Seems like everything is going wrong on my vRS at the minute.

Just on the way home and a steering wheel light with an exclamation mark came on on the dash accompanied by loss of power steering. Nearly **** myself.

Slowed down immediateley but couldnt stop there and then, so I nursed it home really slowly as was only a mile away.

As I got near home the light went out but still no power steering. I had to reverse onto the drive so as I put the car on full lock the steering freed up and power steering is back.

Not had a chance to VCDS it yet but will shortly as well as giving it a more thorough inspection.

Any ideas of what to check. I dont know if its related but I also noticed a sound like a jack hammer coming from front right of car under braking.

Also about 2 weeks ago I made the steering heavier on VCDS but had no problems until now.

Any advice really appreciated as not going to use thhe car until I know what the problem is.

Just done a VCDS scan with these results

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Address 09: Cent. Elect. Labels: 6Qx-937-049-C.lbl

Part No: 6Q1 937 049 D

Component: 0000 BN-SG. 1S34

Coding: 26042

Shop #: WSC 13765

VCID: 3C7330C306FB

2 Faults Found:

01309 - Power Steering Control Module (J500)

49-00 - No Communications

00925 - Fuse (30) for Interior Lamps (S261)

37-10 - Faulty - Intermittent

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Address 17: Instruments Labels: 6Y0-920-xx0-17.lbl

Part No: 6Y0 920 842 S

Component: KOMBI+WEGFAHRSP VDO V03

Coding: 30101

Shop #: WSC 32569

VCID: 4B91631F5355

1 Fault Found:

01309 - Power Steering Control Module (J500)

49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 19: CAN Gateway Labels: 6N0-909-901-19.lbl

Part No: 6N0 909 901

Component: 003C GATEWAY CAN 1S34

Coding: 00014

Shop #: WSC 13765

VCID: F0EB54F39A33

1 Fault Found:

01309 - Power Steering Control Module (J500)

49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent

Any ideas appreciated.

Check fuse number 7, simple but you never know!

Will check this in the morning although I have my doubts as the steering did start working again.

I have reported in another thread about a rattle I can hear sounds similar to a water pump failing.

Could this be the power steering pump giving up?

Had to come into work so not had time to give the car a better inspection, but doing some research on here it seems there are quite a few possible issues that can affect the steering on a Fabia.

However the VCDS codes I have according to the Ross-Tech wiki suggest it could be either a faulty Steering control module (J500) or a loose connection / broken wire at the steering control module.

Should I limit my inspections to this area or has it been known that this code could also mean e.g faulty steering pump, faulty rack, angle sensor etc etc.

Any suggestions on where to start would be most welcome as after the week I have just had I am close to putting a match to it.

Cheers

Ok I stripped the car down this morning and got a look at the steering pump.

Cant see any broken wires but there is a few wires that go to ground and they look a little corroded so will clean them up.

What I did notice is what looks like a small leak. While there is no actual fluid around it looks like its been weeping over time (see picture) is where a leak would occur if the fluid was to get into the brains of the device.

Lastly the part number is 6Q0 423 155 AH and its a KOYO which after some time researching is like rocking horse poo.

Whats the advice here should I just swallow and try and find one and replace it, from reading on here it seems like its a part that will go eventually no matter what so wondering if I just replace it at least I shouldnt have to worry for a while.

Another question.

Is this arrowed item in the pic the angle sensor. Bear in mind my car is LHD with a KOYO rack. Dont know if it makes a difference. According to my research it could be but just want clarification. Its black plastic so given the steering issues I have I am thinking of changing this first.

Cheers

P.S The blue wire is only there to hold the pipe out of the way for the pic, its not a permanent feature