2002 TDi Polo with intermittent heavy steering, steering wheel warning lamp, brake pad warning lamp, and fuel gauge faults!

[2002A31.8]

Hi everyone
Hope we're all well, we've just bought a little 2002 (round headlight) Polo 1.4 TDi.

It came with nearly a full tank of fuel, which we're slowly getting through!
I was worried maybe the gauge was faulty so we've lifted the tank sender and the tank is full, the power steering is too heavy at times when manoeuvring slowly (tyre pressures are ok), also the brake pad warning light comes on intermittently. The cambelt needed changing so a mechanic friend has changed the kit for us, he checked for fault codes (none) and checked the pads and connections to the brake pad sensors, however after running around in the car this afternoon:
The steering has got heavy again when manoeuvring slowly.
The power steering warning lamp came on when driving (the steering felt fine at the time), this is the first time it's come on.
The brake pad warning lamp has come on once (which is better than almost all the time).
The fuel guage dropped to nothing (the warning lamp didn't illuminate though).

Stopping the car, switching off the ignition and waiting 10 secs then restarting rectified all the faults!

Any ideas? I can get it scanned again tomorrow but is it possible or likely the faults are all connected?

Thanks so much
Paul and Zoe

[Brummypolo]

Hi mate, regarding the heavy steering the only thing I can think of power steering pump, or something to do with the fluid, maybe an airlock?

[2002A31.8]

Hi mate, regarding the heavy steering the only thing I can think of power steering pump, or something to do with the fluid, maybe an airlock?

Thanks Brummypolo, have you ever topped up the fluid on one of these Polos? The resevoir is on the pump under the battery, the level looks ok-it's on the bottom mark (when cold), I've done a search of the forums I see others have had problems with speed sensors, does anyone know where the sensor is fitted? I presume it doesn't pick up off an ABS sensor?

Cheers

[Brummypolo]

Thanks Brummypolo, have you ever topped up the fluid on one of these Polos? The resevoir is on the pump under the battery, the level looks ok-it's on the bottom mark (when cold), I've done a search of the forums I see others have had problems with speed sensors, does anyone know where the sensor is fitted? I presume it doesn't pick up off an ABS sensor?

Cheers

To be honest my knowledge of cars doesnt strectch very far, havent had my polo very long either. Ive had a search around on the net but cant seem to find where the speed sensor is located, may be a good idea to pop into a vw garage and ask them

[2002A31.8]

Hi everyone, I think we've fixed the fuel guage and brake pad warning lamp faults, the black multiplug socket going to the speedo head had dry joints inside. This had been repaired before so maybe it's a common fault?

However the electro/hydraulic power-steering still feels heavy sometimes when manoeuvring at slow speeds, also the warning lamp came on again today, when I pulled up and felt the steering it felt heavy (definitely assisted but too heavy) so I switched off the ignition-restarted the car and the steering felt light.

We've checked the fluid level. all the connectors on the pump, battery, underbonnet fuses and earth points. someone else suggested a speed sensor in a previous thread, whereabouts is this located? Is it the one fitted to the steering rack where the column meets it? Does it measure the cars speed or the speed the steering wheel is being turned?

Thanks alot!!

Paul and Zoe