lights/steering problem

[ruby90]

First of all hi everyone I'm new on here.
Right my problem... I have a Polo sel 1.6 diesel with either a electrical or steering problem. When you turn the steering wheel with the engine running the lights dim. Once you stop with the steering input the lights go back to normal, when you look at the front lights it looks like you are flashing the lights. Every now and then you can hear a ticking from just below the steering wheel. The lights dim in time with the ticking, it causes all the lights to dim (front/rear/inside). Its driving me mad. Anybody got any ideas.

[PogoCT]

I have the same issue with my car and every other subsequent polo that i have driven in just to check if it wasn't an isolated incident - remember the power steering is electrical and i'm pretty sure that it requires a fair bit of current hence it affecting your lights.

[alexperkins]

If it is as bad as you say, I would take it back to the dealer and get it looked at under warranty.

[ruby90]

Hi, Thanks for the reply. got it booked in for tomorrow so we will see what the stealer says. you can here a relay clicking in time with the lights going dim. so fingers crossed it will be a easy fix.

[jimbo_tdi]

Maybe one of the cars voltage stabiliser fuses have blown and that's what's causing them to dim etc? Just a though.

[ruby90]

Lets hope its that simple. but its doin my head in. everyone thinking I'm flashing my lights at them

[jimbo_tdi]

Did you find out what was wrong with the car?

[rover220]

its quite normal, if your at idle then the steering can easily pull 40 plus amps, this is more than enough to make lights dim momentarily.

[jimbo_tdi]

its quite normal, if your at idle then the steering can easily pull 40 plus amps, this is more than enough to make lights dim momentarily.

I was thinking that it's normal when stationary but is it occurring whilst your driving Ruby?

[vc-10]

Wasn't the steering on the 9n electric too? Because my lights don't dim when I'm steering at idle.

[ruby90]

Having to take ruby back in next week. they need her for at least a full day. there was lots of head scratching from them! not a good sign.
will let you know once we get her back.

[Paul87]

My lights dim also, as did my previous 6R, if you have your window open you can hear the electric motor whirling away when at very low speeds.

[ruby90]

yes I can mate. Also there is a ticking from under the dash near the light switch. And when its ticking the lights dim in time with the ticking. so in all the lights dim with steering input and when the (relay?) ticks. Anyway hopefully will be sorted next week. (fingers crossed)

[ruby90]

Well Ruby's back from the doctors(garage). turns out she had loads of low voltage faults logged. They found a badly corroded earth cable. So........ new cable,software update.
rechecked all wiring and earths. Its a common fault and carries a vw tpi, Ruby is two months out of warranty so £321 later
So now a email to vw uk, if its a known fault why should we pay for repairs two months out of warranty.

[rover220]

So now a email to vw uk, if its a known fault why should we pay for repairs two months out of warranty.

its called life!