Power steering light is on

[csimpson]

Hey guys,

On the way to work this morning -- it's a really wet couple of days so far in Sydney -- the power steering light came on, and I've no longer got power assisted steering. While I don't really mind during actual driving, parking is a real bitch.

A bit of quick Googling while pulled over yielded this thread, which talks about a poor connection throwing an error code. I turned the car off and turned it back on, making sure to let it run all the pre-flight checks first, and the light went off for a couple of minutes (during which time I had power assisted steering working), but came back on.

I'm guessing it's either the PS fluid level, or a faulty connection. More expensive would be the sensor or the pump itself... But to start with - can anyone let me know the rough price or VW part number for a fresh batch of PS fluid, and the location of the PS pump/sensor so I can check connections and lube things up to make sure it's not throwing a faulty signal?

Edit: I've also found this thread from GTI Dave. Hope I don't have to replace the pump, since the car is only about 9mths out of warranty.

Cheers!

Cam

[sssstew]

is it only powersteering you lost or did your trip computer reset etc too?

[csimpson]

Nope, only PS. I'm in the car now.

Turning ignition off and back on removes the light, strange. Turning the wheel starts the light back up again, and I have a few seconds of PS before heavy steering again.

[csimpson]

Update:

Got some power steering fluid from Barlo VW, drained the old stuff (was a bit low), refilled with new. The light is off, HOWEVER:

There's a big vague soft spot when going from turning left to turning right - the car goes straight for a bit before it starts turning right. With the bonnet up and the car off, wobbling the steering wheel from left to right makes a rattle come from where I presume the steering rack is.

Anyone got any hints how I might be able to... tighten things up? If I can't fix it tomorrow, into the mechanics it goes. Goodbye tax return...

[csimpson]

Update:

Took out the battery, airbox and battery tray again to get to the PS reservoir (whose dumb idea was that??), checked it again, found it was still a bit low. Topped it up, turned from lock to lock about a dozen times, topped it up more, and now the steering is really good. Better than it was before I had isuses. I also took the opportunity to slightly adjust my shifter cables (thanks Greg Roles for the guide!) and shifting is spot-on too. Really pleased.

If anyone wants a quick guide on how to refresh the power steering fluid, let me know and I'll write it up. The fluid was $30 from Barlo VW Five Dock for 1L, and it's about an hour-long process all up.

[Catfish]

Update:

If anyone wants a quick guide on how to refresh the power steering fluid, let me know and I'll write it up

Yes please.....................

[csimpson]

No probs. Will do it in my lunchbreak tomorrow!

[Catfish]

No probs. Will do it in my lunchbreak tomorrow!

Any progress on this cs..........................?

[csimpson]

Argh, sorry! I'll try and find some time - new job, new girlfriend means a large block of time is hard to find Hopefully tomorrow night.

[csimpson]

Super late resolution to this, I know, but since the problem popped up again after disappearing, I just checked and two fuses in the fuse block on top of the battery were cracked -- the two 50A fuses on the far right. Replaced them ($5.50 dealership ripoff) and the problem is solved, power steering is back!