Hi everyone, thanks in advance. I have a 2013 Fabia 1.6 tdi. Yesterday, steering was very heavy on startup, but went away. Today, I cannot steer at all, really heavy. No warning lights on dash, engine starts ok. Does Fabia have a low level sensor for power steering oil, or do I need to strip out battery holder to check?

Thanks,

Martin.

No sensor, but as far as I remember you can access the reservoir cap through the bottom of the battery tray after just removing the battery.

Edited 10 February, 20233 yr by KeithCheetham

Thanks Keith.

Topped up power steering fluid this morning, but not really low. Steering wheel will turn, but yellow steering wheel light comes on when driving. No fault codes.

 

 

 

 

 

Hello Martin, welcome to the forum. Have you tested the battery condition? Loss of power steering can indicate failing battery - or bad earth connection. 

Update, tested battery was 13v. Put on charge until fully charged. also checked connections on battery to 50amp fuse for power steering, all ok. Checked 5a fuse for power steering under steering wheel, all ok. when out driving, yellow steering wheel light comes on almost immediately, then goes off when I stop driving. Showing no fault codes on my code reader.

It sounds like the pump unit is failing, it's a self contained system with its own control unit, what usually happens is damp ingress from condensation which damages the circuitry over time.

OK thanks, I will remove wheel arch tomorrow and check power to unit and earth lead.

I put jump leads on from my bmw diesel this morning, which rules out battery issues. Going to access pump next to check connections.

Update. Tested earth, good continuity. Getting 12v to pump, but no resistance between Live and Earth on pump, would expect 0.2 ohms. think pump is u/s. Does anyone agree?

26 minutes ago, jamesrockuk said:

Update. Tested earth, good continuity. Getting 12v to pump, but no resistance between Live and Earth on pump, would expect 0.2 ohms. think pump is u/s. Does anyone agree?

 

Obviously I agree because there's really nothing else it can be, buy a guaranteed secondhand unit if you want to save a few bob.