Technical Fiat Panda steering help!

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Technical Fiat Panda steering help!

ik1980

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Hello,

I have a low miles 2005 Fiat Panda, which unfortunately has developed a problem...

From cold, it will start and drive fine. After say 7-10 mins of driving, the steering feels funny, it feels like it goes a little heavy one way, then light the other. A red steering warning light will come the dash. This also goes off after a little while.

I called the AA, who ran a diagnostic and it came up with the following:

Patrol found the following fault code/s:System : Chassis/steering - B2K / Power steering 1.1.1C1002 - Steering wheel angle sensor. Error Message : Faulty.C1006 - Control unit. Error Message : Initialisation faulty.light appearing on dash relates to steering angle sensor which causes issue with the motor. suspect angle sensor incorporated into motor.

I have done some research and it looks like this is a common problem with this car, steering angel sensor or steering column. I have sourced a second hand steering column but my mechanic says the steering angle sensor isn't incorporated in the column that I have purchased. I have a feeling he doesn't know what he is doing, so I would rather get some expert help!

Can anyone advise me as to the best course of action, or does anyone know or recommend someone whose reasonable?
Thanks
 
Hi.
Use the search facility this forum for advice.
Some points to note:
There are a number of things which can cause this error message, such as battery/alternator/connector problems, as well as actual problems with the torque sensors.
Secondhand items are often little better than the unit they are replacing.
With moderate DIY skills it is possible to purchase & fit just the sensors. This is not a good idea if you are not comfortable with working on a safety-critical system.
There are some reliable companies who can supply a reconditioned unit which is a simple swap job.
Hope that helps.
 
Hello and wecome. Sorry to hear of your problem.

It's worth having the battery properly checked out first, but if it's good, then you've almost certainly got the all-too common torque sensor fault. If you repair it using OEM parts, it'll cost more than your car is worth. Fitting a secondhand column isn't a great idea; even if you find one that's compatible, it'll need recalibrating to the car and you've no idea if it isn't going to be as bad or worse as the one you've taken out.

Personally on a low miles car, I'd send your existing column away to a specialist to be remanufactured (the rest of the column should be in better than average condition for its age, so you want to keep that if you can); this may avoid the need for recalibration, but you'll be without the car for a week or so. Western Power Steering would be a good place to start looking if you want to go this route.

Edit: I see Scotty just got in before me!
 
Last edited:
Thanks for your messages.

Someone has given me a column from an identical car, I take it that there are differing columns?

I would ask my regular mechanic to fit a column but I don't think he has a clue! Can anyone recommend someone in herts area?
 
There should be no difference. However, as above, it may not be any better, and even if it is, it won't help if the problem is battery or alternator. You should eliminate them as problems first.

Physically swapping a unit is relatively simple, but it will then need calibrating (unless pre-calibrated by a re-con company).
If left uncalibrated, you may find the car will only turn one way, and will self-centre in a direction other than straight ahead. You may also damage the replacement column.

Also as above, if in doubt contact a company with real knowledge. WPS for example.
 
I replaced my sensor a few months ago. Although you have to take the time to mount it right, it only involves 5 bolts/nuts, 8 connectors and a large circlip.
Written a short how-to later that you should be able to find with a forumsearch.
Pretty sure a picture of the column you have now (the secondhand one) will help to identify if the sensor is included. Different columns can be identified by the colour of the cableloom. Mine was the (common) green (non EPS) one.

gr J
 
It would be unlikely to be a power problem.


Normally they just switch off. Steering goes heavy.


Worse while the battery is colder overnight and just after cranking the engine.


The more electrical equipment you have on makes it worse. Often reversing you hit the brakes the lights are enough with the low revs to throw an error.

The error code for low power can be read by multiecuscan and the correct cable.
 
It would be unlikely to be a power problem.


Normally they just switch off. Steering goes heavy.


Worse while the battery is colder overnight and just after cranking the engine.


The more electrical equipment you have on makes it worse. Often reversing you hit the brakes the lights are enough with the low revs to throw an error.

The error code for low power can be read by multiecuscan and the correct cable.
Can this happen if the engine stalls whilst reversing?
Happened to me once many months ago when my foot slipped off the pedal ( it had been raining) Not happened again since thankfully so I put it down to that.
 
Can this happen if the engine stalls whilst reversing?
Happened to me once many months ago when my foot slipped off the pedal ( it had been raining) Not happened again since thankfully so I put it down to that.

Two engine starts in quick succession = 2x the battery drain. If the battery is weak the steering will trip out. A third start without swinging the steering too much and all will be fine. Eventually the battery will give up entirely.
 
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