Technical Steering Angle Sensor fault code

[lemontaz]

Hi there. 2009 model automatic 500c - occasionally we get the steering light come up and the steering go heavy. It's almost always when the steering wheel is turned almost full lock one way or the other, but recently happened on a straight road after turning off a roundabout. Only fix is to turn off ignition and on again. The battery gives 13-14 volts when running and no other electrical faults such as flickering headlights etc.

Took it to garage, they did a fault code read and say it gave 'steering angle sensor' fault code. They say that this can be replaced but no guarantee it would fix the issue as it could be with the motor which is a more expensive fix.

Given the code given is specifically for the steering angle sensor then should I go ahead with this fix do you think?

Thanks in advance!

 

[lemontaz]

Update - the garage cleared the error code and I'm going to try it out over the weekend before ordering the steering angle sensor (costs around 180...)

Can anyone help with ideas on what this could be? I just tested it in a parking area steering on full lock left and right, reversing into and out of spaces and with and without sport mode enables too - no issues.

 

[John202020]

Unrelated, if you've not replaced the engine earth strap, you need too it will have had it, they all fail but look OK(below is for standard 1.2 manual)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16mm-Ear...hash=item25adc0acb2:m:maacWvEwGzM1GDqOOXSXqyw

 

[AndyRKett]

The voltage from the battery can be 14 volts when the engine is running, as that’s what the alternator is putting out and not the battery. If the battery is weak then the voltage can drop as a result of there not being enough from the alternator when steering, the battery is supposed to pick up the slack but if it’s weak then the steering won’t get enough power and you get the error.

The steering going heavy and resetting with turning the car off and on again is typical of a battery problem, bu also very dangerous if it does so mid corner, there has been at least one car on the forum written off because the electric power steering cut out mid corner.

 

[John202020]

If you don't know how old the battery is or it's, say over 3 or 4 years old replace it perhaps ?
My choice of battery https://www.batterymegastore.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/636/s/varta-b36/

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi there. 2009 model automatic 500c - occasionally we get the steering light come up and the steering go heavy. It's almost always when the steering wheel is turned almost full lock one way or the other, but recently happened on a straight road after turning off a roundabout. Only fix is to turn off ignition and on again. The battery gives 13-14 volts when running and no other electrical faults such as flickering headlights etc.

Took it to garage, they did a fault code read and say it gave 'steering angle sensor' fault code. They say that this can be replaced but no guarantee it would fix the issue as it could be with the motor which is a more expensive fix.

Given the code given is specifically for the steering angle sensor then should I go ahead with this fix do you think?

Thanks in advance!

How is this going?


Are you pleased with the garages input??

Often asked for recommendations in London region..

Charlie

 

[lemontaz]

Hi Charlie thanks for the reply. The garage reset the error codes and since then nothing so far - but not 100% yet as previously there was also long periods of time when it never happened. If it happens again or more frequently I’ll take it back.

The garage is superb by the way - brilliant guys couldn’t recommend the better (the car surgery on arctic street, London)

 

[lemontaz]

If you don't know how old the battery is or it's, say over 3 or 4 years old replace it perhaps ?
My choice of battery https://www.batterymegastore.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/636/s/varta-b36/

Thanks I might try that if t happens again.