Hi there

Posted a while back about intermittent PAS problems on my Fabia - these seemed to increase in frequency when the weather was hot. Over the last few weeks it's been worse, and a local independent garage has diagnosed a problem with the pump - basically the control unit is cutting out at high temperatures.

This sound like a recognised problem? The car's not long out of warranty - so I'm looking at a hefty bill. Any thoughts on sourcing a pump from somewhere that's cheaper than full price?

Thanks for your help

Keith

The best price you're going to get won't leave you much change from GBP400 unfortunately, so it's definitely worth making sure it's not a problem with the battery or a dodgy connection, or even the steering angle sensor (http://www.fabia-vrs.com/technical-info/pas-sensor-change/), . A fault code scan should help, which you can either get done at a garage for GBP40-60, or by seeing if there's a member with VAG-COM near you who can be persuaded to do it for beer tokens!

Hi

thanks for the quick response.

I had this car in at the local skoda dealer about this problem a couple of months ago (pre warranty end!) and they did a VAG-COM scan and picked up no problems with the sensor and/or pump. Their suggestion was to replace both sensor and pump though!

The local garage said that their diagnosis wasn't from VAG-COM but from some testing on the terminals of the control unit itself (excuse the rapidly approaching limits of my technical knowledge!) and loss of signal at high temperatures. Bit miffed if this turns out to be the problem as we've had the intermittent problems for months now, and the dealer clearly wouldn't investigate beyond the VAG-COM.

I've seen reference to bba-reman as a source of remanufactured components. Any idea if it's a reliable source for a pump?

Thanks

Keith

I've heard of BBA-Reman, but I've a feeling they do stuff like ECUs rather than pumps - could be wrong, though (see what Google has to say would be my advice!)

Much as I love my own local garage, they're a bit hit-and-miss on the diagnosis front (which is part of the reason why I've done a few pictorials during my time on here! ) The PAS problems on my wife's Fabia were down to the battery being on its last legs, so I'd be interested hear your responses to the following:

1. What's the rating of the battery;

2. How old is it;

3. Does the steering stop being heavy if you use a bit of throttle while manoeuvring (careful on the clutch, though! )

...?

Admittedly, battery problems usually manifest themselves in COLD weather, but never say never...

HTH

Hi

in answer to your questions!

1) not sure of the rating of the battery - but when the car was in with the dealer they checked the battery and seemed happy with it. We've not had any of the flickering lights problems that other people seem to have in connection with the battery/steering

2) How old's the battery or the car? Don't know about the battery - it predates when I bought the car. Car is an 05 though.

3) Haven't noticed this happening. Often the PAS will kick in again when the speed comes down below 10-15 mph.

Actually I've just remembered that there seemed to be a tendency for the steering to go off when we hit a pothole (this is a few months ago) - this sounds less like a temperature problem doesn't it?

Keith

Definitely sounds like a dodgy connection is worth investigating - as for the battery, the one on my vRS lasted 4 years, so it's not impossible that yours has had it too. Might be worth getting a new one anyway before it goes closed-circuit and you have to get the AA out...

I'll maybe try to investigate connections - although I assume this'll involve getting under the car. Had a look at BBA-Reman and they appear to sell the pump - but I'll need to check part numbers.

Thanks for your help.

Keith