The headlights go dim whilst I drive or sit in traffic, The instrument panel lights also dim at the same time, any thoughts as to the cause?

battery not charging correctly, expect PAS warning light some time soon

How much do they dim? If it's only slightly, it's probably down to the additional load in this weather from heaters, heated rear screen, wipers, etc when the engine is idling....

Chris

Does it only dim when your turning the steeringwheel? is it noticeable whilst driving/engine revving?

its probably just the drain on the electro-thingy power steering

could also be the fan cutting in and robbing the lights of power.

This time of year with so many power demands, heated rear windown, lights, heater, CD etc it does happen.

Had the PAS steering lamp on all ready, checked the fliuid level and it was low, topped it up now light off and PAS all OK. So is the battery not charging or is the Alternator not charging it, have you seen this problem before? its not any of the other replies as it still happens even if you turn off all other electrical devices in the car

My guess is a faulty steering sensor, get someone with Vagcom to check for fault codes.

Depends on the age of the car too - a battery usually lasts 3-5 years (mine went at 4 years!) so worth checking the voltage across it and across the alternator

Chris

Car is a y reg so battery is probably that old, no other signs of it not charging though. Where is the steering sensor so i can check the contacts?

Believe its called an angle sensor which causes the lights to dim the wife's car had this problem on the fabia

Car is a y reg so battery is probably that old, no other signs of it not charging though. Where is the steering sensor so i can check the contacts?

Mine was a Y-plate too and showed no signs of going until I started it one cold morning, turned it off and then tried to restart.... It was a diesel though which apparently draw more to start?

Chris

OUCH, £130, If i knew where it was at least I could check it. :( now out side the warranty, Anyone know of any on line manuals?

OUCH,

Is there no way of using paper clips on the diagnostic plug like the Vauxhalls? and looking at the error codes flashing against a list of error codes

Is there no way of using paper clips on the diagnostic plug like the Vauxhalls? and looking at the error codes flashing against a list of error codes

Dunno mate, I tend just use vagcom .... less likely to cause any damage.

The sensor is located on one end of the steering rack, no.18 HERE.

H.T.H.

Thanks Good site link. I know what I'm doing Saturday, Hope it warms up, Its normally the Mini I work on these days.

ive got the same problem lights go dim dash goes dim power steering makes noises all at same time check the alternater belt it dosent have to make noises to be slipping