I've started to develop a power steering fault first thing in the morning. Upon starting the car the steering is very very heavy; it takes a lot of strength to move my steering wheel even by a bit, but once I drive off the power steering 'comes on' and everything is fine, steering feels fine and there's no warning light on the dash. I can use the car all day without issues; leave it at work etc and the steering is fine. The problem seems to only occur first thing in the morning.

My initial thought is that it's the angle sensor as the pump seems to work fine once I drive off. I'm going to check for fault codes tonight but in the meantime I thought I would consult the fountain of knowledge first. (you guys!)

Thanks.

 Possible failing battery or alternator which cannot supply sufficient voltage. Just try to lift the revs a little after you have started it, but before you drive off.

Check power steering fluid level?

Check battery also.

Battery was new last year and was a good one with 5 years warranty. I will check the power steering hydraulic fluid level later. BTW, what fluid is used in the pump? Is it the same as brake fluid?

 BTW, what fluid is used in the pump? Is it the same as brake fluid?

 

No! It's G004000M2 fluid.  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Skoda-G004000M2-Hydraulic-Oil-1-Litre-Green-Power-Steering-Suspension-Fluid-/110845072021?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item19cee19295

   

As above: attached photo what I bought at dealers..

I had this a few winters ago. Seemed to be battery related.

When you say battery related do you mean that it's lost some of its charged and doesn't provided enough current to the power steering pump?

I have a volt meter, would should be a minimum voltage the battery provides?

Yes it was a battery with me also, new battery and it was solved.

 

DB.

When you say battery related do you mean that it's lost some of its charged and doesn't provided enough current to the power steering pump?

I have a volt meter, would should be a minimum voltage the battery provides?

 

Battery should be over 12.5V before starting, over 14V after starting. If the battery voltage plummets during starting and then creeps back up you've found the problem.

I had a similar fault with mine it was a break in the alternator signal wire if u look on the back of the alternator there's a two pin plug trace the wire to the gearbox where it can be unplugged and check the continuity of each wire

Also check the battery earth cable. You should have no volts or a maximum of 0.3 volts.

i had this with my car recently, i replaced the steering angle sensor and now everything is all good, helps if you have small hands to get to it i bribed my nephew to get under the fabia to route the cable :P