Vauxhall Astra 2002 1.6 - Electric Power steering not working

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Sat 18 Jun 2016 13:21
Vauxhall Astra 2002 1.6 - Electric Power steering not working - JoannaK

Hi,

I'm having a bit of an issue with the Electric power steering on my car... It started off with the car having heavy steering that went on and off at totally random times, it was on more than it was off. it then went totally downhill with the steering staying on for the first five minutes of the journey and not coming back on again until I turned the car off and starting again the next day. now it works for split random seconds as and when it wants. I've had a second hand pump put in to replace the old knackered looking one. It was bought on ebay and a ' guaranteed' working item. A new battery was put in and alternator has been checked along with the relays and fuse box. There are no warning lights on the dashboard and the car drives as normal just minus the PAS. Do you think you could help at all please ? my mechanic said he doesn't have a clue what is causing the problem unless it was it a dodgy wire but the culprit is more than likely the ECU ?! I am very limited on funds due to replacing other parts etc so if it is that then It's game over. Any suggestions would be massively appreciated
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Sat 18 Jun 2016 15:44
Vauxhall Astra 2002 1.6 - Electric Power steering not working - elekie&a/c doctor

The Epas on these is very dependant on battery voltage.If the charging system is not up to spec ,then the system will not operate.There are only 3 wires to the pas unit.The main power and earth supplies and a small signal wire .All these need to be checked properly.There is no ecu on these.All the electrical gubbins are in the pump.

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Sat 18 Jun 2016 15:56
Vauxhall Astra 2002 1.6 - Electric Power steering not working - JoannaK

thank you for replying thtas really helped...wonder why the Mechanic didn't realise that though . so those three wires need to be checked, if all ok I'm guessing its the alternator ? although there aren't any warning signs on the dashboard. It's so confusing

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Sat 18 Jun 2016 16:08
Vauxhall Astra 2002 1.6 - Electric Power steering not working - elekie&a/c doctor

May not be the alternator.That is why the voltages at the epas wiring needs to be tested.Engine needs to be running for this.

Edited by elekie&a/c doctor on 18/06/2016 at 16:08

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Sat 18 Jun 2016 16:15
Vauxhall Astra 2002 1.6 - Electric Power steering not working - JoannaK

Ok thanks for your help. Fingers crossed its one of the wires.

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