Having read various threads on this site about power steering, my problems don't seem to be quite the same as others on here.

The power steering warning light came on the other day whilst driving, and the steering became rather heavy. It stayed like this for subsequent journeys.

On the advice from a friend with a Skoda, I tried leaving the car's electrics turned on for a minute or so, before starting the engine (causing the dash to light up and sitting and waiting). This cured the problem for a time and then the warning light came back on again and the steering became heavy again.

This trick seems to fix the steering for a time but then it fails again. I'm just about to go and check the battery voltage and connections. Strange thing is when it work, it works completely as expected.

It's a W reg so the sensor is probably the old plastic kind (I'll have a look to check that too).

Any thoughts?

Batter voltage 12.5 engine off, 14.3 engine on, connections and grounds "look" fine. Although the little "trick" with turning on the electrics appears to be having no effect now.

I couldn't seem to spot the sensor so I don't know about that whether its the old or new kind. Probably the old though considering it's age.

I'm having problems with the power steering as well, just had the car checked at VAG, and they claim the PAS angle sensor is shissed. But I'm wondering if perhaps my battery could be the *******? Voltage was 13.6 with engine on and the power steering not working (PAS wouldn't drain any voltage then, right?). Is that acceptable or is the voltage too low?

I think I read cars from 00-02 had the old kind of sensor, or perhaps it was cars from 02 and forward had the new kind :p

My problem is ther power steering is fine under normal working conditions, but if you suddenly or quickly turn the wheel it becomes very very heavy, there is no warning light on the dash ( only on start up then goes out ) i have full fluid with no apperent leaks. any ideas??????