Good afternoon everyone,

New to this forum and in good old fashioned tradition, my main reason for posting is that I have a problem with my Skoda.

It is a 2001 Fabia, for a couple of months now it has had the fault code light on. As I did not notice any difference in drivability etc I carried on. Now, my power steering has failed so I decided to purchase a cable from Ebay (An item recommended on this forum), and downloaded the VCDS lite software as directed.

The result?

VCDS-Lite Version: Release 1.1

Tuesday, 17 July 2012, 13:46:35.

Chassis Type: 6Y - Skoda Fabia I

Scan: 01,02,03,08,09,15,17,19,25,37,44,46,55,56,76

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

Address 01: Engine Labels: 6Q0-907-37x-ABS.LBL

Controller:

Note: Can't Synch Baud Rate

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

Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 6Q0-907-37x-ABS.LBL

Controller: 6Q0 907 379 D

Component: ABS/ASR 5.7 FRONT V00

Coding: 00124

Shop #: WSC 13765

VCID: 3E0FBDFB2979

No fault code found.

The ABS snag was described as intermittent in my first scan and as I have not experienced any issues, cleared the fault code. The ECU light is still on though?

Anyway, I'm no further forward with finding out what has gone wrong power steering wise. Fluid level is on minimum at cold, never checked it on hot.

Any ideas?

Any help will be very much appreciated. Ta.

Your cable isn't configured correctly. That's why you are getting 'Can't Synch Baud Rate'

Ok thanks. How do I configure the cable?

Is it something to do with PORT settings? On installing the cable pre-use I set the PORT to 1 as suggesed in the instructions (PORTS 3 + 4 already in use). However, when I connected it to the car, I had to set the PORT to 2 in VCDS lite. Would this be the issue?

Sorry, answered my own question. Just checked the Device Manager and that has set itself to PORT 2 as well. Thoughts?

See info just above the picture:

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/issues.html

Cheers Chris. Changed the 'Start Baud' to 9600 and managed to pull some more info out.

VCDS-Lite Version: Release 1.1

Tuesday, 17 July 2012, 18:56:21.

Chassis Type: 6Y - Skoda Fabia I

Scan: 01,02,03,08,09,15,17,19,25,37,44,46,55,56,76

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

Address 01: Engine Labels: 036-906-034-APE.LBL

Controller: 036 906 034 BK

Component: MARELLI 4LV 3335

Coding: 00071

Shop #: WSC 10001

VCID: 5CCB1773DF25

TMBND46Y313140347 SKZ7Z0Y0611462

2 Faults Found:

16785 - EGR System: Insufficient Flow

P0401 - 35-00 - -

17972 - Shareware Version. To Decode all DTCs

P1564 - 35-10 - Please Register/Activate - Intermittent

Readiness: 0000 0000

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

Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 6Q0-907-37x-ABS.LBL

Controller: 6Q0 907 379 D

Component: ABS/ASR 5.7 FRONT V00

Coding: 00124

Shop #: WSC 13765

VCID: 3E0FBDFB2979

No fault code found.

Still nothing on the Power Steering though?

Also, I know EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation so is there a pipe from the exhaust manifold that could be blocked? (1.4 Petrol)

My guess is that you have a bad battery or battery connection/earth strap. That would explain the power steering problems and fault 17972

for fault 16785 see http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/16785/P0401/001025

for fault 17972 see http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/17972/P1564/005476

Unless you register your copy of vcds lite you cant autoscan beyond module 03 ABS, you could check the fault in the steering module by going direct to the module and checking for DTC's

Select Module

[44] - Steering Assistance

Fault Codes - 02

Cheers guys, I'll check the battery tomorrow cold. I'll also look at cleaning out the EGR if accessible.

I interegated the Power Steering directly as suggested and this is what I found!

VCDS-Lite Version: Release 1.1

Wednesday, 18 July 2012, 07:38:53.

Control Module Part Number: 6Q0 423 156 E

Component and/or Version: Lenkhilfe 0001

Software Coding: 00110

Work Shop Code: WSC 00000

VCID: 311596C7E827

1 Fault Found:

00816 - Power Steering Sensor (G250)

37-10 - Faulty - Intermittent

Now, reference the low battery voltage snag. Could that be due to the car not having performed a full reset of its ECU parameters after the last battery disconnect?

I've yet to to test the battery voltage or tackle the EGR valve.

Battery Voltage = 12.5v - 56AH unit (From standing overnight)

Check the battery first, but that's bad news as 00816 does usually mean a faulty sensor.

for fault see http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/00816

With the engine running measure the battery voltage and then watch the voltage as you turn the wheel.

Hi

Your fault code 00816-37, the 37 is saying the sensor is faulty.

The plot thickens, Power Steering was functioning as advertised this morning. 3 mile drive, ignition off, ignition on - no power steering but then it re-appeared after 1 mile, so intermittent at best.

Sensor? Battery?

The fault code does say intermittant. I would say that 75% of the time I see this error, it turns out to be a faulty sensor. The other 25% are power related - bad battery, loose connections and bad cabling to the steering.

Odds on favourite for the sensor then. Thanks for your help!

Take a look at http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/149540-steering-angle-sensor-removal-how-to/

There is a 'how to' link in there some where. It also explains the importance of getting a sensor that matches your pump.