Electric power steering gone

[April1997]

Hi, my power steering went in my fiat punto last week when I restart the car it resets and works fine for a while then the power steering goes again. I have recognised it could be the steering column motor, especially after having a mobile mechanic run a diagnostic. He reset the ecu, my main question is, is it safe to drive until I can get it fixed or will the power steering just go again? Bit anxious to drive it, but needed for work. Thank you.

 

[BoomerD]

fiat punto power steering fault - Google Suche

 

[deadlyapp]

Generally if your power steering goes, you can still steer the car, it just takes significant effort.

 

[mindless1]

Yes, it is safe to drive straight to the shop to have it repaired, if you are strong enough to turn the wheel should the electric assist suddenly fail. Even that, is probably very hard on the steering shaft so I would take it easy, nice slow speed to nearest reputable shop.

I wonder why the mobile mechanic just ran a scan and left it at that. Did he not do a full diagnosis, not recommend replacing the rack or motor, or is it beyond his skill level? I don't know those vehicles, can the rack be replaced DIY from underneath or does the motor need lifted or a subframe dropped for clearance? Granted I am assuming the controller is the other most likely suspect and is part of the rack but it may not be...

 

[thedarkwolf]

It only takes significant effort at very low speeds. Personally I just disconnect it and drive without it till you can get it fixed. Not having power steering in something small like a punto would be less of of a problem to me than it suddenly going out unexpectedly. I drove an old beater with the power steering belt cut for a long time because the rack leaked like crazy and it wasn't worth fixing.