Chimney
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2002
- Location
- Central Mass.
- TDI
- '00 Jetta TDI 5spd 275k => '06 Jetta TDI SE DSG (RIP 177k) => '13 Passat TDI SEL Premium
2006 Jetta 144,000 miles no recent service besides oil change.
I noticed the indicator light last week when I started the car heading home from the office. The car was parked where it usually resides, however the outside temp was high 80's. I started the car, the light was yellow, I drove on home. On the way the indicator went out. Later the night after arriving home, we had to go out for an errand and the light did not reappear. So I figured it was a fluke. I read the owners manual and learned yellow means 'there is a problem in the electro-mechanical power steering.'
This weekend I was city driving at slow speeds and I noticed the light was back on yellow. I'm pretty sure at one point I saw the indicator turn from yellow to red briefly and then back to yellow. It remainded yellow for the next 20 or so miles. While yellow, I seem to notice a bit more resistance when steering, as if the power steering was disabled. After parking for a few hours, jumped in and drove home - no light whatsoever. Hmm.
Today I left work, it was a hot one here at 90 degrees. I started it up, yellow indicator, no noticeable steering resitstance. I drove a couple of miles and got on the highway, then it turned red and stayed there. This has me more worried. I have NOT seen a flashing red or heard any audible beeps.
So, I'm not sure if a call into a local shop is due. I don't have a vagcom here but can get one in the next week or two. Seeing this intermittently but more frequently has got me nervous.
No odors, no odd sounds, no leaks underneath (I see water from the air conditioner on the ground), no other unusual symptoms or behaviors.
Suggestions on where to start troubleshooting? Appreciate the assitance.
I noticed the indicator light last week when I started the car heading home from the office. The car was parked where it usually resides, however the outside temp was high 80's. I started the car, the light was yellow, I drove on home. On the way the indicator went out. Later the night after arriving home, we had to go out for an errand and the light did not reappear. So I figured it was a fluke. I read the owners manual and learned yellow means 'there is a problem in the electro-mechanical power steering.'
This weekend I was city driving at slow speeds and I noticed the light was back on yellow. I'm pretty sure at one point I saw the indicator turn from yellow to red briefly and then back to yellow. It remainded yellow for the next 20 or so miles. While yellow, I seem to notice a bit more resistance when steering, as if the power steering was disabled. After parking for a few hours, jumped in and drove home - no light whatsoever. Hmm.
Today I left work, it was a hot one here at 90 degrees. I started it up, yellow indicator, no noticeable steering resitstance. I drove a couple of miles and got on the highway, then it turned red and stayed there. This has me more worried. I have NOT seen a flashing red or heard any audible beeps.
So, I'm not sure if a call into a local shop is due. I don't have a vagcom here but can get one in the next week or two. Seeing this intermittently but more frequently has got me nervous.
No odors, no odd sounds, no leaks underneath (I see water from the air conditioner on the ground), no other unusual symptoms or behaviors.
Suggestions on where to start troubleshooting? Appreciate the assitance.