VW Polo Power Steering Fault
Mr G’s Volkswagen Polo was heavy to steer. Power steering assistance was not available, and a steering warning light was illuminated on the dashboard.
Everyday driving, particularly at low speeds, had become difficult. The support normally provided by the power steering system was missing.
This was not the first time the car had been seen for steering work. Another garage had already fitted a replacement part, but the car’s symptoms had not changed. The warning light was still present, and the steering assistance had not returned.
By the time Mr G contacted South Coast Garage, he was frustrated, confused and giving up hope. He wanted to understand what was going on. And get it fixed.
The Volkswagen Polo was booked into South Coast Garage in Eastbourne, also serving Hailsham and the wider East Sussex areas, for a full technical evaluation.
With the vehicle scheduled in, the focus turned to identifying what was holding the system back and how the fault could be fully resolved.
VW Polo Power Steering Fault: Early Checks in Technical Evaluation
When Mr G’s Volkswagen Polo was brought into South Coast Garage in Eastbourne, we started by verifying the symptoms he reported. Power steering assistance was not available, and a steering warning light was illuminated on the dashboard.
We then reviewed the background to the issue and the steering work that had already taken place prior to the vehicle arriving with us. A steering pump and motor unit had previously been replaced, but the VW Polo power steering fault had not been resolved.
Our initial checks focused on the condition of the recently fitted components. The pump and motor unit appeared secure, with no visible damage, fluid loss, or disturbed connections. As nothing stood out during these early checks, electronic testing was required to gather further information.
The steering control module was checked using Volkswagen dealer-level diagnostic equipment. One stored fault was identified:
- Fault code 00816 Power Steering Sensor (G250)
Fault code 00816 power steering sensor (G250) indicates a signal issue within the steering system. At this stage of the technical evaluation, the code alone did not explain the issue. It was too early to confirm whether the issue related to the sensor itself, pump compatibility, system configuration following installation, or another element within the steering system.
We then moved on to the next stage of the diagnostic process to uncover the root cause of the problem.
Identifying What Triggered Fault Code 00816
With fault code 00816 still present and the VW Polo power steering fault unchanged following the initial checks, we moved into a more detailed diagnostic stage. At this point, the aim was to establish why the steering system had disabled assistance and what input it was no longer able to interpret correctly.
Each part of the investigation was carried out in sequence, allowing us to rule out possible causes methodically before moving on to the next step.
Step 1: Confirming electrical supply to the steering pump
The first step was to confirm that the steering pump and motor unit were receiving a correct and stable electrical supply.
Using Volkswagen wiring information, we identified the main power feed and ground circuits at the pump connector. Both circuits were tested with the ignition switched on to confirm voltage and continuity.
What we found:
- Battery voltage was present at the steering pump.
- The ground circuit tested correctly.
- No faults were found in the electrical supply.
This confirmed that the pump and motor unit were being powered as expected, allowing us to rule out an electrical supply issue at an early stage.
Step 2: Reviewing steering system communication and serial data
With the electrical supply confirmed, attention turned to how the steering system was communicating and reporting data.
We connected our ODIS diagnostic tool and reviewed the fault memory within the steering control module. We also examined the serial data being reported by the system.
What we found:
- The steering control module was active and responding.
- Communication with the vehicle network was normal.
- The signal from the power steering sensor (G250) was missing or invalid.
Because the system could not interpret this sensor signal, steering assistance had been disabled as a safety measure. This ruled out a complete control module failure and pointed towards a signal-related or configuration-related issue.
Step 3: Checking steering pump compatibility
As a steering pump and motor unit had already been fitted before the vehicle arrived with us, the next step was to confirm that the installed unit was suitable for this specific Volkswagen Polo.
We checked the part number fitted to the vehicle against Volkswagen’s parts database using the VIN. We also reviewed the steering system variants used on this model, as different pump configurations were used depending on specification.
What we found:
- The pump and motor unit fitted did not match the original specification for this vehicle.
- The internal configuration of the unit differed from what the steering control module expected.
This mismatch explained why fault code 00816 power steering sensor (G250) was being logged and why the steering system was unable to process the sensor signal correctly.
Step 4: Confirming coding and configuration status
Even when the correct hardware is installed, steering pump units must be configured and coded to the vehicle before they will function correctly.
Using ODIS, we accessed the pump’s control module and checked whether the coding and configuration process had been completed following installation.
What we found:
- The replacement pump and motor unit had not been coded to the vehicle.
- Without correct coding, the steering system could not interpret the sensor signal.
This confirmed the underlying cause of the fault. The previously fitted pump and motor unit was both incompatible with the vehicle and left uncoded, resulting in fault code 00816 and the continued loss of power steering assistance.
VW Power Steering Repair and System Configuration
Once the cause of the steering issue had been identified, we spoke with Mr G to explain what the power steering system needed to restore normal operation. With the work approved, attention turned to completing the repair correctly.
- The correct steering pump and motor unit was selected by checking the vehicle’s VIN against Volkswagen’s parts information, ensuring the replacement matched the original specification used on this model.
- Before fitting the new unit, the surrounding components were inspected. Wiring, connectors, and hydraulic lines around the rear-mounted steering fluid tank were checked to confirm everything was in good condition and free from contamination.
- The incompatible pump and motor unit was removed, and the correct OEM replacement installed. All fixings and connections were tightened to manufacturer torque specifications.
- The power steering hydraulic system was refilled with the specified fluid and bled in line with Volkswagen’s recommended procedure to remove any trapped air.
- Using ODIS, Volkswagen’s dealer-level diagnostic tool, the new pump was coded and configured to the vehicle. This ensured the steering control module could recognise the replacement unit and operate the system correctly.
- The stored fault code was cleared, and the system was tested. The steering warning light switched off, power steering operation returned, and the system performed normally during post-repair checks.
Result: Steering System Operating as Intended Again
Following completion of the repair and system setup, the Volkswagen Polo’s power steering returned to proper operation. The steering warning light was no longer present, and steering effort returned to normal, allowing the vehicle to be driven with confidence again.
The steering fault had not been resolved by earlier work, but our structured technical evaluation identified the missing element within the system and allowed the issue to be corrected without delay. This confirmed that configuration and compatibility were the key factors affecting steering performance.
During the repair, Mr G was able to remain mobile using our free courtesy car. The work was completed with South Coast Garage’s 12-month parts and labour guarantee, providing reassurance once the vehicle was returned to the road.
Supporting Volkswagen Owners With In-Depth Power Steering Knowledge
If your VW Polo steering light is on or your VW power steering is not working, the system needs a careful technical evaluation to understand what is causing the issue.
At South Coast Garage in Eastbourne, we support drivers across East Sussex, taking a structured approach to Volkswagen steering concerns.
Why drivers choose South Coast Garage:
- Technicians experienced in diagnosing Volkswagen steering and power steering faults
- Access to manufacturer data for correct part matching and system coding
- A clear technical evaluation, with findings explained in plain language
- Free courtesy car available to help keep you mobile
- 12-month parts and labour guarantee for added reassurance
Local drivers trust South Coast Garage for careful, reliable repairs, reflected in our {{average-rating}} star Google rating from {{review-count}} reviews.
If you’re dealing with a VW power steering fault or warning light, call South Coast Garage on 01323 734473 to arrange a technical evaluation and get clear guidance on what your Volkswagen needs next.
