Hi all,

I have a 54 plate VRS, I've noticed that when the weather temparature drops, upon starting the car the power steering almost always doesn't work ie. very heavy unassisted steering. After a few minutes suddenly the power steering comes on. The car doesn't get much use, but I don't remember this happening during the warmer months. Once the power steering comes alive in these situations, it remains fine - the problem does not re-surface until the next time the car is started from cold and a few days/weeks of not being used.

I am not the most technical person and would appreciate any advice. Is it just a case of checking the power steering fluid and topping it up? Or is this a quirk on this model?

Thanks in advance.

C

Hi & Welcome

mine did something similar but only for the first second or so after firing up & occasionally still does if very cold & not been run for a bit. Cured with a new battery (under warranty), as i think the Power Steering is electric, so have a look the battery condition. Also, when Power Steering is working OK, put the headlights on & turn the wheel, mine initially dim

Good luck

Battery for sure.

Thanks for the replies guys

Couple of you have mentioned the battery, so I'm guessing the power steering pump is electric?

Thanks for the replies guys

Couple of you have mentioned the battery, so I'm guessing the power steering pump is electric?

Yes, and it can draw 60 amps at low speeds and parking etc. Also standard battery is not that great amperage wise. Bigger battery in a diesel is always a good idea.

Mine too today first thing, cleared once the ignition was turned off and on again.

2001 Sdi Classic

Mine too haha, how strange

Yes, and it can draw 60 amps at low speeds and parking etc. Also standard battery is not that great amperage wise. Bigger battery in a diesel is always a good idea.

Cheers, that makes sense about getting a better battery. I also own a BMW 330d which requires a monster battery, and I changed the standard one (90 amps I think it was) for a more powerful Bosch item (100 amp). So it definitely looks like I'll be upgrading the battery then

Bigger battery in a diesel is always a good idea.

Seems curious to me that Skoda downgraded the battery in later vRSs...

So what's the biggest battery that will fit ?

So what's the biggest battery that will fit ?

Larger capacity batteries aren't necessarily physically larger. When I was sourcing one for my MX-5 I was offered five different capacities for the same outer casing...