Driven over kerb no power steering - SOLVED

[NathanZ4C]

I've just been forced to drive over a kerb at 5-10 mph. Immediately following that the power steering warning light came on and I lost power steering.

Sports button doesn't work. Had a look underneith, no leaks or anything bend as far as I can see.

I've spun the wheel and it doesn't look buckled but the light won't go off and it doesn't show a fault on the reader I have.

Any idea how I can reset the steering? I'm fearing this is going to be expensive

 

[A320_phill]

Don't want to worry you and there doesn't seen to be a final response but...

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=38975

Same problems in terms of steering and sports button not working.

Hopefully someone else will be along with an easy fix!

 

[NathanZ4C]

Yeah I've read that one but the circumstances are slightly different.

I can't imagine it would have blown anything, more it's gone into safe mode if that's possible. I've disconnected the battery for half an hour and prayed but my prayers weren't answered and it didn't make a slight bit of difference

 

[Mike6]

I was going to suggest disconnecting the battery - perhaps you should leave it unplugged overnight. The only other thing I can think of is that in driving over a kerb you will have caused vibrations which could have loosened an electrical connector. I would check everything under the bonnet looks secure.

 

[NathanZ4C]

Ive purchased a lead and software to read where the warning light it triggering from. Hopefully that will help me determine where i should be looking. However im having trouble with the software install :sad:

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=81316

 

[NathanZ4C]

Problem solved.

Was getting nothing from the EPS.

Just as I was about to give up and I'd taken a fair amount apart. I found a big cable under the dash and up in the right hand corner, but away from the expected places the wiring for the steering would be, that appeared like it was loose. The cable has only 2 thick wires, red and brown.

I pulled the plug down then reconnected it and ta darrrrr. I'm a very happy chappy!!!

 

[Swiftly]

Nice one and a big relief I bet, just glad you got it sorted

Was there nothing that holds the plug and socket together, or had it just worked itself loose over time?

 

[NathanZ4C]

Yeah my eyes were watering a little once id seen the suggestion of a new rack. But I could have imagined it would have caused that much damage as a result of what happened.

I did see a post that mentioned a cable with 2 thick wires but i assumed it would be obvious and clearly connected to the rack in some way. This was tucked up out the way. Im guessing it must have been loose anyway. I did recently fit cruise control so i had been messing around those areas but im sure it must not been on properly in the first place as it seems to have clicked in nice and snug now. Im certainly not the only one thats found its come loose.

Definitely something to check if you loose your power steering and good for those who want to see what it feels like without. I could imagine this would be a good little trick if you wanted more feel from the steering on a track day.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Good result and always a relief when a fix is free apart from time.

Something always has to be the trigger for a failure, so a good bump over a kerb was clearly enough.

A few years ago a quick acceleration by MrsCJ across a junction in her brand new Peugeot GTi was enough to cause a main loom connector to part and left her stranded in the middle of the junction. Couldn't even put the hazards on.

Funny to look back on now but not so on the day...

 

[mr wilks]

That's a great ending Nathan , even more so that you managed it yourself

 

[NathanZ4C]

I hate to think what a garage would have charged me. The bm specialist it was going to is £46 to read the ecu :shock:

 

[pvr]

Very good result indeed, the jolt must have been enough for the cable to drop loose. Glad it was not a costly repair.

 

[fixit man]

Nice result :driving: