What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Fiat Punto power steering fault

I've got a Fiat Punto 2003 and two/three times a day the power steering light comes on the dash board and the steering becomes really heavy. When this happens I pull over turn the car off and when I switch it back on again it seems to be OK can you give me any advice as to what it could be.

Asked on 8 July 2014 by mouthysnook

Answered by Honest John
The car has EPAS. In the Punto an early incarnation of electric power assisted steering in which an electric motor is clamped around the steering column. Holding the steering on full lock shorts out this motor and leads to damage. This EPAS in an 11 year old has already lasted far longer than most do.
Similar questions
My power steering has failed.The power steering warning light has not come on but the battery warning light is on now constantly. Is the power steering failure due to low battery power?
I have a 2009 Ford Mondeo TDCi X Sport that's done 95,000 miles. I was driving at appox 40mph when I suddenly lost my power steering. The engine management light came on and there was a rasping noise from...
My wife's Mazda 6 Tourer has had the power steering fail, which happens after she starts the engine and can only be resolved by restarting the car. Have you heard of other owners with the same problems....
Related models
Better than the original Punto in almost every way. Excellent driving environment. Easy to get in and out of. Practical and inexpensive to run.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer