Have just bought my second skoda (fabia 1.4 8v 2002). Found it has the same faults as one I had a few years ago. There are two warning "beeps" just after setting off or when re-starting the engine. Warning light for PAS is also coming on intermittently and steering becomes stiff (when reversing, going slow). My other Skoda used to this and I never managed to resolve the problem. Garage said wait until PAS has "gone" before having it replaced but got rid of the car before that happened. I'm now faced with the same problems!!

Check your battery connections are sound first, and also check the condition of the battery itself - could well be your power steering's on it's last legs like you say, but it won't cost you anything to check those things and they can be responsible for symptoms similar to yours.

HTH

Thanks for that. Its due for MOT next week so will get it serviced and checked out. I suppose is the chance you take buying private - but low mileage and looked after. Can't believe I've had same problems twice though!

have had similar problems with the PAS light coming on but when i checked my battery terminals they were covered in grease, After reading the haynes manual it seems as though skoda forbid the use of grease on the terminals, I assume as it doesn't conduct the charge correctly.

I cleaned the terminals and so far the light problem hasn't come back yet and the car seems to start better too:thumbup:

May be worth checking as it doesn't cost anything:thumbup

The light is off at the moment but the warning alarm is still there. Due to have it in at the garage this week for MOT so will try what you suggested first!

After reading the haynes manual it seems as though skoda forbid the use of grease on the terminals

Correct. The official Workshop Manual says:

Neither grease nor oil the battery terminals.