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Hi,

Went to shops today, when I got back to the car, the steering went stiff and the steering red light was on. I reversed the car with a stiff wheel and after a few meters light went off and power steering was resumed.

Is this normal?, not happened before, book says if it goes off after driving a short distance then all is well?

Thanks

Its not normal but I don't have a direct explanation. If it persists, find some help

I'd think that this will down to the battery condition, either its charge level due to too many short journeys or the battery is dying.

The power steering in your car is an elctrohydraulic system and that hydraulic pump needs/uses a lot of electrical power from the battery - if the battery is unhealthy due to its present charge condition or just dying, then you will find this happening, colder weather will reduce the battery's apparent condition as a battery is just a chemical factory.

Maybe head for your local Halfords for a free battery check?

thanks
Its been fine ATM.

As RUM4MO say’s it’s down the the battery the cold takes a lot of energy out of car batteries and so you’ll get this, in the dark of the morning you’ll find the lights dim when you turn the steering wheel, since the alternator hasn’t kicked in yet.

Whack it on a battery charger over night for a few nights.

It could be the steering control module is starting to go faulty but I’d doubt it


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only been doing the odd 1 mile journey, i think that was the cause.

Skoda had recall to change setting of steering wheel 9n low battery. In some cars power steering was disabled on low battery and they enabled it.

Charging battery is good idea anyway not to get stuck. I've drained mine with vacume cleaner... No warning on display that battery is down, so don't expect it comming.