Yorkshire_Jon

Yesterday the Mrs' went to the horse paddock as usual, hooked up the float and got the horses ready; went to start the car to drive away only to find the "Steering Faulty" message pop up on the dash.

The car is locked in Park, Steering lock is on and the ignition won't turn on.

I have done the emergency Park release so the wheels will turn and Im going to have to drag the car onto a flatbed truck to get it to the garage - problem is the wheels aren't pointing straight, but I guess thats a minor thing!

Ive read most of the posts relating to PSM faults but nothing suggests a direct cause / fix.

The battery wasn't flat when she went to the car as she'd driven it for a good half hour before going to pull away again.

Any ideas? Ive read the thread that talks about the TSD and water in wiring loom, any other more likely contributors?

Thx
Jon

Yorkshire_Jon

A quick update...

Apparently (the mrs told me last night) the low battery warning did come up on the dash before the PSM fault popped up.

The car has now been at the garage for 2 days and its still dead. They tell me that because they can't get the ignition to turn on they can't use the PWIS and so can't identify the exact problem!

Sounds ludicrous that a car can shut itself down to this extent, worse it can't easily be brought back to life!

Yorkshire_Jon

Quick update... The garage has got back to me today and said that I need a new battery and a complete new steering column before they can go any further.

They are hoping that the steering column will fix the problem but have also warned that "when the steering column fails it can also stuff up the control module, so it may need one of those too".

Does this sound reasonable / accurate or are they having a laugh at my expense?

Thanks
Jon

bigbuzuki

The steering sensor is integral with the column and can only be replaced by changing the column.

Steering sensor faults do arise if the battery is low and the symptoms you describe are typical with a depleted battery.

I would get them to change the battery first and see what comes back to life, before committing to a column change.

Yorkshire_Jon

Thanks for the advice and confirmation re the column, much appreciated.

I know they have put a new battery on the car already and presume that they still have a problem, hence their advice. However, I will confirm that today.

Is it possible for a failed steering sensor to take the control module with it also, meaning I could potentially need both parts? My gut tells me that one electronic part failure should not lead to another part failing.

Interestingly I can get the new column, delivered out of the USA to Sydney Australia for just over 1/3 of the price that an independent specialist wants for the same thing here!

Thanks again,
Jon

bigbuzuki

Re the control module, anything is possible, but probably unlikely.
Which control module are they saying is faulty?

Yorkshire_Jon

Just spoken to the garage.

They have clarified that the battery was goosed. A new battery still didn't resolve anything (but interior lights came on).

They have said that it definitely needs a new steering column (Part #95534700809) and only when that is fitted will they be able to see if the fault code against the KESSY module disappears, if not they are saying it will also need a new KESSY module.


Another question I have re the steering column. Is Part #95534700809 Left Hand Drive / Right Hand Drive specific?

The garage gave me the part number, just wondering if I order that part number from the USA would it be a LHD or RHD model, or are they interchangeable?

Thx
Jon

bigbuzuki

Part #95534700809 is a right hand drive version.

Manual adjustments for the reach and height, not electrical and without memory.

Confirm via the Option code I2C5.

Sonnen has them for USD $775.32

http://sonnenporscheoemparts.com/par...&siteid=215405

Yorkshire_Jon

Thats excellent, many thanks. Mine does have manual reach and height, is RHD and does not have memory.

Can you please explain what you mean by confirm by Option Code I2C5?

Thx
Jon

bigbuzuki

The option code is the build options your vehicle has.

I2C5 is the option code for the specific steering shaft your vehicle has.

The option codes are listed on a sticker in the rear cargo under the lid.

Yorkshire_Jon

Thought Id post a quick update now that Ive got the car back on the road but first off BIG thanks to all those that helped diagnose and provided input.

I ordered a new steering column (from the USA because it was half the price of a locally supplied one in Australia), it arrived and the local independent installed it.

Got the car back and all is great again. Fortunately I didn't need a new KESSY unit.

The only positive to the whole saga was that I got a new battery under warranty as the garage determined that it was goosed and that they'd supplied it just over a year ago!

Thanks again,
Jon

mcbit

Nice to see people following up with feedback after solving the problem. Thanks!

Orantes

Hi Jon. What garage did you use? I am also in Sydney with an '04 S. Happy you got a good result.

Yorkshire_Jon

I was recommended AutoHaus Hamilton at Brookvale when we first bought the car.

Ive used them 3 times now - must say they always seem very good, friendly and approachable.

Jon

Orantes

Thanks Jon. I may give them a go. I have been using Bob Wyms at Seven Hill as he has done work on my 928S in the past. Brookvale is a bit closer to me!