Intermittent Power Steering

[pbtvc]

Hi All,

Power steering is fine when starting out each day. Problem is that when engine is switched off for short time, e.g. fuelling, on switching on the ignition (not starting engine) the usual pump noise is missing and the ps light stays on. It remains so and without any power assistance until the ignition has been off for an hour or so when system is normal again. Occasionally the pump starts up after a short distance travelled and everything is normal until engine is switched off again. The fluid level is normal and electrical connections seem secure. Does anybody have any ideas on this one?

Many thanks for any suggestions.

Peter.

[MoggyTech]

Check PAS fluid level, link fuses on top of battery, and battery itself. Make sure alternator is charging correctly (above 14v with engine running.) Code scan may reveal faulty PAS sensor.

[mogwye]

New battery needed.

DB.

[pbtvc]

Thanks for suggestions. Fluid, battery and fuses were all ok. Turns out that the pump was faulty - ouch!! It was ok when cold but when warmed up through use refused to restart after a brief switch off, ok when cooled down. With the new pump fitted the steering is fine but the ps indicator light stays on. I'm told that a diagnosis (G250 I think)suggests a steering angle sensor fault, something that was not bringing the light on with the old pump running ok. Is the sensor really at fault, could it be the connecting cable to the pump or does the pump need recoding? Thanks for your comments.

Peter.

Edited 27 September, 2011 by pbtvc