Hi,
Now before I start, yes, I used the search. Previous threads haven't given be a definitive answer.
2001 MK2 Punto 1.2 8v. Bottom spec. Basic as they come.
We get a power steering fault light (and power steering fails to operate) when turning the wheel at standstill/low speeds and when hitting bumps/potholes. For example, it tripped out as I was reversing off the drive this morning slowly, then again as I pulled out at the end of the road. Then tripped out doing 45ish as I hit a bump taking a corner. Bumps on the straight cause no issues.
The system will trip out and the dash warning light will illuminate. The system resets itself and will operate fine again once the ignition has been turned off and on.
Seems to be when the system is under load, although doesn't do it all the time. Colder weather seems to make it worse and once the car is up to operating temp, it rarely does it. Seems to do it more if the car hasn't been used for a while.
Any ideas where to start? Last thing I want to do is replace the steering column if it isn't faulty. Doesn't seem to be as it is the ECU tripping the system due to drawing too much power (see, i did search), not the column just not working... Can't see it being the battery as we have no starting issues and the car is using the alternator when running, no the battery. Not sure on any alternator issues as we have no charging issues, warning lights or any other electrical issues.
So, any ideas on what could be at fault here? Not my car and the missus has lived with it since she got it late last year but still an annoying issue...
Mucho thankos.
Now before I start, yes, I used the search. Previous threads haven't given be a definitive answer.
2001 MK2 Punto 1.2 8v. Bottom spec. Basic as they come.
We get a power steering fault light (and power steering fails to operate) when turning the wheel at standstill/low speeds and when hitting bumps/potholes. For example, it tripped out as I was reversing off the drive this morning slowly, then again as I pulled out at the end of the road. Then tripped out doing 45ish as I hit a bump taking a corner. Bumps on the straight cause no issues.
The system will trip out and the dash warning light will illuminate. The system resets itself and will operate fine again once the ignition has been turned off and on.
Seems to be when the system is under load, although doesn't do it all the time. Colder weather seems to make it worse and once the car is up to operating temp, it rarely does it. Seems to do it more if the car hasn't been used for a while.
Any ideas where to start? Last thing I want to do is replace the steering column if it isn't faulty. Doesn't seem to be as it is the ECU tripping the system due to drawing too much power (see, i did search), not the column just not working... Can't see it being the battery as we have no starting issues and the car is using the alternator when running, no the battery. Not sure on any alternator issues as we have no charging issues, warning lights or any other electrical issues.
So, any ideas on what could be at fault here? Not my car and the missus has lived with it since she got it late last year but still an annoying issue...
Mucho thankos.
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