I have owned an octavia for a while now and amyhappy with it so far. However after my recomendations my father-in-law bought an Y reg fabia 1.4MPI. He has been happily motoring around until the powersteering light came on. It resets when the ignition is cycled but will eventually come back after a couple of hundread miles.

I read the fault code for him which indicated that a sensor on his electronic power steering unit had gone short to ground or open circuit. I have now cleared and saved the fault code, but I have a few questions that I hope someone might be able to help me answer before I do anything about it.

Is this fault common? (looks like it might be from this forum)

Exactally which sensor is it and what does it do?

What should be done about it to stop the fault reoccuring?

Has anyone got any diagrams of how electronic power steering works? I am familar with hydraulic systems but dont have a clue about electronic ones. And being and electronic engineer working in the automotive design industry I probably should know!

Cheers for any thoughs you all might have.

check battery! I found that when the battery was dying in mine I got these faults especially if a lot of manouvring having been done. Replaced with a bosch silver unit. Also check ebay power steering pump up for sale.....

If its an open short circuit id say it would need a modified sensor.

The fault is common enough to justify supplying replacements on an exchange basis - draw your own conclusions.

The sensor is at the base of the steering column and is best accessed from underneath, with the car on a hoist. The cable meanders its way to the pump/control unit behind the left hand bumper. It measures the position and rate of turn of the steering column.

To stop the fault re-occuring replace the sensor. It is about

Does anyone know what will happen if I just leave the fault alone? There seems to me no effect on the steering at the moment, what effects or problems might be experenced if the fault is left?

Cheers for your help so far.

So, this afternon I go out to the car, start up and think how noisey the car is, then notice that the steering light is on!! Try to pull away and I've lost the power steering!!! The car was fine when I drove home last night, so rather strange. So I'll have to call the garage on Monday.