Power Steering Problems

danielley

I got into my 2001 1.2 Punto on Saturday afternoon and although the engine started, I noticed that I couldn't turn the wheel.

I had a look at the dash board and a red steering wheel light had come on. Then I realised that the power steering wasn't working.

I managed to get the vehicle back onto the drive (using all my muscles!) and I left it over night.

I started it up yesterday and it started fine and this time the light was off and the steering was fine, same today.

I had a new middle section of the exhaust fitted last week and the garage also told me I needed a new shock absorber due to one bursting, I was planning on getting that done this week.

Could delaying the shock absorber have damaged the steering? Could the garage have damaged the steering accidently?

I have a dreadful feeling that this is something very expensive and if so, I may have to cut my losses and buy a new car.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

TadleyBaggie

Doesn't sound like a mechanical issue to me, my guess would be a failing power steering pump.

danielley

Any idea on cost of repairing that?

Thanks

oldagetraveller

Isn't the Punto an all electric system? If so then it's possibly one of the common faults with some of this type of unit. http://www.ecutesting.com/fiat_punto_electric_power_stee.html
From the symptom it could very well be, but not necessarily the torque sensor failing. Unfortunately due to most designs this means a complete new steering coumn which come supplied in 24 carat gold and priced accordingly! Plus fitting of course.

s_b

On these cars they have part canbus which checks all systems are go like on thunderbirds before mission start
If by turning the key it senses the battery a bit low then it turns off the power steering to conserve carrot juice
Ive to go on a breakdown this morning to get a customers car going (punto) with a new battery after her battery went from being the brightest spark under the bonnet saturday morning to pushing up the spark plugs this morning
so OP
First port of call is the battery and if its getting on i would suggest you change this before getting into more expensive fixes

danielley

Unfortunatley I got a new battery 6 months ago, so I dont think it's that, but I will see if I can get hold of a charger and try that.