I have a Y reg 1.4 Skoda Fabia. I have had a problem with the power steering warning light coming on at times. In addition the steering can feel really heavy when I first start up the car. Once the car is driving the power steering is fine. Or should I say it was, yesterday the warning light came on and stayed on and the power steering failed completely. I understand that this may be a common problem but I cannot find full information on the site. Please can anyone help or tell me where to find information on the site? Thank you.

I have a Y reg 1.4 Skoda Fabia. I have had a problem with the power steering warning light coming on at times. In addition the steering can feel really heavy when I first start up the car. Once the car is driving the power steering is fine. Or should I say it was, yesterday the warning light came on and stayed on and the power steering failed completely. I understand that this may be a common problem but I cannot find full information on the site. Please can anyone help or tell me where to find information on the site? Thank you.

Unfortunatly this is a pretty common problem with fabias - my partners 1.2 fabe did this too. If the light comes on during startup, just turn the ignition off and start it up again and the light should go and steering should be fine.

If the battery is quite old that would be the first thing to change. Next most likely cause is the PAS angle sensor.

Yep, definitely battery first. Also, make sure it's charging correctly, although as you haven't mentioned any problems starting, that's presumably not a problem...

The battery was replaced fairly recently but on two recent occasions the car failed to start first time. I will get the battery checked. For as long as I can remember, both before and after the battery change, when my windscreen wipers, headlights and radio are on the headlights sometimes dim. Does this suggest a battery problem too? Thanks for your reply. I really enjoy driving my car and can't wait to get it sorted.

TBH, your last post would be a pretty good symptom of a failing battery, but you say it's been replaced. One thing to try is to see if the lights dim with everything on if you have the engine running at 2000rpm in neutral. That will show if it's still the battery that's the problem, or if it's something else with the electrics.

If you have access to a voltmeter, the voltage across the terminals with the engine running should be 14.4V. Also, if you can get hold of a fault code scanner, that will tell you more (might be worth asking on here rather than paying a garage...)

Hope you get it sorted soon!

I went my local garage today. I have two fault codes 00566 and 00816. They are going to look into it for me.

I went my local garage today. I have two fault codes 00566 and 00816. They are going to look into it for me.

00566

* Fuse(s) faulty

* Battery Voltage too Low

* Pump Unit faulty

00816 - Power Steering Sensor (G250): Faulty

So from your previous posts I would say new battery, clear codes, and if 00816 returns, steering angle sensor G250

Edited 27 July, 201015 yr by MoggyTech

Thanks I will pass the details on.

Did you get problem sorted out, i am having the same problem. Haven't tried a new battery yet.

Did you get problem sorted out, i am having the same problem. Haven't tried a new battery yet.

Not yet my usual mechanic is not available at the moment.

i have the same issue with 07 Vrs, it is at local ( and only ) dealer. lights go dim, radio has static, power steering fails. i have been told low voltage charging issue. battery is all ok, thinking it may be in the harness somewhere. they have wired up another earth also. hopefully get her back this week :(

Try searching on here for 'exciter cable'...

HTH

Try searching on here for 'exciter cable'...

HTH

I have deposited my car with my local garage for help! Thanks.

My steering angle sensor has now been changed. The battery has been checked. The car now has a pattern with its power steering. The first time you switch on, the power steering works. If you switch off the engine than restart, it will fail. If you leave the car for a few hours and then try again the power steering works but then switch off and try again and it will fail. Please does anyone have any ideas? I do not know if the garage has checked the exciter cable. What does the exciter cable do?

If your ignition light comes on when you turn on the ignition, and goes out when you start the car, the alternator sense cable is fine. No light with ignition on means cable is broken. Next step would be to check all the wiring at the PAS pump. If it's OK new pump and empty wallet.