No need to take buymper off.

Just take wheel and wheel arch off and you can access it like that - Quite easy once I saw it done - First thing I would do is VAG COM the bugger - If you get no communication error then you know its more serious.

Keep us posted and we'll try and help you out

And by the way - Driving with no PAS is nt that bad really - You get used to it quickly

I've already had vag-com on it and the no communications fault code is the one I get!

The Steering with no PAS is awful. Plus mine is a diesel and an estate so it's loads heavier than the 1.4 petrol hatch. The big problem is it's impossible to turn the steering wheel quickly, so you have to slow right down when going around tight turns.

Thanks for the advice about the arch by the way. Should be a bit less complicated to take off!

Yeah - You do have to be slow when turning corners - Parking is also extra difficult.

Let us know how you get on -

Taking the arch off is far easier then having to take the bumper off

Ok, so it looks like the pump and the ECU are one and the same. I've removed the pump from the car. It would appear that the plastic insulation for it has cracked, let water in and knackered the electrics. I must say that it's a terrible place to put something like this. Damn you skoda!! Im not expecting this to be fixable, I'll try drying it out but I'm not expecting miracles. How much for a new pump?

Just seen that lummox has already said (probably loads of times too) that the ecu is part of the pump. I'm such a tool.

470 pounds for a new pump - I tried going to the scrap yard and getting a second hand one - That cost 100 pounds but didnt work !

I ve just sent you a PM

I haven't recieved it. Is there any way to test the pump while off the car? I suspect it needs angle sensor inputs before it switches on? Or perhaps a switched live on one of the wires? Possibly the black with yellow stripe on the comm connector?

and

Nope - You cant test the thing whilst its off ....

Just make sure there is current getting to your pump first mate.

Yeah current is definately getting to it. Surely there's someway to test it? :(

I dont think there is - Looks to me like a trip to the scrappy on the weekend ...

WHat more could you want on a day off..

Just an update to say that a new pump fixed my problems. I managed to get a very low mileage 2nd hand one off a 55 reg polo in a breakers. Cost £175 though!

Hi Lummox

Can you tell me where to find these 2 fuses. I don't have a user manual or workshop manual. I have checked all fuses in the main fuse box and the 3 or 4 on top of the battery cover - they are all OK.

My car (2000 1.9tdi) shows no faults via vag-com (VAG-com is working), but no PAS and warning light permanently on.

No symptoms before PAS stopped, batterya and starting OK.

What tests can I do with the wires on the pump, apart from + & - on the main cable, what about the sensor cable (on the right) and the other cable - what does the other cable do?

Thanks in Anticipation ColinK

There are two fuses for the PAS system. The sensor is mentioned in great detail elsewhere on the site.

The PAS ECU which is part of the pump has a couple of supply lives, an earth, the PAS Sensor and its wires and a set of communication cables, that is it. No additional switches.

Hi

Forgot to say, how do I remove the main power plug (for the PAS pump) via the lower grill / foglight opening? It is very tight and I don't want to break anything. Is it a 'big pull' or do I need to release a clip?

Replacing the pump, is it easier with the bumper / headlight removed or the wheel / inner spalsh guard removed?

Thanks ColinK

you need to take the front bumper off completely it takes about 20 minutes ,with about 15 torque headed screws.The power plug is quite tight,and may need assistance with a screwdriver.