A couple of links from Ross Tech about this if you've not already seen them

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/00573

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/VW_Golf_%281K%29_Steering_Assist

If the fault persists then its a wiring fault or a replacement rack

 

Its down to the garage to fix realistically. I think you have given them fair chance to fix, take it back and tell them if they don't fix it you'll take it to Vw and send them the bill

 

Sister picked up a MK5 2.0 TDI 140bhp with a few issues. One for the purpose of this thread is that the steering warning light comes on...

She's had it in at the garage she bought it from about 4-5 times according to her. 3-4 of those times they've apparently done nothing. They kept it overnight one time just to get a part number. Another time they didn't actually do any fixing that they said they would.

^^ that one obviously applies. Don't know if this one does also...

Anyway she had it in at the weekend just gone and apparently the garage said that it's certainly sorted ... then today she sends me the image i put in the opener of this thread to show that it obviously wasn't sorted.

Likely repair and cost of repair of this issue?

If you need any more info then just say & i'll do my best.

YPVS has beaten me to it. There is a fault with the steering torque sensor which controls the level of power assistance to the steering.
Faults are either with the power supply and wiring to and from the sensor or the sensor itself.

It should be an easy job to check the power/wiring and the sensor readings to determine which and to fix the former if the sensor itself is ok.

If the sensor itself is faulty I gather the entire rack needs replacing with a new, reconditioned or used Unit as the sensor cannot be replaced. I believe Labour is 3 hrs or so
A new rack is several hundred pounds used around 50 and recon somewhere in between.

From your story I'm guessing they've checked the wiring etc and determined the sensor is faulty and don't want to stump up for a replacement rack under warranty (I'm assuming it is under warranty?) and are trying to fob you off.

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Bloody hell, speedy replies. Thanks.

The important question here is - what's the worst case scenario for ignoring it?

Right now the light just comes on yet she notices absolutely zero difference in driving. It's not like the steering suddenly locks up & she can't turn the wheel or anything, so that's what i mean - what's the worst that can happen if this doesn't get fixed?

From your story I'm guessing they've checked the wiring etc and determined the sensor is faulty and don't want to stump up for a replacement rack under warranty (I'm assuming it is under warranty?) and are trying to fob you off

This is sounding quite possible. They did mention something about a code for the rack (apparently).

 

Bloody hell, speedy replies. Thanks.

The important question here is - what's the worst case scenario for ignoring it?

Right now the light just comes on yet she notices absolutely zero difference in driving. It's not like the steering suddenly locks up & she can't turn the wheel or anything, so that's what i mean - what's the worst that can happen if this doesn't get fixed?

This is sounding quite possible. They did mention something about a code for the rack (apparently).

My immediate concern would be that if you leave it rather than get the supplier to fix it you may fail the next MOT and have to fix it at your own cost.
There's a major overhaul to the test in May and it is considerable more onerous than the old one. There is a lot more emphasis on thingsbeing original and working as they should. There are changes in warning lights working correctly and extinguishing and some lights left on will become an automatic fail.

I'm no expert but I think the steering light may fall into that category and it would be as well to get proper advice if you are contemplating leaving things as they are.

Yellow lights are primarily an indication something isn't quite right and needs checking out and preferably fixing. There is little or no immediate danger or risk of damage. Some like engine oil, brake fluid and brake pad wear if ignored may develop to become dangerous and damaging ( Seized engine or ineffective brakes anyone?). Others if left may not be apparent or may be a minor inconvenience but they aren't going to develop to become dangerous or extremely damaging. A faulty bulb or empty washer bottle are examples although they might catch up come MOT or the police stop you.

As it is your problem is fairly minor. It isn't dangerous or damaging and isn't going to get worse. You certainly aren't suddenly going to lose all power assistance or find the steering not working.

In these cars the level of power assistance provided is calculated using the input from numerous sensors to meet an ideal setting determined by the designer. This includes things like speed, direction, wheel position, and steering wheel position, rate of turning and effort in turning.

The torque sensor determined how hard you are turning the wheel and feed the information with the rest to the computer and in general when you are turning hard it will boost the assistance and when turning gently reduce it.

If the torque sensor isn't working at all the car may not feel as pleasant to drive required increased effort during parking manoeuvres and feeling dead and unresponsive at low speed due to reduced assistance. At high speed it may feel unduly light and twitchy in response to steering wheel movement due to too much assistance.

If you aren't noticing it it might be that there is an intermittent wiring fault where the signal is only interupted for a fraction of time enough to trigger the light but not enough to affect the steering assistance. If the sensor is not providing any signal and has been faulty since you acquired the vehicle it may simply be you are accustomed to how it drives as is and not how it should be.

Personally I wouldn't put up with a fault left unattended especially if under warranty but it is of course your call.

Hope this helps

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Thanks a lot gerry.

I've passed the info on to my sister. I've been told of a local-ish VW specialist in the area and said she should get down to him with my brother and just go over the issue, discuss what has happened so far & get an idea of repair cost if she was to go to them.

But first and foremost like you say, she should try the garage she bought from. Even if they went down a we pay half you pay half fix (i don't even know if this would be covered under warranty or not). Problem with that though is they give the call to say it's fixed .... and it isn't .... again.

 

Just to update this thread...

She finally got the garage to do something, i just don't know what that something is.

They claimed to have fixed the issue and true enough - the light no longer comes on. When turning the ignition on all the lights still do come on the dash (so they've not removed any bulb)

BUT

when i plug in VCDS & scan it, the same faults that i showed images of in post 1 return. I can clear the codes & i can take the car for a run & scan again - they return ... yet the light doesn't come back on on the dash.