque position sensor column replaced without replacing the motor control unit, if this is done however the control unit will need to be recalibrated, we can supply a torque position sensor column. http://shop.westernpowersteering.co.uk/category-67/82584202[1][2][1].html


The fiat panda EPS can also suffer from a failure of the motor control unit; this can begin as an intermittent failure whereby the steering wheel will go heavy and the failure light will illuminate on the dash. Usually if the vehicle is switched off and then started again the system will temporarily reset unit the fault reoccurs, which it always will do. This will eventually lead to a complete failure of the system. If a scanner is plugged into the vehicle it will show a fault code of; C1001 motor control unit failure. If this fault is present, the complete fiat panda steering column needs to be replaced. We can supply a complete column, which includes the torque position sensor together with motor and control unit. we test and calibrate the complete column so the unit can be fitted without the need for any further programming. http://shop.westernpowersteering.co.uk/category-67/82584202[1][2].html

If the steering goes heavy shortly after starting the engine it can be down to a weak battery. The steering puts a heavy demand on a battery which has only just started the engine. Paradoxically, a weak battery can still be strong enough to ruin what had previously been a good steering motor.

If the system voltage is holding up and the motor trips, then you will need to look at the steering motor.

I replaced mine, complete a couple of years ago, using one from these guys. Service was great, and working fine. Well packaged, quick delivery, lifetime guarantee. What's not to like.

Yeah, I've booked my car in for a repair for mid June, a month before my MOT! 300 for torque sensor, 360 for the whole motor! Like you say, what's not to like?! Thanks for all the help guys, so glad I joined this forum haha!