Electric Power Steering Failure

[rdmstewa]

Hi Folks - I have a W207 E350 Coupe with 43k on the clock. T'other night I reversed out of a car park space and as I went to go forward the PAS failed and a red warning message "Power Steering Failure, see owner's handbook" or something like that appeared. And the steering became very heavy. In the time it took me to contemplate driving 70 miles home with no power steering the PAS came back and the warning disappeared. And the car's been fine since then. I've seen a lot of posts on here about PAS issues, but none of them mention it fixing itself. I've got the beast booked in with my local independent to put it on Star, but that can't be done until later this week. I'm curious to know if anyone else has had this intermittent issue?
Many thanks
Malc

 

[Blobcat]

What condition is the battery in?

 

[rdmstewa]

What condition is the battery in?

Hi Blobcat - looks like you're local to me. I use German Autocare in Wakefield and the car was in a few days ago. I suspected the battery then (another issue which they diagnosed as the fusebox) and I asked them to test it - they didn't tell me I needed a new one then. I don't have a meter so I can't test it myself. But I suspect it's the original, maybe it's time for a new one...

 

[Blobcat]

Hi Blobcat - looks like you're local to me. I use German Autocare in Wakefield and the car was in a few days ago. I suspected the battery then (another issue which they diagnosed as the fusebox) and I asked them to test it - they didn't tell me I needed a new one then. I don't have a meter so I can't test it myself. But I suspect it's the original, maybe it's time for a new one...

Have a look on the battery terminal, there will be a 4 digit code - it’s the week and year of manufacture.

You might have an option somewhere to see battery voltage. If you’re about this way, I’ve a meter and a Foxwell Pro code reader.

 

[rdmstewa]

Thanks Blobcat. I'll see how we do, and I may turn up on your doorstep! I've got a code reader, but no knowledge on how to use it - or even the ability to plug it in, as I'm getting on a bit!

 

[rdmstewa]

Thanks Blobcat. I'll see how we do, and I may turn up on your doorstep! I've got a code reader, but no knowledge on how to use it - or even the ability to plug it in, as I'm getting on a bit!

Update - I went to German Autocare and they put it on Star. Diagosed a "communication error" but that doesn't really tell us anything. Hasn't thrown the error since. I spoke to the Carshop where I bought the car and they've agreed to fit a new battery FOC. The one that's in there is eight years old. So we'll see what happens after that's been done.

 

[rdmstewa]

Hi Folks

Many thanks for the advice. Car's got a new battery now and all seems to be ok!

 

[moj91]

Similar symptoms can occur when the ABS module is on its way out - loss of PAS, as well as ABS/ESP light on.

 

[rdmstewa]

Thanks! Well, nothing untoward has happened since the new battery...