E86: Power Steering Dead

[Wigsters]

Hi Guys
A little advice please.
I parked my E86 up at the father in laws for a few weeks whilst we had some building work done. No faults or errors when I left it.
On fetching it back to take it for an MOT there is a Steering Wheel with exclamation mark on the dash and the power steering is completely non functional - getting it out of the very tight parking space in the barn was a great workout.
My mechanic has it booked in for January but I am doing some homework as to what this may be. I have read about a common fault with the steering motor (sounds expensive), is there anything else I could be checking that would get me on the road more quickly with less £s flowing from my wallet?
All help appreciated.

 

[Chris_D]

Uh oh.
Get a code reader on it and see what it throws up.
Sounds like EPS failure.

 

[enuff_zed]

If it is an EPS failure then it probably won’t show a code as one symptom is not being able to communicate with the ECU. Does the sport button work? If not that’s another pointer.
Ecu testing can fix your eps motor for £295. I can get it out and back in, in around an hour each.
Where are you?

 

[Wigsters]

EPS failure is where I got too with my research too, deep joy!

I can confirm that the Sport button doesn't engage, I did try that in a vain attempt to fool it into action.

@enuff_zed... I am in Chesterfield (Derbyshire) so not exactly local to you I am afraid. I had read that ECU testing can resolve it, so if that's a known thing it gives a little comfort that it wont cost the earth.

I will just need to persuade my mechanic to hold on to the car whilst the unit goes off for repair. He is a good bloke but doesn't have massive premises -- but he is honest and cheap!

 

[enuff_zed]

EPS failure is where I got too with my research too, deep joy!

I can confirm that the Sport button doesn't engage, I did try that in a vain attempt to fool it into action.

@enuff_zed... I am in Chesterfield (Derbyshire) so not exactly local to you I am afraid. I had read that ECU testing can resolve it, so if that's a known thing it gives a little comfort that it wont cost the earth.

I will just need to persuade my mechanic to hold on to the car whilst the unit goes off for repair. He is a good bloke but doesn't have massive premises -- but he is honest and cheap!

As long as he is happy to take the motor out ok? Most of them tend to follow the book, which means dropping the steering column too.
In fact, with a 12-point 8mm ratchet ring spanner you can get the bolts out without removing anything other than the trim panels for access.
More than happy to talk your mechanic through the easiest way if he hasn't done one before.
It's a shame it takes a couple of days to get the unit repaired, or I'd hop on a train and do it for you. (Assuming the trains ever run again!)

Just noted that ECU Testing are in Heanor. How close is that to you?
Worth speaking to them and seeing if they can turn it round quicker if you take it to them?

 

[Russ59]

EPS failure is where I got too with my research too, deep joy!

I can confirm that the Sport button doesn't engage, I did try that in a vain attempt to fool it into action.

@enuff_zed... I am in Chesterfield (Derbyshire) so not exactly local to you I am afraid. I had read that ECU testing can resolve it, so if that's a known thing it gives a little comfort that it wont cost the earth.

I will just need to persuade my mechanic to hold on to the car whilst the unit goes off for repair. He is a good bloke but doesn't have massive premises -- but he is honest and cheap!

ECU testing in Heanor is where I had mine repaired.
Only 20 mins down M1 from you.

 

[Wigsters]

Thanks guys, for the input.

The car was left with JWS (who are now based out of Holmewood). They have the space to leave my car sitting with no steering motor whilst it heads off for repair -- they even knew (or said they did!) what I was talking about and knew where to send the motor when they get it out.

Hopefully sorted this week and the car will be back on the road with a shiny new MOT and full service.

They are also doing the water pump whilst they have it, I have owned the car for 4 years and I have no idea if the previous owner changed this so seemed sensible to get it sorted.

Fingers crossed, will update.