Punto (Mk2/2b) power steering problem

[boxinfan66]

i have a mk2 punto (2000)

and i'm having problems with power steering!! when i bought the car the battery was dead so had to start with jump leads when i did get it started and pulled away from curb the steering went heavy i'v got it booked in for a diagnostics .. will that tell me if the power steering motor has gone

if not that what else could be making the steering heavy gratefull for any response

 

[fingers99]

I'd get the battery tested first (many factors will stress test a battery for free). Since the power steering is electrical, and draws quite a lot of current, a battery or alternator fault can have dramatic effects.

 

[PuntoHowTo]

Lack of power to the steering motor can cause it to error out, best bet to begin with, as its run flat and you don't know the history before that, stick a new battery in it. This will hopefully will sort the problem, if not you're looking at fitting a new motor/ECU column anyway.

(normally i would suggest simple battery maintenance but i think you've gone beyond this)

 

[s and b]

as said change the battery yourself or garage are just going to diagnose power steering ecu or motor and you cant really blame them if they dont know flat batteries cause these issues

 

[boxinfan66]

thanks very much i will try the battery first thing tomorrow and then see from there... i dont have a manual so if it is the worst case scenario.. is there anywhere on the forum that will show me steering ecu and motor removal ...cheers

 

[Austin Mini]

I had an almost three year old Y reg Punto and turning right to enter factory the power steering failed. Battery was a good un though. I entered the factory, turned off ignition then re started engine and power steering was ok. This happened again the week after, same place etc so took it to Fiat who being a new dealership pluged it into diagnostic and booked me in for new steering rack. This solved problem. Next year the battery died. So your prob could be the battery. Lets hope so as they are pretty cheap.

 

[fingers99]

If the worse does come to the worse, the column can be repaired as a rule.

 

[s and b]

If the worse does come to the worse, the column can be repaired as a rule.

not much use though as it would catch your legs whilst parking