If you’re experiencing a ‘Power Steering Fault’ alert on your Peugeot 207, accompanied by difficulty turning the steering wheel, you’ve come to the right place.
Based on my experience as an automotive technician, it seems that this is a widespread problem among the 207 Peugeot models.
In this article, I will explain the meaning behind this fault message, its primary cause, and the necessary actions to resolve it.
Peugeot Power Steering Explained
To understand what ‘power steering fault’ means on your Peugeot 207, it’s important to know what power steering is and what it does in your car.
In short, this technology eases the effort you need to steer the car, using a hydraulic or electric system to aid in turning the wheels.
When you rotate the steering wheel, the system kicks in, multiplying the force you apply and making it easier to steer.
Now, there are a couple of different types of power steering you might come across.
- Hydraulic Power Steering
- Electric Power Steering (EPS)
As you drive your Peugeot around, it’s power steering that’s helping you smoothly navigate those winding roads or tight city corners with ease.
What Does Power Steering Fault Mean on a Peugeot 207?
Now that I have explained what the power steering is and what it does on your Peugeot.
Let’s look at what it means when “power steering fault” comes on your dashboard/instrument cluster.
Put simply; this alert means that something is wrong with your power steering system. Your Peugeot 207 uses the EPS system, which is an electric motor that assists you in turning the wheels.
This is also connected to your PCM (powertrain control module), which is the brain of your car.
If there is an issue with one or more components of the power steering, then the PCM will pick this up, and then you will get a power steering fault alert on your dashboard.
What Causes Peugeot 207 “Power Steering Fault”?
Now, let’s look at the causes of this fault. Technically there are a lot of different things that can cause this issue.
However, since this is a common problem that many people have with their Peugeot 207, there is more than enough data to suggest that the most common cause of this issue is a damaged Electric Power Steering Motor.
The EPS motor on your Peaugeot is responsible for reducing the physical effort that a driver would otherwise need to turn the steering wheel, especially when the car is moving at low speeds or is stopped.
Unlike traditional hydraulic power steering systems, the electric power steering system relies on an electric motor instead of a hydraulic pump.
This motor is connected to the steering gear or rack, and when the driver turns the steering wheel, sensors identify the motion and the level of assistance required.
The EPS is prone to fail prematurely on a 207. In fact, this issue forced Peugeot to extend its warranty for the steering system, covering it for up to 8 years.
How to Fix Peugeot 207 “Power Steering Fault” Warning
Lastly, let’s look at how to fix and reset this problem on your 207. Now that you know that, in order to fix the problem, the EPS motor needs to be replaced.
1. Call/Visit the Nearest Peugeot Dealer
The first thing I recommend you do is to call your Peugeot dealership if your Peugeot 207 has less than 100 000 KM (62 000 Miles) on it.
If the car has less than 100 000 KM on the odometer, then you should be able to get this fixed for free.
2. Go to an Independent Auto Repair Garage
If your 207 is over 8 years old and over 100 000 KM, then I recommend that you go to a qualified garage instead of the dealer because the price can be quite high.
Typically a new steering rack that comes with a motor will cost £500-750 ($640-900). If you opt for a reconditioned one, you can expect to pay £300-350.
Additional Sources:
https://www.bosch-mobility.com/en/solutions/steering/electric-power-steering-systems/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_steering
https://www.ecutesting.com/common-faults/peugeot/peugeot-207-power-steering-fault/
https://www.peugeotforums.com/threads/207-power-steering-fault.320617/