POWER STEERING FAILURE
STIFF STEERING / STEERING WHEEL STIFF
It was a perfect sunny day with hardly any breeze, when my wife and I decided to go for a Sunday outing. We loaded the VW Polo 2.0L Highline, with picnic umbrella, and packed a picnic basket filled with food and refreshments. I mounted the bicycle holder on the tow-bar ball and attached our 2 bicycles, and off we went. But our joyous mood was abruptly interrupted about halfway to our destination when the Polo had a sudden steering problem. This is probably the worst thing that can happen to any unsuspecting driver whilst driving in a relaxed state. As I was entering into a long but sharp curve, my power steering kinda "froze for a second" . I was steering with one hand — which is all it normally takes — because the steering wheel is so light. But before I could respond to grip the steering with two hands, I also instinctively braked and with screeching tyres, I hit the pavement so hard that both front airbags popped.
The steering wheel had suddenly become hard to turn / stiff and tight /difficult to turn. Kinda difficult to explain. A stiff hard to turn steering wheel as if there is no power steering. It was light to steer when suddenly it was hard to turn the steering wheel, because the steering wheel went stiff. A stiff steering when turning. The steering wheel becomes stiff and hard to turn. I hope you know what I mean. Fortunately there wasn't a another car involved and even more fortunate nobody got injured except my pride. The first thing that went through my mind after calming the wife down and confirming that she was ok, was to determine the extent of the damage.
As the airbags deflated I looking at the dashboard and saw all the light on the dashboard glowing. The yellow EPC light was on, the yellow steering wheel light (K161) was on, the ABS light was on, the red battery light was on, and the yellow brake pad light was on. The engine had switched off and I realized the ignition was still on. So I tried started the engine and it wouldn't take, I switch the ignition off and tried again, all the light went out and the car idled. On further inspection, I saw the rim that hit the curb was deformed and the tyre was flat. I figured I could just fit the spare and we would be on our way. As I reversed away from the pavement, the steering wheel was back to normal, it was light again. After fitting the spare wheel, I turned the steering wheel two full turns in either direction with one hand or rather my fingertips. This was very odd, even peculiar, because the Polo just came back from its 100k service / cam belt replacement a short while ago. I'm certain if there was any problem with my steering wheel my machy would have told me but he said absolutely nothing. Anyway, so we eventually get home and as I turned into my driveway the steering goes hard/stiff/difficult to turn once again. As I drove forward the steering wheel returned to normal. So I popped the bonnet, checking for anything out of the ordinary. I rolled under the Polo, checked the steering control module, looked at the steering pump (V187), yet it all checked out fine. Out came VCDS and I scanned the Polo and found the battery connection to be intermittent. Look at the 18010/P1602 error below.
The steering wheel had suddenly become hard to turn / stiff and tight /difficult to turn. Kinda difficult to explain. A stiff hard to turn steering wheel as if there is no power steering. It was light to steer when suddenly it was hard to turn the steering wheel, because the steering wheel went stiff. A stiff steering when turning. The steering wheel becomes stiff and hard to turn. I hope you know what I mean. Fortunately there wasn't a another car involved and even more fortunate nobody got injured except my pride. The first thing that went through my mind after calming the wife down and confirming that she was ok, was to determine the extent of the damage.
As the airbags deflated I looking at the dashboard and saw all the light on the dashboard glowing. The yellow EPC light was on, the yellow steering wheel light (K161) was on, the ABS light was on, the red battery light was on, and the yellow brake pad light was on. The engine had switched off and I realized the ignition was still on. So I tried started the engine and it wouldn't take, I switch the ignition off and tried again, all the light went out and the car idled. On further inspection, I saw the rim that hit the curb was deformed and the tyre was flat. I figured I could just fit the spare and we would be on our way. As I reversed away from the pavement, the steering wheel was back to normal, it was light again. After fitting the spare wheel, I turned the steering wheel two full turns in either direction with one hand or rather my fingertips. This was very odd, even peculiar, because the Polo just came back from its 100k service / cam belt replacement a short while ago. I'm certain if there was any problem with my steering wheel my machy would have told me but he said absolutely nothing. Anyway, so we eventually get home and as I turned into my driveway the steering goes hard/stiff/difficult to turn once again. As I drove forward the steering wheel returned to normal. So I popped the bonnet, checking for anything out of the ordinary. I rolled under the Polo, checked the steering control module, looked at the steering pump (V187), yet it all checked out fine. Out came VCDS and I scanned the Polo and found the battery connection to be intermittent. Look at the 18010/P1602 error below.
Chassis Type: 9N - VW Polo
Scan: 01,02,03,08,09,15,17,19,25,37,44,45,46,56,76
---------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels: None
Controller: 06A 906 032 PB
Component: 2.0l ME7.5.10 0305
Coding: 00071
Shop #: WSC 01120
AAVZZZ9NZ7UXXXXX VWZ7Z0G52XXXXX
1 Faults Found:
18010 - Power Supply Terminal 30: Voltage too Low
P1602 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent
Readiness: 0000 0000
---------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags
Control Module Part Number: 6Q0 909 601 F
Component and/or Version: 05 AIRBAG VW5 0010
Software Coding: 12341
Work Shop Code: WSC 31414
6 Faults Found:
00595 - Crash Data Stored
35-00 - -
01214 - Crash Data for Belt Tensioner Stored
35-00 - -
00588 - Airbag Igniter; Driver Side (N95)
32-00 - Resistance too High
00589 - Airbag Igniter 1; Passenger Side (N131)
29-10 - Short to Ground - Intermittent
00589 - Airbag Igniter 1; Passenger Side (N131)
32-10 - Resistance too High - Intermittent
01280 - Airbag; Passenger Side; Disabled
35-00 - -
---------------------------------------------------
Thereafter I decided I was going to take the Polo back on the road. So I reversed out of the driveway and suddenly the problem was back. The only thing I did was climb the 30 mm coping at the edge of the driveway so I drove back into the driveway and as the back wheels hit the driveway copping the steering was fine once more. Since the steering pump (V187) actually stops working for the second or so, it had to be something to do with the power. So I pulled on every visible cable that goes into the wiring harness to the steering pump (V187). I even checked the enclosed fuses on top of the battery when I noticed that the negative battery terminal wasn't properly tightened. As I tightened the nut I discovered the nut was stripped and wouldn't tighten any further. Then realized this had to be the problem. I scratched around in the garage, found a screw that would work, tightened the battery terminal and reversed out of the driveway and drove it back in a few times and the problem didn't reoccur. So I called my wife and asked her move the steering wheel to and fro with her hand while standing outside the Polo with her hand through the open window. I loosened the battery terminal and disconnected the battery while the polo was idling. When it was disconnected my wife couldn't move the steering wheel and when I replace the terminal she could. So I was totally convinced that the intermittent battery contact caused intermittent power to the pump which is exactly what happened a second before I fit the pavement.
So now I had to track down the cowboy who stripped by battery terminal nut because the last time I took the battery out to replace my headlight bulbs I personally tightened it and am darn sure it wasn't stripped. This was roughly a week before it went for that major service. It just had to be one of the workshop guys that was responsible so like three days later I went to my VW /Audi machy's workshop to complain and demanded compensation for the damage to my car but got the saddest news. The same Sunday that my wife and I want for our picnic my VW/Audi machy was out biking and was killed in a head-on collision and died on the spot.
Here are some VW, Audi power steering problems listed below, all of which seem to have a (G85) sensor issue.
Address 03: ABS Brakes
Controller: 7L0 907 379 G
Component: ESP ALLRAD MK25 0203
Coding: 0006402
Shop #: WSC 3141
00778 - Steering Angle Sensor (G85)
000 - -
Address 34: Level Control
Controller: 7L0 907 553 F
Component: LUFTFDR.-CDC- 3C3P1 3081
Coding: 0015521
Shop #: WSC 02631
00778 - Steering Angle Sensor (G85)
004 - No Signal/Communication
Address 03: ABS Brakes
Part No: 6Q0 907 379 M
Component: front H02 0001 ESP 5.7
Coding: 0000000
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
00778 - Steering Angle Sensor (G85)
005 - No or Incorrect Basic Setting / Adaptation
Address 44: Steering Assist
Part No: 1K1 909 144 J
Component: EPS_ZFLS Kl.5 D04 1606
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
00778 - Steering Angle Sensor (G85)
000 - -
Address 03: ABS Brakes
Part No: 1K0 907 379 K
Component: ESP FRONT MK60 0104
Coding: 0021121
00778 - Steering Angle Sensor (G85)
005 - No or Incorrect Basic Setting / Adaptation
Address 44: Steering Assist Labels: 6Q0-423-156.lbl
Part No: 6R0 423 156 B
Component: LenkhilfeTRW V277
Coding: 11221
Shop #: WSC 06402
00778 - Steering Angle Sensor (G85)
49-00 - No Communications
When I surfed the net, I discovered that several other VW owners experience similar problems. Here a dude who says:- "The dealership keeps giving my car back to me unfixed yet still replacing parts! The dangerous part of this is the steering locks up when the car dies and i'ts still moving. I am fearful of driving it and I haven't gotten anywhere with VW. I am not alone and that it seems to be the same particular year and engine as mine in most owners replies. I would like to help find a solution before any serious accidents happen or anyone is hurt. Thanks".
The Steering Angle Sensor (G85) is an opto coupler fitted in a collar under the steering wheel airbag. It sends sends the steering wheel position to the Power Steering Control Module (J500) at the base of the steering column interfacing with the Electro-mechanical Power Steering Motor V187 all of which need power to operate properly. If the power disappears, the pump doesn't work and the steering goes stiff until the power is restored.
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Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have Polo 1.4 DSG 2013, got some problem with power steering, it's now less than 11 km and less than 2 years from I bought it new.
The problem started from yellow steering indicator lighted on, when I was driving home a month ago from a minimarket and then it back normal. A day after, I start it normal but can't turn the steer and have to restart it, ignition on, and steer was okay, I felt relieved that time.
Now after a month, maybe more, have to reignite more than 10-15 times.
I know anything about mechanics or electronic. Last week I have this local VW authorized workshop to check and said power steering sensor error and have to replace with new one.
I drove back home smoothly that day and told to wait till the part come and install it when it's available. Should be less than 3 weeks they said.
Today, yesterday and a few days before, reignition don't work anymore, steering is heavy just like I have to push a fully loaded fridge, I don't think I have to force it, worrying about other things will get damaged as well and now thing I can do is praying for the part to come soon and problems are solved.
Hi Monica Rampo
DeleteWhen the ignition is switched on, it is normal for the Servotronic warning lamp K92 to light up during its internal test cycle which only lasts about 3-4 secs then it on goes off. However if it stays on after your car is started then you definitely have a steering problem. If this is the case, I urge you to seek specialist mechanical attention because loss of steering while driving can be very dangerous if not fatal.
An electro-hydraulic power steering system is fairly intricate because several control modules are interconnected and share signals. The Power steering control unit controls the hydraulic pump motor which produces the pressure needed for the steering servo assistance. But in order to this, it needs signals from the 'Powers steering sensor' which is located in the steering column and from the speedometer sensor via the 'Instrument cluster control Module' as well as the RPM data from the 'Motronic control Unit'. It also needs a 12V supply from terminal 30 as well as 12 volts supply from terminal 15 and of course an earth connection. Loss of any of these signals or voltages for even a few seconds will interrupt steering assist and make the car hard to steer. I've had loss of steering due to loss of voltage to my car's hydraulic pump motor because my battery terminal was loose which caused intermittent supply to the main steering control module. Also make sure to check the level of the Hydraulic fluid in the reservoir. If there is a leak, the hydraulic pump motor cannot produce the necessary pressure resulting in stiff steering. Also have your mechanic check for DTC's for address 44. because if the error is deleted, it restores steering assist. The LenkhilfeTRW V270 coding is normally 10110 which can be changed to 10120, 10130 or 10140 in order to incrementally increase the stiffness of the steering.
I hope this helps.
I've got the same problem, this yellow steering indicator light ON while I'm driving, low RPM or in traffic jam. I've checked battery and earth connections to others.
ReplyDeleteStill find some problem with stiff steering, sometime it's just fine and get back again another day. Will have to go to service center after some info collected online, VW parts are pretty expensive...
Hi afdelk
DeleteYou need to have your car scanned so that you know what DTC are stored. This will give you a good idea where the problem is. Its not a good idea to drive your car with and intermittent power steering.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteHi Faried,
ReplyDeleteMy Name is Thomas, I had a similar experience yesterday where by the ABS lights appeard while driving and later on it was Orange steering light. I then stoped at the nearest filling station, checked the ETC level and refilled a little after discovering it was bellow level, though I'm not sure it was the correct one for my Polo because it was pink in couler. I managed to drive the car for about 90 kilometers after the hustle without any problems. But then when I approaching traffic cycle the steering went stiff and difficult to turn, together with both ABS and Power steering lights signals going off at the same time. I then stoped the car, turned off engine for few minutes, when I start it again steering was fine and turned it full to the left and full to the right then from there I managed to drive about 300 kilometers without steering bieng stiffy again but warning lights went off x 2 along the way but disappearing when I turn off the engine.
Could this be a serious problem to cause me lot of money to be checked and fixed?
Hi Thomas
DeleteIt sounds like your car is fitted with an ABS module that supports EDL/TCS/ESP features. The steering angle sensor situated on the steering column under the steering wheel/ airbag communicates with your ABS and without the steering angle sensor info, the ESP is unable to determine the desired direction of travel. So its best to have your car scanned to see if you have a Steering angle sender - no communication DTC. It could be that you steering angle sensor is faulty or the wiring connections between the steering angle sensor, the ECU and the ABS module are intermittent. This is not the kind of problem that you ignore because a sudden stiff steering can cause you to have a accident. And yes this repair may cost you quite a bit. Have it repaired sooner rather than later.
Hi Faried,
ReplyDeleteMy Name is Thomas, I had a similar experience yesterday where by the ABS lights appeard while driving and later on it was Orange steering light. I then stoped at the nearest filling station, checked the ETC level and refilled a little after discovering it was bellow level, though I'm not sure it was the correct one for my Polo because it was pink in couler. I managed to drive the car for about 90 kilometers after the hustle without any problems. But then when I approaching traffic cycle the steering went stiff and difficult to turn, together with both ABS and Power steering lights signals going off at the same time. I then stoped the car, turned off engine for few minutes, when I start it again steering was fine and turned it full to the left and full to the right then from there I managed to drive about 300 kilometers without steering bieng stiffy again but warning lights went off x 2 along the way but disappearing when I turn off the engine.
Could this be a serious problem to cause me lot of money to be checked and fixed?
Hi Thomas
DeleteIt sounds like your car is fitted with an ABS module that supports EDL/TCS/ESP features. The steering angle sensor situated on the steering column under the steering wheel/ airbag communicates with your ABS and without this steering angle sensor info, the ESP is unable to determine the desired direction of travel. So its best to have your car scanned to see if you have a Steering angle sender - No Communication DTC. It could be that you steering angle sensor is faulty or the wiring connections between the steering angle sensor, the ECU and the ABS module are intermittent. This is not the kind of problem that you ignore because a sudden stiff steering can cause you to have a accident. And yes this repair may cost you quite a bit. Have it repaired sooner rather than later.
I have polo 1.2 engine. I put new a new engine, but ever since then the steering light came up and has been stiffing when driving. We try checking for it programming to know where the fault is but couldn't find where to plug d computer. Pls kindly help. Thank.
ReplyDeleteHi people.i have a problem with my car a polo tsi 2017 i had a minor accident on my way home from work which brocked the arm control or tie raod end if not mistaken however i bought new arm control but the problem is with my steering it's very stiff i find it hard to turn so many people come with different solutions one suggest i may replace a steering rack one say steering pump on the other hand one suggests that i must get steering rack oil of some kind but someone told me that my car does not uses that oil.i i will appreciate your help
ReplyDeleteYou've just described my issue. Different mechs all coming with the different theorues. Please share how you got yours fixed as I've been trying hard to get to the bottom of this issue with no luck.
DeleteHi
ReplyDeleteCan you give me the code to reset steering angle sensor for my VW Polo classic 1.4 Blm:-)?
Been having problems with my epc light coming on, loss of power steering at times, and now the steering light is permanently on, the EPC light goes away after car warms up but power steering is now completely dead with light staying an amber color, will the steering angle sensor trigger the EPC light?Or is that a different problem? When I did scan my vehicle it only picks up the steering angle sensor (no communication Permanent) besides the wiring issue with this part , is it possible for it to completely break? Can I fix it? I certainly do not have the funds to take it in to VW or buy this part as it is 3000+ I am also scared that I might waste money changing things that don't need changing, your help would be appreciated
I have the same problem, plz help
DeleteI have this problem on my vw polo 6 2011 no erorrs onp vcds and no lights on the dash,but steering turns fine to the left but to the right it gets stif to turn
ReplyDeleteHi you all. I have a Polo Highline 2019 model (and had the same 2018 model). I experience that the steering wheel "slips" or does like a "minor freeze" when I turn left, approx 40 km/t. It only lasts a few seconds but it really scares me. It first started on my 2018 model. I could drive for weeks and weeks with no trouble, but then suddenly the shocking steering wheel-freeze could appear several times in a row. I had the vendor check it several times but they were not able to reproduce the bug. I argued so hard, and for so long, that the vendor gave me a new car instead (a demo car). I have driven it a couple of months but have now experienced the same issue: turning left, the steering wheel freezes. Any idea what I can do about it? Any advice would be very much appreciated. I am (naturally) afraid now while driving... Have not yet dared to speak with the vendor again. Thanks in advance
ReplyDeleteHi can you please help.. I had an accident where by airbags where out and now my steering is so stiff, it's been 2 weeks now without getting any help,the mechanic said it's a steering rack he had it replaced but now he is saying it's a steering rack.. It's so frustrating when you are a woman.. Please help
ReplyDeleteI ment now he is saying it's a steering pump
ReplyDeleteSteering light stays red permantely
ReplyDeleteHi have a polo 1.6 the steering its hard to turn can't it be a sensor cause my hooter isn't working on my steering and were is that sensir
ReplyDeleteGlad to read from you, Dear! I was facing this problem for some days but your article Power Steering Failure is helpful for me and I learned a lot of things from your article. We are very thankful to you, for writing such an important article. Keep sharing such amazing blogs. We are waiting for the new one curiously. https://powersteeringshop.co.nz/
ReplyDeleteGood day people..... Help
ReplyDeleteI just finished converting my polo 6 tsi to manual and the car turns only to the right side. Cheched if the shafts had something to do with it but they are ok. When i put everything back in place and then try again, it does the same thing. Wat could it be. Pliz help
Polo steering pump faults
ReplyDeleteHI
Most of us have steering pump problem
Is it not a manufacturer problem?
Why can VW not solve our problem?
How many lives have not been lost thorough this problem
I also feeling same issue, steering is stif hard to use ,meter console showing a yellow steering indication light .While scanning it showing that power steering module issue .Can u please say what is power steering module?
ReplyDeleteI'm having the same problem on polo tsi 1.0 trendline 2019. Recently I had involved a minor accident, driver and passenger air bags were deployed. I got them replaced. Now I'm experiencing hard steering and ABS light it's on. Any help by recommending the best technician to solve my problems
ReplyDeleteHave ypu found a solution pease do let me know?
DeleteHi. My name is Toyyib. I got yellow steering warning light of an hydro electronic steering pump. I use launch diagnostic scanner and it was unable to communicate under steering assistance. Please what likely could my problem be?
ReplyDeleteHi i have a 2007 polo 1.6 petrol i my power steerning light do come on sometime the car do have power steering for a short time....i did replace the pump but my problem is still their the stiffness of the stwering wheel and dont know what to do anymore....please can you assis me Trudie
ReplyDeleteHi I have a vivo 2015 and experiencing the same steering problem. I think its about time VW takes accountability for this problem that is effecting majority of polo owners and admit its a factory fault. We cannot go on with the technicians at the dealership guessing what maybe the problem and in the process its costing us lot of money as VW parts are quite expensive.
ReplyDelete