Fiat Seicento power assisted steering

[PAN366E]

Does anyone have any experience with Seicento power assisted steering?

I have a 2001 MPI Seicento which today has had an intermittent power steering warning light, as the light comes on the steering loads up and you get a click from a relay on the passenger side foot well area...

Which relay control the PAS?
What else is a common fault?

 

[fingers99]

Much better posted in the Cinq/Sei section!

Mods will probably move it soon.

Most common issue is low battery (or poor battery condition) or alternator fault. The EPS takes a lot of power, so best first step is to charge the battery (or many factors will test it for free) and test the alternator output with a multimeter, engine running. lights on, between battery terminals.

Wiring diagrams, diagnosis and etc. in the Seicento Technical Manual in the Downloads section.

 

[PAN366E]

Odd bit is, the speedo seems effected.... Occasionally the speedo fails, the steering goes light. Then speedo comes back and the steering loads up..... Intermingled with the steering warning light coming on and off....

Battery and alternator are fine, also isn't effected by speed, or gear.

The clicking is coming from the steering ecu on the passenger side footwell.

 

[Eklipze3k]

Sounds like a bad earth somewhere. I'll ask for this to be moved to the right section for better answers!

 

[fingers99]

The speed sensor (to one side of the differential, replaces the old cable take off for the speedo) sends signals to both the power steering (which is variable -- much more assistance when moving slowly) and the speedo, so a failed/failing unit or a dodgy connection will affect both.

 

[PAN366E]

Has been an issue before on this car when we have ridiculous rain, the speedo becomes intermittent, this PAS issue is new.... Possibly post snow and the amount of water currently accessing the engine bay....

 

[fingers99]

Could well be. I'd try popping the connector, drying out, and coating the contacts with silicone grease.

 

[craigneate]

Ok, so today I've done some research after visiting my sixth garage and them not having a clue, here's the issue, my speedometer sensor needs replacing, it's just on the top of your gearbox, easy to replace yourself, very hard to buy! No one has a clue what it is when u ask, it comes up on tue snap on as an engine speed sensor, but ring up eurocarcare and speak to Mick at parts and he'll hook you up, it's about £44 but well worth it as I know from my own experience how dangerous it is when your turning a corner and the power steering flicks on and off, either hitting the wall or th on coming traffic!!

 

[craigneate]

Has been an issue before on this car when we have ridiculous rain, the speedo becomes intermittent, this PAS issue is new.... Possibly post snow and the amount of water currently accessing the engine bay....

Hope my post helps mate