Heavy Steering on Cold Mornings

[gruf]

I'm getting quite accustomed to the new steering feel, although I think it should get heavier slightly later (15mph as opposed to 10mph). Do you know the procedure for calibrating the module or if it is even possible on my module?

Thanks, Az.

your like a woman, never happy...lol

 

[A4_MaJiK]

your like a woman, never happy...lol

The funny thing is, you're not the first person to tell me that.

 

[gruf]

The funny thing is, you're not the first person to tell me that.

Do you come ere often love

 

[SteveMcB]

PMed you mate

 

[Randy P]

The PAS pump was replaced under warranty last August due to a squeal on full lock, so I would of thought it was highly unlikely the pump was at fault. The fluid was not in too bad of a condition when I replaced it, just seemed darker than the usual green.

I believe the rack requires removal to remove the solenoid/strainer from the system and I hear this is a pig of a job to do as well.



The solenoid is definitely firing as after a restart when the engine/fluid is warm the servotronic functions perfectly fine. It is only if I leave the car for a couple of hours and return that it will fail.

Funny you should mention the voltages etc. as last night I performed a few diagnostic tests with a multimeter where the control module (pictured below) sits in the relay junction box.

As I performed these checks after I got home from work last night, the car was warm so the servotronic would function correctly if I was to start it up.

Firstly, I removed the control module and checked for supply voltage to the module on ignition which should have been ~12V. Supply Voltage = ~14.5V

Secondly, I checked the resistance across the pins going to and from the solenoid on the rack. The resistance should have been between 5-20 Ohms. Solenoid Resistance = ~8.2 Ohms.

I also noticed that when starting the car on removal of the control module, the steering would have the same feel as it does with the module normally connected on cold start. I reconnected the module with the engine running (probably not advisable and yes I understand the risks involved in this) and the steering assistance was back again.

I can't really come to conclusion off all of this and perhaps I should try doing the same tests on a cold start condition (perhaps solenoid resistance short circuits or supply voltage isn't available in this condition). It may also be the control module itself at fault, but I can't understand why that would be temperature/condition related as it functions perfectly fine under certain conditions.

Thanks for taking the time to read guys and I really do appreciate your input. Really want to get down to the bottom of this, the worst thing is that I have not yet come across anybody or something online who are in the same situation so it's good to see your interest in this issue.

Thanks again,

Azeem.

I know this is quite an old thread but I wanted to sign up to thank Azeem for this detailed thread to solve his problem. I was having the exact same symptoms that he was - hard steering when cold. AFter reading this thread I dug down to the 640 relay, pulled it out, warmed it up with a hair dryer, then put it back in and the steering was like it should be.

You saved me a lot of cash Azeem, and I think you!!!

Randy