Vauxhall Astra G Diesel 1.7CDTi Van 2004 - Alternator and power steering failure

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Wed 5 Jan 2011 18:52
Vauxhall Astra G Diesel 1.7CDTi Van 2004 - Alternator and power steering failure - bmatthe1

The battery warning light stays iluminated when the engine is running and there is no power assisted steering are the problems linked ? and how easy/costly is the repair?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 5 Jan 2011 19:02
Vauxhall Astra G Diesel 1.7CDTi Van 2004 - Alternator and power steering failure - elekie&a/c doctor

On these the power steering is electro/hydraulic and will only work if the battery charging system is in order.Sounds like you may have an alternator fault.Cost will vary depending on unit supplier.Get a quote from Vauxhall first.Some of their exchange units can be competitively priced.hth

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 6 Jan 2011 17:50
Vauxhall Astra G Diesel 1.7CDTi Van 2004 - Alternator and power steering failure - bmatthe1

Thanks for that.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 26 Apr 2013 15:40
Vauxhall Astra G Diesel 1.7CDTi Van 2004 - Alternator and power steering failure - steps

I had exact same problem, i was driving along no problems, then i veared left then right to avoid some potholes. Seconds later, my battery light lit up, car was still running ok, but i had no power steering. My first thought was the supply from the alternator to power steering unit. Checked the plug, the one with single blue wire. That was fine.Managed to get home. I knew that the alternator was okay, it was a new one. The problem in fact turned out to be extreme low level fluid in the power steering reservouir. Topped up and all is fine now. Light off and power steering okay. I can only assume when i veared rapidly i actuated some kind of cut off to power steering.Been fine since.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 28 Apr 2013 01:09
Vauxhall Astra G Diesel 1.7CDTi Van 2004 - Alternator and power steering failure - 1litregolfeater

Normally when the alternators go on the Astras it's just one little diode in the rectifier bridge that needs replacing. You could identify and replace it for about 20p, or replace the full rectifier bridge for about £20. You need to take the alternator apart and solder the new bridge in but it does make sense, as the alternatives are to get a dodgy reconditioned one for about £80 or pay Vauxhall about £200.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link