Hi, I own a Y-reg Fabia classic 1.9SDI with an ASY engine. When I bought it, it came with the steering lights coming on (usual PAS problem). I went to a garage and was told I neednt have to worry much if driving a non power assisted steering would not bother me. Really it doesnt as I do mostly motorway miles. So I've had the faulty PAS on the car for 7mths and run 30k miles with it.

Just last week I had a new clutch fitted and 24hrs later on my way to work in the evening, my dashboard lights went out.... then all the panel lights started flicking on and off and I noticed the steering went stiff - I continued driving to get a convenient place to park and as soon as I pulled in to a kerb side, the engine stopped. I turned the key - all battery power drained - just dead. Needless to say , I wasnt far away from home, so my wife came over and gave me a tow home.

Next day I called the mechanic who came over, put the key in to check the car and it started like nothing ever happened. The dead battery of the night before was suddenly holding FULL charge - Te mechanic sounded like he did not believe my story about the previous night. Checked every contact - nothing observed. All ok

4 nights later, the same thing happened - this time more than 10miles from home - and a friend gave me a tow home. - Am at home now wondering what on earth would be the likely cause of this problem - Does anyone think a faulty PAS could degenerate to messing up the electrics?? Or does anyone have ideas - I just dont want a mechanic to mess about on my ignorance.

Sounds to me like an Intermittent wiring loom fault or an issue with the alternator perhaps. I had something a bit similar to what you describe with a Mk4 Ibiza TDi. Was quite hard to solve but was traced to a short within a loom in the end.

Try a different mechanic or garage if you don't feel confident in the current one.

Steve

I had this and had two issues.

1) Knackered battery

2) Alternator pulley internal clutch had gone.

Fixed those and all was good.

If your PAS is dead, it will be pulling a huge draw from the battery (IIRC up to 60A) so I'd get the PAS fixed and get the alternator pulley checked. You can replace just the pulley, so don't pay for the whole alternator.

Then check your battery, charge it up if needed or replace it if there is an issue.

As Cheezmonkhai says, I'd suspect the sprague clutch on the alternator drive combining with the known faulty angle sensor.

On a side note, according to http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_230.htm , faulty PAS is an MOT fail.

Before I start, I want to say thank you to all who offered advise on my problem. Finally got it fixed and yes, you guys were all correct.

As follows, these were the faults

1. Alternator pulley was worn - so I got an alternator repair shop to have this replaced with an OE clutch freedom pulley. He took the liberty of further replacing the regulator on the pulley for an extra 40quid as this was almost at the point of extinction.

2. The load signal wire was broken at the connector point on the bracket just in front of the gearbox. This is a pink and blue wire going into a black socket. So we had that extended by soldering additional wire and using JCB weld to insulate and secure the point of entry. We then used bullet connectors to join the new extension wires - and tested all OK.

Of course my battery had flattened out due to the long drive home (hazards on for 40mins). So we gave it a wee charge for 5mins; got the car started and left the renewed alternator to do the job. I used the opportunity to get my PAS replaced. Got a new one and connected it straight away.

THANK YOU GUYS - I hope this information will help many others in this circumstance. My baby is BACK!!!

30k miles in 7 months