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Power Steering Fault - Vectra
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pennypincher3562
Posts: 2,229 Forumite

in Motoring
Hi
I was just out in my Vectra (2007 model), and was doing a 3 point turn, when the steering 'went.'
It felt like it had locked, but the indicators showed it was an 'electro assisted hydraulic power steering' fault.
Has anyone seen this issue, and how did they deal with it?
Thanks
PennyPincher3562
I was just out in my Vectra (2007 model), and was doing a 3 point turn, when the steering 'went.'
It felt like it had locked, but the indicators showed it was an 'electro assisted hydraulic power steering' fault.
Has anyone seen this issue, and how did they deal with it?
Thanks
PennyPincher3562
0
Comments
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pennypincher3562 wrote: »Hi
I was just out in my Vectra (2007 model), and was doing a 3 point turn, when the steering 'went.'
It felt like it had locked, but the indicators showed it was an 'electro assisted hydraulic power steering' fault.
Has anyone seen this issue, and how did they deal with it?
Thanks
PennyPincher3562
Alternator is probably failing, test the voltage, also the battery may be failing or be damaged by the alternator (had both on my 2007). Alternator failure is very common on the Vectra C.0 -
Have you checked the power steering fluid level? It's behind the engine and as a result often gets ignored on servicing.“I may not agree with you, but I will defend to the death your right to make an a** of yourself.”
<><><><><><><><><<><><><><><><><><><><><><> Don't forget to like and subscribe \/ \/ \/0 -
Strider590 wrote: »Have you checked the power steering fluid level? It's behind the engine and as a result often gets ignored on servicing.
On some models its behind the OSF wheel arch inner cover.0 -
Hi Inner Zone
Thanks for the ideas. I will check out the fluid levels myself. I'd be shocked if they are low. The car was serviced recently, and they certainly should not have overlooked.
Either way, I am getting to get a garage to look at this one. As far as Im concerned it's a dangerous fault.
The steering became so heavy, I thought it had 'locked.'
Cheers
PennyPincher35620 -
pennypincher3562 wrote: »Hi Inner Zone
Thanks for the ideas. I will check out the fluid levels myself. I'd be shocked if they are low. The car was serviced recently, and they certainly should not have overlooked.
Either way, I am getting to get a garage to look at this one. As far as Im concerned it's a dangerous fault.
The steering became so heavy, I thought it had 'locked.'
Cheers
PennyPincher3562
In my book, if the power steering goes solid and a light comes on the dashboard saying power steering fault, then I'd be looking at the power steering first before chasing off after alternators!0 -
as inner zone has said the first thing on these is to check the charging voltage is ok,on these and several other makes with electric power steering if no charge powering steering will not work0
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Thanks TedTed
I've got no mechanical/electrical knowledge will need to take it to a garage.
Do you recommend that I only take it to a Vauxhall specialist, or does that not matter much?
Cheers
PennPincher35620 -
IanMSpencer wrote: »Best thing to do. If it comes and goes then it is quite likely fluid level, which either suggests it wasn't checked, or something is leaking. Yes, it is a dangerous fault - although manufacturers claim that you can steer the car, in practice the effort that it takes makes it very easy to have an accident.
In my book, if the power steering goes solid and a light comes on the dashboard saying power steering fault, then I'd be looking at the power steering first before chasing off after alternators!
The alternator is a known fault with these cars (I have owned two) and minute or two with a volt meter would confirm if the issue is the alternator or not, if it is the fluid it would take a lot longer to check if the reservoir if it is behind the front wheel arch as some are (wheel off, inner cover off etc). So testing the alternator voltage would be my first step. I did not say it will be the cause but it might be.0 -
I've just located the hydraulic fluid reservoir behind the engine. It looks like it needs some sort of star shaped tool to open it. How do I open it, and what level should the fluid be at?
Thanks
Pennypincher35620 -
pennypincher3562 wrote: »I've just located the hydraulic fluid reservoir behind the engine. It looks like it needs some sort of star shaped tool to open it. How do I open it, and what level should the fluid be at?
Thanks
Pennypincher3562
Is it a diesel, you may be looking at the fuel filter, if so the power steering fluid reservoir is below it according to the Haynes manual, and apparently the top just unscrews and it has an integral dipstick, there are also Max and Min levels on the side but due to location these maybe hard to view.0
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