my punto mk 2's power steering faliure warning light comes on every few days when i start the car, then i turn off the car start it again and it goes off. Its not just a malfunction with the light as i have driven with it on and the power steering is not working. The fluid tank is full, so does anyone know what the problem could be. Ps when i tap the tank the light goes off too (air lock?) help!

sounds more like a dodgy electrical connection on the fluid level sensor at the tank

The Fiat Cinquecento
Fun While It Runs

Hi friend, i've encounter before this error. So i send my car to Fiat service center to run a dianostic, it give me somekind of power failure error. After they reset the error, no more happen!

Hi I'm having the same problem with my fiat punto 1.2 8v...... just wondering how much this costed? thanks

The Power-Steering issue can be caused by a few things

For a Start tho - The Punto MK2 Has Electrical power-Steering
NOT Hydrolic
So No fluids needed

1st - A dodgey Wire - Take the Pannels off from around the steering wheel + Fuse Box, undo the 3 bolts there and the Steering cables will be exposed,
Its a good idea to disconnect them all, check none are loose/broken and Possible a quick clean with a contact cleaner
Replug everthing back in and see if that helps (reassemble the covers too)

2nd - A low Voltage - can sometimes make the Light come on, So get the battery checked, probably the cheapest and Easiest Thing to eliminate

after that its a case of visit the fiat stealer
They Will need to read a fault code for you

One code You DONT want is the Position Torque Sensors

Worthwhile reading this thread

Ziggy

Was just thinking that ziggy, MK2 and newer had EPS (Electic power steering)

Just check the inputs and outputs to and from the steering ECU (Don't know where its located) and the main ECU

Found this thread while i was looking for comments on my own problem; so thought i would put my pennies worth in!

I've had my 2000 1.2 (Gym Included, i.e. electric nothing) Punto for 4 years, I had the light pop up once months ago but suddenly when i started the engine to drive home from work on friday, i had no power steering!

On the previous occasion turning the ignition off and then back on worked, but to no avail on Friday, never had any other problems!

My mechanic has looked it over and said it is getting power, so must be the motor/s and given the comments i've seen here and on other sites this seem to be a common problem.

To be on the safe side i have order a new Column from a re-ferb company i found who also arrange calibration and give a 2 year guarentee (fingers crossed it turns out to be OK, coz i nearly fell off the chair when i heared the Fiat Dealer price!) they work on a service exchange basis, so take your old one in exchange to re-ferb and sell on.

Waiting for it to be delivered to my Mechanic so we will see if i have just blown £200.00.

Post Edit:
OK, Sorry guy's, just found the below thread as well.
https://www.fiatforum.com/punto-guides/70703-punto-steering-column.html
Which is the one above called 'worthwhile reading this thread' Doh!

Well guy's, pleased to say the part arrived and has been fitted by my mechanic, was a bit awkward apparently; but been driving it for two weeks now and feels like a different car.

Steering is more positive now and when i turn the city button on now, feels like it actually makes a difference (Previously felt just the same, really loose, so never used it); so think there must have been something wrong with the PS all along.

Now using the City button all the time as i always reverse park into parking spaces; hope this will prevent strain on the re-con motor.

So big to Western Power Steering in Bristol

City button puts alot of drain on the battery,
also known here as the 'girly button'!

bredsticz said:

City button puts alot of drain on the battery

Click to expand...

New battery! so hopefully not a prob!

bredsticz said:

also known here as the 'girly button'!

Click to expand...

Coz i've never heard than one before, but just as well i am a 'girly' then

Luv Ya!

Haha! You'll be draining your new battery though. Punto steering is light enough to get into any space surely?

I forgot I even had that button!

bredsticz said:

I forgot I even had that button!

Click to expand...

So had i, until my hubby warned me to be gentle with it now it was a re-con unit. Must always obey the hubby (fingers crossed behind back)

Battery aside, will it not put less strain on the re-con unit, or does it not matter

hey! sorry i dont know how to post my own thread? have never used forums! but was recommended by a friend...

I have a Y reg punto sporting, I have had the steering column replaced at a crash repair center, yet the power steering works on and off, sometimes I start the car and the steering light is off and other times on!

can someone please help me on what to do? I know this is a common problems with Fiat's but not sure what the course of action is?

does it just need programming?

Thanks for to anyone who has time to reply to this!