When I started my car first thing this morning and then when I left work tonight the Steering was very heavy - the power steering was not working - after 30seconds or so it started working again.

Is this a pump problem? once working all was fine, but I don't want it to stop all of a sudden!

There have been no strange noises (from the steering at least!)

Any ideas? Expensive?

Battery or alternator charge lead broken at gearbox plug.

Battery or alternator charge lead broken at gearbox plug.

Really? That sounds simple, is it an easy DIY fix?

Thanks.

Really? That sounds simple, is it an easy DIY fix?

Thanks.

Yes both easy fixes. Battery needs to be healthy as the PAS pump can take 60 AMPS. Alternator sense lead tends to break at the plug, which is mounted on the gearbox. Give away with that one, is you usually do not get an alternator charge/test light when you turn on the ignition.

Of course it may be the steering angle sensor just behind the steering wheel. If really unlucky, the PAS pump itself (expensive). If really unlucky, steering rack leaking, and that's very expensive.

Would also be worth having a code scan done with VAGCOM or VAG Fault Code Reader.

Battery in poor condition is by far the most common cause though

I posted this before the great crash, but as it's gone I thought I'd better ask it again!

My TDI also has similar problems to this with variable resistance and the headlights dim a little when I turn the wheel. Does anyone have a suggestion where the nest (cheapest!) place to get a sensor is at the moment? I'd also like to check the cabling on the alternator, does anyone have some pictures or is it blindingly obvious when you get under the car? Thanks.

I have had the car in the Garage, and have found what seems to be no fault with the Pump or the leads, I had noticed the Battery indicator light hadn't been appearing on the dash so they have checked this out and think a new alternator could solve the problem, its been a couple of weeks now and I have not had a problem with the Battery going flat? Could the alternator be at fault?

Had a sporadic problem with the power steering,. On starting the light would sometimes go out, on other occasions it would stay on and the power steering would not function. Laterly the car was hesitant to start, bought a new battery, starts as it should and no more problems with the power steering functioniong!