Power steering problems

Having problems with my power steering - 2001 sdi estate. Initial symptom was the common flickering headlights when steering a straight line and the dash warning symbol coming up after a variable time from engine start - otherwise it actually seemed to work OK. Mine was the TRW pump but initially had the early sensor with integral lead.

So, I obtained a replacement sensor and a separate lead to go with it as needed with the later sensors. Connected it all up - though I would say the sensor didnt slot easily into the rack - bit tight. I think it it the right way up - as judged from the workshop-manuals.com graphic.

When turning on ignition and starting the car I now have a continous power steering warning light and vag com never departs from 0% turn rate and shows a persistent error code i.e I can't cancel it. At one point I also had a code for a weak/intermittent signal.

Car drives ok but I believe is in limp mode.

I have tried a 2nd (new) steering angle sensor but get the same results. I put the original back in with its associated lead and it reverted to the original fault code - intermittent signal, I think it was. I didnt drive it at that time.

I am going to find a way to check continuity of the lead from sensor to pump since that has been changed and was a bit tight and I am also concerned that the effort to "plug in" the sensor may mean I have bent the vanes that it uses to judge turn angle - though it looked ok.

Any suggestions ?