Hi, I've just had a diagnostic test done at my local Skoda dealership after having an engine light on continuously and intermittent power steering. I've been told the Steering Angle Sensor has to be replaced which will cost £314. It's an old, W plate Fabia which I'll be selling within the next year so id rather not spend that much on it. I can get hold of the part from a garage (not the official Skoda one) for £48, is it possible for someone who's mechanically minded (but not a trained car mechanic) to fit, and is there any programming/resetting that has to be done? Are there consequences for continuing to drive the car without replacing the sensor? Car is driving very well for its age but I won't pretend to know anything about them, so would appreciate any replies, thanks.

It's a fiddly but easy enough job for a mechanically-minded person. Just needs the car putting up on axle stands for access to the steering rack as the sensor is mounted on it.

 

Does the car have a decent battery? A poor one can cause all manner of problems.

Thanks TMB, I couldn't tell you about the battery as I've only just bought the car and am not knowledgable about them at all! Could that cause the fault with the sensor or would that directly cause the power steering issues?

I was speaking with the mechanic in the Skoda dealership and he was saying how it would possibly have to be programmed once fitted, is this the case or was it more of a scare tactic to persuade me to get the work done there?

if by 'programming' he means turn the wheel full lock left, hold for ten seconds then full lock right' hold for ten seconds then yes it does.

if by 'programming' he means turn the wheel full lock left, hold for ten seconds then full lock right' hold for ten seconds then yes it does.

 

Haha yeah, that's about it. The only thing that would need doing is to get the fault code/s cleared to put the warning light out once the job is done.

 

Yes, a poor battery can cause steering issues.

How would you fail a battery? What are the tolerance levels?

A basic battery tester will show any faults.

Tests cranking and shows drops.

My headlights have been flickering for the last couple of nights, not on and off but from dim to normal, making it noticeable. Could the battery be causing both this and the power steering problems?

My headlights have been flickering for the last couple of nights, not on and off but from dim to normal, making it noticeable. Could the battery be causing both this and the power steering problems?

 

Are the headlamps flickering on their own even when not touching the steering wheel?

Yes they are, every 5-10 seconds. There is a slight squeaking noise each time they dim, which I haven't been able to find info on the forum

Sounds like the angle sensor to me.

what model is it I have a genuine sensor

Squeaking noise is probably the aux belt.

If your lights keep going dim you should replace the battery.

what model is it I have a genuine sensor

It's a W plate Fabia Comfort 1.4 16v

It's a W plate Fabia Comfort 1.4 16v

sold the 1 of them I had that's the expensive 1 I got a vrs 1 available

sold the 1 of them I had that's the expensive 1 I got a vrs 1 available

 

It's not compatible Steve. Please stop.

It's not compatible Steve. Please stop.

I know cant u read what I said lol