Power steering problem

[crankedup]

Our daily hack, Skoda fabia 1.9tdi is developing a mysterious fault. The car is a 2003 model with electric power steering. When I start the car from cold and move off the steering is not powered for about 10 or 15 seconds and then power steps in and all is fine for rest of journey.
I don’t intend to spend much money on the problem as it’s likely for the scrappie soon. But If its an easy fix it may give us another year. Advise and comment please.

[DuraAce]

Electro/hydraulic on those isn't it?..... Fluid level ok? No leaks from the reservoir?

Car battery in good nick? Weak battery will give you issues.

Get vcds out similar on it and scan for codes and have a look some data....

Read through this lot for more ideas.....
https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/186217-fabia...

[crankedup]

DuraAce said:

Electro/hydraulic on those isn't it?..... Fluid level ok? No leaks from the reservoir?

Car battery in good nick? Weak battery will give you issues.

Get vcds out similar on it and scan for codes and have a look some data....

Read through this lot for more ideas.....
https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/186217-fabia...

Thanks for comments and link. I am checking the fluid level atm, of course one bolt is seized in so I can’t remove the battery box. Given it a dose of plus gas and having a cuppa whilst it (hopefully) works it’s magic.
I don’t think it’s an electrical problem as sensor hasn’t lit up and battery is in very good order. Hopefully fluid level low and no leaks found at the moment.

[paintman]

Fully charge the battery with a battery charger & see what happens.
I'm wondering if starting is just dropping the battery a bit too low until the alternator brings it back up.

[crankedup]

Good suggestion paintman, but I’m pleased to say that I managed to get to the power steering slave cylinder and found that it was low on fluid.Topped it up and it seems to have fixed the problem. I will know for sure in the morning when I try a cold start, hopefully be OK. If not your suggestion could be the answer.
Devil of a job getting to the slave cylinder, remove battery, remove air filter, remove the housings to reveal slave cylinder. What a fath!

Thanks for inputs chaps