Scirocco Power Steering Failure, Warning Signs & Fix

I had almost the exact same issue with my 2014 Golf GTI. As someone with decent experience working on VW power steering systems, this sounds very familiar. The symptoms you describe match what I experienced, heavy steering, inconsistent feedback, and dashboard warnings. My steering column was fine, but the problem was traced to a faulty wiring connection at the power steering control module. I first noticed the steering getting progressively heavier over about a week. The workshop diagnosed it by checking the electrical connections and pressure hose system. They found a damaged wire harness connector that was causing intermittent power steering failures. The repair involved replacing the connector and recalibrating the steering pump system. Total cost was 95€ including diagnostic work. Since the fix, the steering has been perfect, responsive and properly weighted. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Does the steering feel heavier at different speeds? When did the warning light first appear? Have you noticed any unusual noises from the steering system? Did you get the error code read? If so, what was it? A proper wheel alignment check might also be worth considering, as misalignment can cause similar symptoms.

Latest service was at 74000km and everything looked good. Thanks for your detailed response. Your experience seems spot-on with what Im experiencing. The steering definitely feels heavier at lower speeds, especially when parking. The warning light showed up about 2 weeks ago, and theres a distinct whining noise from the steering rack when turning at low speeds. Had the codes read at a local shop, got P0915 which points to the gear selector circuit. Weird thing is the steering started acting up before the warning light appeared. The steering wheel shake is most noticeable between 60-80 speed units. Will have them check the wiring connections and pressure hose system first, since your case seems so similar. Good point about the wheel alignment too, its been a while since that was checked.

Thanks for providing those additional details. Your P0915 code and the symptoms timeline make this even more interesting, as it follows a very similar pattern to what I experienced. The whining noise from the steering rack combined with the heavy steering at low speeds strongly suggests a problem with the power steering system pressure. In my case, the faulty wiring connection caused the power steering control module to reduce assist pressure intermittently. A few observations based on my repair experience: The steering wheel shake at those specific speeds often indicates a separate issue with steering components, Check the power steering pressure hose for any signs of wear or leaks, The whining noise typically means the steering rack is struggling due to insufficient power assist After my repair, I learned the steering column and rack assembly should be inspected as a preventive measure. The workshop found some wear in my steering rack bushings that could have caused problems later. Since your last service was at 74000km and showed no issues, the problem likely developed recently. The wiring problem in my case appeared suddenly despite regular maintenance. Would recommend having them: 1. Check all power steering system connections 2. Test the pressure in the steering system 3. Inspect the steering rack for wear 4. Verify the alignment as discussed earlier The total repair cost might be higher than my 95€ if additional components need replacement, but diagnosing the electrical issue first makes sense given the similarities to my case.

Since my last service was at 74000km, I really appreciate this detailed breakdown. The whining noise in the steering rack seems like a serious red flag based on your experience. You make a good point about checking both the electrical connections and mechanical components, I didnt realize the steering column and rack assembly could need separate inspection. The similarity between your repair case and my situation is encouraging. Will definitely have them check the power steering pressure and wiring connections first. Makes sense that the steering wheel shake might be a separate issue that needs addressing. I just checked and noticed a small wet spot near one of the pressure hose fittings, so that might be contributing to the problems too. Going to book it in next week and have them do a complete inspection of the steering system, including that wheel alignment you mentioned. Thanks for outlining the specific checks needed. Really helpful to know what to discuss with the workshop, especially about testing the steering rack pressure and electrical connections. Will report back once I know what they find.