hello all, I've been having a couple of issues with my 2001 Fabia 1.4 16v.

Firstly the steering goes heavy when it feels like it usually when going slow.

Secondly the lights would flicker, go dim, usually when moving the steering.

So I did lots of research on this forum and the internet and went for the steering angle sensor. So changed the sensor for a brand new one and................................................................................the steering is much better, much lighter, however I still have flickering lights.

So the next items on the list would be the alternator or battery.

Any help on diagnosing further?

Both signs point to an older battery or alternator. Places like F1 autocenters should do a free test for you, so you can go from there.

Most likely battery though, which is nice and simple to fix!

Right i've put a different battery and I get the same thing, lights dimming when the steering is moved. I've checked the voltage on the battery and its 14.2v at idle but when the steering is turned is goes down to 13v, so could it be that that alternator is just not supplying enough voltage?

Right i've put a different battery and I get the same thing, lights dimming when the steering is moved. I've checked the voltage on the battery and its 14.2v at idle but when the steering is turned is goes down to 13v, so could it be that that alternator is just not supplying enough voltage?

Its a Fabia thing They all do it. Its normal on these cars for the lights to dim a bit when you turn the steering wheel whilst at a standstill.

Right i've put a different battery and I get the same thing, lights dimming when the steering is moved. I've checked the voltage on the battery and its 14.2v at idle but when the steering is turned is goes down to 13v, so could it be that that alternator is just not supplying enough voltage?

Actually, any car with electric or electro-hydraulic steering will cause a certain ammount of headlight flicker as the pump will be grabbing an awful lot of current from the car's electrical system - though obviously a weak battery or alternator will make things worse, but I believe that your problem has gone from steering assist lose to just flickering lights now that you have changed the battery. I would doubt if you have the usual "load signal wiring" that affects some cars - usually only TDI engined ones though. My wife's Polo 9N makes its headlights flicker slightly even when the electric windows reach their top limit - but I would expect that and so accept it.

If the lights dim when you turn the steering wheel, then I think it's normal. I notice this most on my car when doing say a 3point turn, or reversing onto my driveway.

It's most likely the power drain of the electric power steering pump that's causing the dimming. Quite normal I believe.

If the lights dim when you turn the steering wheel, then I think it's normal. I notice this most on my car when doing say a 3point turn, or reversing onto my driveway.

It's most likely the power drain of the electric power steering pump that's causing the dimming. Quite normal I believe.

Yes things will be worse when the car is moving slowly (more steering assist needed) and the engine revs will be low (so the alternator output will be low) - a lose - lose situation which will show up these issues.