I have got the old power steering problem of it works then it doesn't. Have checked all the usual things speed sensor, steering rack solinoid, was wondering if anyone has had this problem, but with the speedo working O.k. the speedo converter was u/s, causing the power steering fault or will the speedo always stop working when the power steering fails?

Its normally the other way round, the power steering will go heavy if the speedo signal is intermittent or fails. The duff convertor would have caused it while connected, but wouldnt have caused anything after disconnection. Is your speedo consistent? ie reading all the time and at what speed or when does it happen?

fluid level, check that as well

Yes the speedo reads O.K. all the time even when the power steering is going from light to heavy, it does it at all different speeds

looks like I may be best disconnecting the converter and switching the speedo back to read KPH and seeing if it makes any difference.

Ok, you still have the convertor connected, yep disconnect it so its back to stock and you may find the problem with the steering cured.

You can either buy a more expensive convertor than the ebay cheapies or do what most do and go for UK clocks

Just an update, disconnected the speed converter and still got the same problem of the steering going light then heavy. Any suggestions as to what to check next much appriciated.

Have now disconnected the steering solinoid valve and put a 12volt input to it, as discribed in the workshop manual, according to the manual the vale should buzz/vibrate when the power is taken off. There was no noise or vibration so could this be the cause of the power steering fault ? JeffTT you may be getting a call on Monday for some help and parts.

You are correct the valve solenoid should have a click you can hear, best to get a meter on the solenoid and see if the winding have gone open ciruit or not.

 

Yours is a non turbo I think?? if so we have seen this propblem on the N/A in particular where all parts check out ok but the problem pesists, 99% of the time its is the steering ecu, this is only on the non turbo model and replacing it is the only cure.

 

Jeff TT

Edited November 21, 201015 yr by JeffTT

Thanks jeff, yes it is a N/A. Also you have a PM. thanks.