2000 Punto power steering problems... anyone?

[dextersaurus]

So i've bought myself a cheap runabout, instead of using the other cars.

It's a 1.9 diesel, not too shabby condition and i only paid £300 for it, taxed and MOTd till march.

Anyhoo, the power steering doesn't bloody work.

The 'city' light and the steering wheel lights are lit up on the dash, and i've found that with the engine OFF, i can press the city button and the light goes on and off, but with the engine ON it does nothing.

Looking at replacing the battery soon, see if that solves anything as the one on it is on it's way out.

It's hardly a big issue, it's still pretty easy to drive without it, i'd just rather have it working.

Piccy

https://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/318354_2164027393976_1645368025_2059615_2063014221_n.jpg

Anyone else had this problem?

Cheers

Dunc

[-LG-]

Not bad for £300!

Are you driving it when you're pressing the button? It cuts out at something like 26mph or something.

If no one has any ideas on here, www.fiatforum.com is a great place to go for help/advice.

[shereen]

Im afraid you may have a bad case of the Fiat. It could be terminal.

Sorry dude
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[Shaft]

Dunc, are you sure it's not working?

I ask because without assistance, it will feel twice as heavy as a car with no PAS fitted, so it won't be an easy drive.

Unfortunately, these cars are notorious for electrical faults and it could be anything from a weak battery (as you queried) to a failed ECU.

Rather inexplicably, they don't like being used in 'City' mode for extended periods of time (not much use on a car designed to be used in cities ) so it could be that a previous owner has rodgered it.

If it is working and it's just the light coming on, then I wouldn't worry about trying to fix it, it could cost you more than you paid for it.

Listen out for a squealing noise though, they sometimes give that as an early warning of total failure, at which point you might as well bin it.
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[Nope.]

Common issue with Punto's im afraid. It tends to mean you need a new power steering pump which costs around £800 to be fitted from fiat or £500 from a backstreet garage. HOWEVER It depends on which PAS system you have. Look under the bonnet, is there a PAS reservoir? If not, then your in luck and you have the cheap-tastic motor system. These can be had for around £50 from the bay and fitted in a couple of hours. You just bolt it in and plug it in.

If you have a PAS reservoir then your in for a big hit. If you feel like fitting it yourself you'll save a few hundred pounds but have a big ball-ache on your hands (Although I think your used to that ). Ive never done a change on the PAS pump version but I hear that its a real pain in the arse job that is only made easier by the removal of the engine.

Oh, and my friend who has a Punto has the same problem. If you keep driving it as-is it will eventually develop an awful tendency to pull sharply to the left or right at random intervals during your journey. Not fun at all.
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[Harold_Shand]

I would refuse a free Punto. I had one, never again.
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Harold_Shand's theory might be the best explanation.

[-LG-]

[Harold_Shand]

[SoND]

I've had a punto for 2 years and I've only had to replace a clutch, gearbox, waterpump, exhaust and the engine once each. Unreliable my ass.

[andyscooter]

power steering pump sounds knackered to me

bout 100 quid for the part plus some back for a recon unit
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[0l0dom0l0]

I wouldn't even bother replacing it tbh.

The steering probably isn't that heavy anyway and for what its going to cost I wouldn't bother!
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[MinhDinh]

My friend bought a Punti for 1k and after3 months the engine kept cutting off and also the suspension then got really bad and he had to replace that too.

They are a car with a bad reputation I believe.

No idea on the power steering but I would imagine whatever fix you do, it will most quite a bit of the cars value. Is it worth it?
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Hit the G spot.

[lukas222]

I had one toohttps://www.imgquick.com/images/43.gif

[G]

As shaft says - I've driven my BMW home when a belt snapped with no power steering and it's better than a workout at the gym.

To test it out, try turning the steering without the engine running, then with the engine running. If it's a lot easier with it running, then it's working.

A lot of small cars these days seem to use electric power steering by the way.

[Tiff]

A lot of you are barking up the wrong tree. The Punto has electric power steering which is incorporated into the steering column. Common problem, but parts easy to pick up from the scrappys and about an hour to fit. Check the alternator is charging correctly, as the power steering wont work until the alternator kicks in, and check the main fuse under the bonnet.

Here's a post about fitting a new one.

"I bought an exchange unit from BBA reman. Total cost was £286.00 for both CPU and motor. 2 yrs guarantee, better than Fiat's. https://www.bba-reman.com/
Tips 1/ The cpu must have the numbers 6607 on it. This can be found under the steering column, take the plastic cowling off.
2/ Disconnect the Battery, and DO NOT reconnect it until the steering wheel air bag is reconnected. (or get Fiat to fit a new cpu)
3/ to get at the bolt that holds the motor to the shaft that goes down to the steering rack in the floor, undo the Torx bolt holding the steering cpu on. It's then easy to get at the 10mm bolt.
4/ Have some loctite handy for reconnecting the steering wheel nuts,
5/ Allow about 2 hours, but have the old unit out in advance of the new one being delivered, you have only three days to trun it around. UPS courier was very good.
6/ You will need at least, torx sockets, torxbits, (small ish) Allen keys, 23mm socket, 10mm socket 13mm socket, 3, 5 & 10" extensions, rachet
7/ Be carefull to get the ribbon cable under the steering wheel back in the same relation to the steering wheel, No of turns
8/ degree of difficulty? I found it, Easy.
10/ Dont disconnect the wheel height adjustent lever, this comes on the replacement unit.
"
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[Tiff]

[Chriss]

[Tiff]

[Fisty]

FIAT= Fix It Again Tomorrow.
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[Tiff]

[dextersaurus]

As said, it's the electric motor in the steering column. can get one cheap enough off ebay so thats not a problem, but i'm thinking that's a pretty much last resort... .

Still to replace the battery on it and see how that works, but i'm doubting it.

I'll see what works and update.... if anything does work

Dunc

[Shaft]

[Tiff]

[Shaft]

[Tiff]