Technical Buying guide - powersteering?

[bacahill]

Hello FiatForum,

I'm helping my mum look around for a cheap runabout and the mk2 punto just seems to make sense. Cheap to buy, cheap to run.

I looked at one a while back and the steering was quite heavy in normal driving mode - much heavier than my focus. Citymode was still insanely light but I've heard an issue with the steering column is common? I'm not too knowledgeable on mechanical issues so I thought it would be a good idea to ask owners about it.

Any other things to look for would also be appreciated.

 

[oldhammer]

look for 52 reg onwards punto,

they have uprated,(relay less) pwr steering motor,

the older ones are more prone for failing so ive heard,

 

[xpl51]

The City mode is mainly designed as a parking aid as lightens steering, having said that in 9 yrs of Punto ownership I have never needed it & don't find the general steering heavy. I coped fine even when mine failed whilst awaiting the replacement. If the Electric steering has gone then you will get a red steering wheel light permanently on dash. If it does go you need the ID number & most importantly the last 4 digits. The sticker for which is at the bottom of the column & upside down(Thanks Fiat!!)

 

[scimitargtc]

the manufacturers of the electric steering are quoted on here as saying the city mode is for occasional parking use - as you say it is insanely light -- my experiences? daughters 2004 (54)16v petrol has intermittent fault for the past 2 years - Multiscan software diagnoses as the column sensors on their way out so I've a spare column sitting there £70 -- a re-engineered 1 is £300 and is a diy fit - without any power steering it is to use your word insanely heavy - not something I'd live with for more than a day -- usually and hopefully a switch off the engine for a few minutes and it resets for a few more weeks. BTW - her steering in working order is slightly heavier than my company astra and wife's C4. Youngest son's 2001 Punto - motor failed within a month of ownership -- stripped it out with the support of the forum to determine it was the actual motor that had died - £15 for a 2nd hand replacement, 25 mins to swap and 18 months down the line no further problems. His steering is the same feel as daughters -- each car will be different. Your'e on the right lines for cheap to buy, run, etc - usual checks of any old car - corrosion, head gasket, cam belt change, bodges, etc etc

 

[atom0007]

the manufacturers of the electric steering are quoted on here as saying the city mode is for occasional parking use - as you say it is insanely light --

can you post a link for the quote?

 

[MikeSalt]

Don't forget that some power steering faults can be as simple as a weak battery. One diagnostic step to consider is to drop-test the battery (mind your toes), a test many motor factors have the tools to do for you.

 

[dave]

if steering feels heavy but no pas light is on, then tyres probably need pumping up