I am having a bizarre issue with the pas on my fabia. When I first start the car the steering is really heavy (virtually unassisted) unless I turn the wheel really slowly and it seems to be able to keep up. When moving it feels heavier than it used to but fine.

Once the car has been warmed up and driven for 30 minutes or so PAS seems to operate pretty much as normal unless I turn the wheel side to side quickly at which point it again feels like it can't keep up.

It does seem to help it a little when first started if the wheel is slowly turned fully to the left + right a few times.

 

Unfortunately I am on holiday at the moment so don't have any tools with me but I have checked the fuse on top of the battery which appears to be fine, no light on the dash (so I am assuming no codes logged), battery is only 10 months old and seems healthy, lights dim slightly when steering the car at a standstill but it has done that since I have owned it, previous owner had the pas pump replaced 5-6 years ago so that should be ok. My steering fluid does leak slowly but I topped it up February/March so it should have plenty remaining. 

 

I am a bit stumped as to what could be causing this do you have any suggestions?

Since everything else is newish, it's most likely to be the angle sensor playing up.

2 hours ago, JoeF said:

My steering fluid does leak slowly but I topped it up February/March so it should have plenty remaining. 

 

 Would suggest still checking - when warm the oil may be expanding in volume sufficient to go from an insufficient to sufficient level.

3 hours ago, JoeF said:

My steering fluid does leak slowly but I topped it up February/March so it should have plenty remaining. 

Check it anyway; leaks have a habit of getting worse.

Measure battery voltage first thing in the morning, before and after starting the engine. Check to see if battery light illuminates with ignition.

 

When the steering is in 'hard work' mode at a standstill, see if raising revs in neutral makes it better.

The pas oil level looked to have dropped by about 200ml. After topping up it seems to be working ok again.

On 17/08/2021 at 18:42, sepulchrave said:

Since everything else is newish, it's most likely to be the angle sensor playing up.

 

Yep I agree...the newer ones were metal covers & the old ones were plastic covers?..Its a few years since I did mine on my old Fabia..I just remember the worse bit was undoing & refitting the wiring!!