Intermittent Power Steering Issue Resolved at City Car Care Tuggeranong in Tuggeranong

If you’ve ever experienced intermittent power steering issues, you’ll know how unnerving and frustrating it can be. This was precisely the challenge one of our customers faced with their 2014 Hyundai i20. Here at City Car Care Tuggeranong in Tuggeranong, we take pride in delivering tailored solutions for vehicle problems, no matter how complex. In this case study, we’ll walk you through the diagnostic challenges we faced, the collaborative solutions we employed, and the success we achieved with the help of our expert team and trusted partners.

Diagnostic Challenge

When the 2014 Hyundai i20 first arrived at City Car Care Tuggeranong in Tuggeranong, the owner described a recurring issue with the power steering system. The fault was particularly pronounced on cold, dewy mornings and had become more frequent as the seasons changed. The vehicle had covered only 30,000 km, making the issue even more puzzling.

Initially, we checked the usual suspects: the battery and electrical connections. A new battery was installed, and all connections were cleaned and inspected thoroughly. We even added a new earth connection to ensure stable electrical grounding. Each time, the system seemed fine during testing, but the problem resurfaced intermittently.

Using our advanced scan tools, we repeatedly searched for diagnostic trouble codes, but none appeared in the system. Finally, during one of the later inspections, the scan tool revealed a communication error—a small but important clue that hinted at a deeper issue.

The diagnostic process highlighted the complexity of modern vehicles. With onboard computers managing various systems, even a minor failure in one control unit can cause a cascade of issues. Determining the root cause required persistence, expertise, and a structured approach to eliminate potential causes one by one.

Collaborative Solutions

Faced with this challenging fault, City Car Care Tuggeranong reached out to trusted suppliers for additional insights. One of the most valuable partners in this case was Active Power Steering, who provided expert advice and assistance in narrowing down the potential causes.

Together, we pinpointed the problem: the steering control unit. This small yet crucial computer is connected to the steering column and plays a key role in maintaining the functionality of the power steering system. While replacing the control unit was not the first or easiest solution, it was the most logical next step given the symptoms and diagnostic data.

We sourced a reconditioned steering control unit through our network, ensuring a cost-effective and reliable solution for the customer. After installing the new unit, we conducted extensive testing under various driving conditions to confirm the fix. So far, the vehicle has performed flawlessly, even in the cold, damp conditions that previously triggered the problem.

Success and Lessons Learned

Resolving the intermittent power steering issue in the Hyundai i20 at City Car Care Tuggeranong in Tuggeranong was a triumph of persistence, expertise, and collaboration. This case demonstrated the importance of thorough diagnostics and leveraging trusted industry partners when tackling complex vehicle issues.

The key takeaway from this case is that modern vehicles require a methodical approach to troubleshooting. As cars become increasingly reliant on interconnected systems and electronics, it’s vital to stay patient, informed, and resourceful when diagnosing problems. Ultimately, the satisfaction of restoring our customer’s confidence behind the wheel made the effort worthwhile.

What Were the Driving Symptoms?

The intermittent power steering failure in the 2014 Hyundai i20 presented as a sudden loss of power assistance during driving. This made steering significantly heavier, particularly at low speeds, such as during parking or navigating tight corners. For the driver, this not only created an inconvenience but also posed a safety concern, as the unexpected change in steering effort could lead to a loss of control in critical situations.

In addition to the difficulty in steering, the driver experienced uncertainty about when the fault would occur. The intermittent nature of the issue meant the vehicle could perform perfectly one day and then fail the next, making it hard to trust the car in everyday use. By addressing the root cause, we were able to restore the vehicle’s reliability and ensure the driver could once again enjoy a safe and predictable driving experience.