C5, 'Power steering fault' message

[Quackers]

This happened once on a very cold day last year, and twice in the last week, 1 at night when it was chilly, and once in the morning when its chilly.

I start the engine and it takes longer than usual to kick in, then 'Power steering fault' comes on screen, and the steering wheel is very very heavy. I just switch the ignition off and start the engine again and the steering goes light and the message does not come back up.

Is this a sign of something about to go or should i just ignore it and its a C5 gremlin?

[JohnD]

It could mean that your battery has just enough juice in it to start the engine. (1) Make sure it's charging correctly. (2) Check that the battery isn't too old to hold a charge. (3) Make sure there isn't some extra device which is constantly being powered from the battery when parked.

[Quackers]

That might tie in with it early this year having a flat battery for no reason i could figure out.

[triumphtoledo]

Mine facelift C5 does this as well (sometimes with the ABS/EBD). It is a low voltage spike that causes this, so budget on getting it replaced before it gets 'proper' cold.

R