I’ve noticed that the amber power steering light flashes on when I press the engine start button (foot off clutch, so engine not starting). When I do start the engine it flashes red for the system/bulb test then all lights go out. 

 

Apart from this, nothing seems untoward. 

 

Is this normal behaviour for the Fabia? My Superb is KESSY and that doesn’t do it. 

Well just done a scan, no fault codes pertaining to the power steering or similar.  

52 minutes ago, penguin17 said:

Well just done a scan, no fault codes pertaining to the power steering or similar.  

 

What did you do the scan with?

Just now, Tech1e said:

 

What did you do the scan with?

OBDEleven.  Which I thought would/usually does show any problems. 

I'm wondering, could it be flashing as the steering wheel lock be disengaging? 

 

EDIT:  ^^ I doubt it as there's a specific light of it's own for that. 

 

I've looked at what faults (lights incl. audible) could present themselves (looking in the manual and via google) and nothing seems to cover a temporary 1-2 second amber flash of the light before the car is started.  I'm wondering if it's power/battery related, I've checked the service record and the only battery change I can see is the key fob, not the main car battery.  I'll just keep an eye out and book it in with the dealer...I did pay for extended warranty after all. 

Edited 23 August, 20196 yr by penguin17

Having posted the above, I had a thought that if only one key fob battery was changed then perhaps the battery in the other (the one I'm using) is running low.  I've just checked the spare and that doesn't cause the amber PS light to flash, on pressing the start button.  It's the first light that illuminates and changes from amber to red and then extinguishes with the rest of the lights, which I guess is the expected behaviour (if anyone else can confirm this then that'd be appreciated) 

 

I'll fit a new battery in the key fob and see if that helps.  

I recall every time i start the engine (After turning ignition on and waiting for all the lights to go off) the ABS light and Power Steering light both flash up for a second.

 

Both use vacuum from the engine to operate so i would imagine that it's something to do with the normal startup  of the car. If the light stays on then you've got a problem!

On 23/08/2019 at 16:07, FabiaGonzales said:

Both use vacuum from the engine

ABS uses engine vacuum!? It's an electronic pressure release system, so why and where?

14 minutes ago, KenONeill said:

ABS uses engine vacuum!? It's an electronic pressure release system, so why and where?

 

Well, the brake servo for the pedal uses vacuum, and the ABS will show errors if there's anything wrong with the braking system or even gearbox and wheel speed sensors, so i would assume it would show up while thats not fully alive.

 

That being said if once the engine is running and warm, shutting the car off and restarting straight away, the lights no longer flash.

@FabiaGonzales Well, I know about the servo, but I don't know that it supplies an electrical input to the ABS ECU, which is the only way the ABS could have access to the vacuum level. I also know that, at least on some models, it is possible to disable the ABS by pulling the relevant fuze(s). This does not affect the service brake function except in cases where the brakes lock.

Well it wasn’t the fob battery as it’s started doing it again. I’ve noticed the flash happens at the time I can hear what I think is the steering lock disengaging.  Still no fault codes and no affect on steering. 

 

I’m not overly concerned for now as the amber/red lights extinguish after start up. 

After a midweek fault with my window wiper stalk (staying on no matter what position) I booked the car in for it's first bit of warranty work (10 days ownership 😕) and asked about the power steering light; it turns out its by design and it's just the power steering lock deactivating when it senses the key is inside the cabin.  Completely normal behaviour on keyless go.