VW Polo Power Steering Fault
Before contacting RS Autotechnik, Mr G’s VW Polo power steering fault remained. Even though it had already been repaired elsewhere.
“They said the pump had been changed, but the power steering never came back.”
A replacement steering pump and motor unit had been fitted, yet the steering warning light remained on and power assistance had not returned. The steering was still heavy at low speeds, and the system was not providing assistance as expected.
With the fault still present, Mr G wanted to understand why the power steering was not coming back online and what was preventing the system from returning to normal operation.
The next step was to book the Volkswagen Polo into RS Autotechnik in Dursley for a full technical evaluation. That meant stepping back from what had already been done and looking at how the steering system was behaving as a whole.
With the vehicle scheduled in, attention turned to identifying why the fault had persisted and what the steering system was still missing.
Early Checks To Uncover The VW Polo Power Steering Fault
When Mr G’s Volkswagen Polo arrived at RS Autotechnik in Dursley, the steering issue was immediately apparent. Power steering assistance was not available, and a steering warning light was illuminated on the dashboard. These symptoms were confirmed during the initial checks.
We then reviewed the steering work that had already been carried out prior to the vehicle coming to us. A steering pump and motor unit had been replaced, but the behaviour of the system had not changed. With the symptoms still present, we moved into the first stage of technical evaluation.
Initial checks focused on the condition of the steering system and the recently fitted components. The replacement pump and motor unit showed no signs of physical damage, and there was no evidence of fluid loss, loose connections, or disturbed wiring. As nothing obvious was identified during visual inspection, further testing was required.
A scan of the steering control module was then carried out using Volkswagen dealer-level diagnostic equipment. One fault code was recorded:
- 00816 Power Steering Sensor (G250)
Fault code 00816 power steering sensor (G250) indicates a signal issue within the power steering system. However, at this stage, the code alone did not explain why steering assistance had been disabled. It was not yet possible to determine whether the issue related to the sensor itself, pump compatibility, system configuration following installation, or another part of the steering system.
With the fault code 00816 power steering sensor (G250) logged and the symptoms matching what we observed during testing, we moved on to the next stage of the diagnostic process to understand why the steering system had shut down and what was preventing assistance from returning.
Technical Investigation Into Fault Code 00816
With fault code 00816 still present and the VW Polo power steering fault unchanged following initial checks, we progressed into a more detailed technical investigation. The objective at this stage was to determine why the steering system had disabled assistance and what information it was failing to receive.
Each test was carried out in sequence, with findings reviewed before moving on to the next step. Here’s what we did:
Step 1: Checking electrical supply to the steering pump
We began by confirming that the steering pump and motor unit were receiving the correct electrical supply.
Using Volkswagen wiring diagrams, the main power feed and ground connections at the pump connector were identified and tested with the ignition switched on.
What we found:
- Battery voltage was present at the pump.
- The ground circuit tested correctly.
- No faults were identified in the power supply.
This confirmed that the pump and motor unit were being supplied correctly, allowing us to rule out an electrical supply issue.
Step 2: Reviewing system communication and serial data
With the electrical supply confirmed, we connected our ODIS diagnostic tool to assess communication between the steering control module and the vehicle network.
We reviewed the stored fault memory and checked the serial data being reported by the steering system.
What we found:
- The steering control module was active and responsive.
- Communication across the vehicle network was intact.
- The signal from the power steering sensor (G250) was missing or invalid.
As the system could not interpret the sensor signal, steering assistance had been disabled as a safety response. This ruled out a complete control module failure.
Step 3: Confirming steering pump compatibility
As a replacement pump and motor unit had already been fitted, it was important to confirm that the installed unit was correct for this specific Volkswagen Polo.
We checked the part number of the fitted unit against Volkswagen’s parts database using the vehicle’s VIN. We also reviewed steering system variants used on this model, as different suppliers were fitted depending on specification.
What we found:
- The fitted pump and motor unit did not match the original specification for this vehicle.
- The internal configuration of the unit did not align with what the steering control module expected.
This mismatch explained why fault code 00816 power steering sensor (G250) was being logged and why the system was unable to process the sensor signal correctly.
Step 4: Checking coding and configuration status
Even when the correct hardware is installed, steering pump units must be coded to the vehicle to operate correctly.
Using ODIS, we accessed the pump’s control module to check whether the coding and setup 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 issue. The previously fitted pump and motor unit was both incompatible with the vehicle and left uncoded, resulting in fault code 00816 and the loss of power steering assistance.
VW Power Steering Repair and Final System Coding
With the fault traced back to an incompatible and uncoded steering pump, we spoke with Mr G to explain what was required to put the issue right. Once the work was approved, we moved ahead with the repair to restore the VW Polo’s power steering system.
- The correct steering pump and motor unit was identified by checking the vehicle’s VIN against Volkswagen’s parts system, confirming the replacement matched the original factory specification for this model.
- Before installation, the surrounding components were inspected. Wiring, connectors, and hydraulic lines around the rear-mounted steering fluid tank were checked to ensure there were no signs of damage or contamination.
- The incorrectly matched pump and motor unit was removed, and the correct OEM replacement was installed. All fixings and connections were secured to match the manufacturer’s torque specifications.
- The power steering hydraulic system was refilled with the specified fluid and bled according to 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 so the steering control module could recognise and communicate with it 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 behaved as expected during post-repair checks.
Result: Power Steering Fully Reinstated
Following installation and correct setup of the replacement pump and motor unit, the Volkswagen Polo’s power steering system operated as intended. The steering warning light was no longer illuminated, and consistent power steering support was restored, making the vehicle safe and predictable to drive again.
Although the fault had remained unresolved after earlier work elsewhere, our structured technical evaluation allowed the issue to be identified and addressed during a single visit. This demonstrated the importance of confirming both component suitability and system configuration when resolving steering faults.
During the repair, Mr G was able to stay mobile using our free courtesy car. The work was completed with RS Autotechnik’s 12-month parts and labour guarantee, offering added peace of mind once the vehicle was returned to the road.
Specialist Knowledge For Your VW Power Steering
If your VW Polo steering light is on or your VW power steering is not working, the fault needs careful assessment by technicians who understand how Volkswagen steering systems operate as a complete setup.
At RS Autotechnik in Dursley, supporting drivers across Bristol, Tetbury, and Gloucester, we take a structured approach to Volkswagen fault finding. Every VW power steering repair starts with a methodical technical evaluation, allowing us to identify the root cause before any repair is carried out.
Why drivers choose RS Autotechnik:
- Technicians experienced in diagnosing Volkswagen power steering and steering system faults
- Access to manufacturer data for accurate part matching and correct system coding
- Structured technical evaluation carried out step by step
- Free courtesy car available to help minimise disruption
- 12-month parts and labour guarantee for added reassurance
Our approach has earned the trust of local drivers, 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 RS Autotechnik on 01453 796345 to book a technical evaluation and get clear guidance on what your Volkswagen needs next.
