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Thread: Power Steering Electrical Power Drain

  1. #1
    Regular Member AntB's Avatar
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    Trim : GSi

    Engine : 3.2 V6


    Mileage : 39k

    Question Power Steering Electrical Power Drain

    I noticed an odd thing this evening while reversing onto the drive, my power steering causes my lights (both headlights & interior lights) to dim whenever I turn the steering wheel.

    I noticed the steering pump was very noisy when I first got the car but after a search on the forums I found that to be a trait of the Vec-C's. So, the question is, is the power drain normal or is it a trip to the stealers to see what else they can break?

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    Regular Member BigP's Avatar
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    Yep, perfectly normal. Another feature

    You get used to it. I have only ever noticed it while parking or doing slow manouvers, doesn't appear to happen under normal driving conditions.

    I had the alternator replaced under warranty but apparently there is no fix for it.
    Last one on the list:
    http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showth...ommon+problems

    HTH
    Last edited by BigP; 31st October 2007 at 22:00.

  3. #3
    Regular Member Gsi3.2's Avatar
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    yep 100% normal...that pump can pull up to 90Amps when under fullload, so any alternator will have a hard time keeping the steering at full load as well as lights/heater etc..90A is peak thou, so 99% of the time it's no straining the system.. just when you park ( at lower RPM ) does it have to 'dip' into the batterys reserve capacity to keep all the systems running..thats when you notice the lights dimming....

    100% normal... nothing to worry about..

  4. #4
    Regular Member john_k_sri's Avatar
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    Vehicle : Insignia Grand Sport

    Trim : SRI VX-LINE NAV

    Engine : 1.5T (165)

    Year : 2018

    Mileage : 37000

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    Yes, absolutely normal. The steering on all Vectras and signums except the 2.8T petrol is electro-hydraulic and on engine start up and switch off the electric motor powers up or winds down. If you listen closely you can hear the electric motor winding down as you switch the engine off. Again, nothing to worry about, although I can understand why you think it may not be normal. Can be unnerving at first.

  5. #5
    Regular Member SignumPhil's Avatar
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    I believe there's a VX Field Remedy for it, which just states that it's a known fault, and you have to put up with it!

    Phil

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    Regular Member AntB's Avatar
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    Trim : GSi

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    Ah, thanks chaps! I was about to get out there with my multimeter last night, hoping is wasn't a dicky alternator. I thought I'd throw up a quick thread first after a forum search, and once again, you guys never fail to impress.

    I love this place.

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