Technical Seicento power steering problems

[tom__]

Had these for a while now, but it only used to happen every few months or so, now it happens at least once a day. Basically when I turn the engine on the power steering doesnt always come on, so I have to keep re-starting until it decides to work. Any idea what the problem is? I'll take it to a garage to get fixed but I dont want to get overcharged because I know nothing about cars..

Cheers

 

[cc1]

This happend to me once. Turned the ignition off, Waited 3 seconds and, Tried again and was ok.
Best bet is Fiat to read any fault codes. They may (hopefuly) have some experience of this fault.
Could be the motor but not shure on how the system sensors movement.

 

[DougieSei]

Try a check of fuse to see it is seated Ok and no dirt, rust or such - Sits right behind the battery.

Only time that I had an issue with mine was after driving through a foot of water - Power steering shut down and light came up on dash. I ran for a while waiting for it to come back but nothing, turned off, took out fuse, put it back in and all Ok. Might have come back Ok without removing fuse though!

 

[AppleSei]

Sometimes on startup, if you move the steering wheel before the PAS/steering light has gone out, as it is electric PAS the electronic signal/current becomes blocked and the PAS doesnt work and the dash light will stay on and the steering is very heavy

Restarting it though and not moving the wheel returns it to normal

No cure as far as i am aware, another cento trait

 

[fingers99]

Mine has yet to do the above.

As the steering works fine in the end, I'd suspect an intermitent wiring fault. Obvious place to start is by cleaning all the earthing points up and putting a little silicon gease or vasaline on them, then work your way round all the connectors doing the same.

The power steering motor sits at the very base of the steering column inside the passenger compartment, and I think (factory manual is poorly indexed, can't find it at the moment) the power steering ECU is on the passenger side, under the carpet, in front of the cover for the servo.

A FIAT dealer or an auto electrician is likely to be able to resolve it far quicker than an ordinary garage (who will have neither the tools, the expertise, or the documentation).

 

[tom__]

Cheers, I'll check the fuse tomorrow.

As for the whole "moving the wheel before the lights gone out" thing, I dont think thats the problem, as sometimes it takes up to 3 re-starts before it kicks in.

 

[randomizered]

you have two fuse, one in the fuse box and a maxi in the engine bay as well.

What year is your car? there are two different PAS systems on the Sei's.

Kristian

 

[AppleSei]

What year is your car? there are two different PAS systems on the Sei's.

Kristian

Really??? I didnt know that and i know that car like the back of my hand in most cases! Care to enlighten further and the differences

 

[randomizered]

The earlier models are controlled by the alternator signal, the later ones, by the speedo sensor. The later ones also communicated with the car ECU and are generally more complex.

I presume the speedo sensor allows for actual car speed adjustment, whereas an alternator signal is relative to engine revs rather than actual car speed. Both incorporate a effort sensor though.

If you have a FIAT workshop manual go to Volume 4 (Electrical Devices), Electronic Devices, and look at about page 50, there are two versions there.

If you don't have access or would like, I can upload the pages tomorrow for you

Kristian

 

[AppleSei]

If you have a FIAT workshop manual go to Volume 4 (Electrical Devices), Electronic Devices, and look at about page 50, there are two versions there.

If you don't have access or would like, I can upload the pages tomorrow for you

*cough ford owner now cough* Never had a fiat workshop manual anyway

I would assume all MPI's are by speedo sensor and SPI'S by alternator

What you have said is all good, you learn something everyday at least can be referred back by using the search

 

[fingers99]

Section doesn't seem to exist in my manual -- looks like you have the very latest one, Kristian.

 

[tom__]

The earlier models are controlled by the alternator signal, the later ones, by the speedo sensor. The later ones also communicated with the car ECU and are generally more complex.

I presume the speedo sensor allows for actual car speed adjustment, whereas an alternator signal is relative to engine revs rather than actual car speed. Both incorporate a effort sensor though.

If you have a FIAT workshop manual go to Volume 4 (Electrical Devices), Electronic Devices, and look at about page 50, there are two versions there.

If you don't have access or would like, I can upload the pages tomorrow for you

Kristian

Thanks, will have a look through my cd-rom workshop manual to see what I can find. Its a 2001 X-reg btw.

tbh I think I've had enough with this Seicento- slow, very uncomfortable and always seems to have problems. Just wish I could afford something better

 

[cc1]

*cough ford owner now cough*

Maybe you should change your name to 'AppleFord'?

 

[AppleSei]

Nah, maybe take the sei bit off though