C2 power steering intermittent

[Stewart(oily)]

As stated the power steering comes and goes intermittently, stopping the engine and restarting cures it until next time ? anyone seen this ?

[GiveMeABreak]

If you are getting heavy steering one or both ways, intermittent loss of assistance, steering pulling to one side then any or all of these are symptoms of the steering rack on the way out which is likely to lead to complete failure if not sorted

This could be several things - first, it is critical for the battery to be in tip top condition. If there isn't enough power it can cause all sorts of electrical issues including the Power Steering ECU which can think the car is turned off!

Another possibility is the motor in the rack shorting out which in turn is turning off the ECU on the unit. This necessitates replacement of the whole unit. If you disconnect the power and reconnect it from the unit it will temporarily cure it until it shorts again (this would fit with what you have said about turning the car off and starting it again). Check the battery - but also check the leads from the rack to the battery - if these are not making good contact it could also be the cause of the problem.

I believe this is a known C2 issue and these are a combined power steering and steering rack unit in one. They can be anything up to £1600 from a dealer, but they can be refurbished (with a replacement off shelf unit or you own refurbished).
Here's a link to ACS Power Steering:
http://www.acspowersteering.co.uk/citro ... 2003-2010/

Could be worth getting a lexia on it - but if you get the ECU failure - it could be because of the shorting of the motor as I said earlier.

[Stewart(oily)]

Thank you Marc, that sounds like the problem.