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How to Save the Electric Power Steering on a Fiat Punto 188

Model: Fiat Punto MK 2, 188 - Years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Part: Checks and maintenance

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Video tutorial

To repair the electric power steering - and access the control unit of the Punto 188 - you need to remove the plastic shield protecting the steering by unscrewing the 4 Torx screws that hold the shield together, two at the bottom and two at the top. The control unit is located at the back.

Remove the clip to which the ignition switch cables are connected, and then remove the metal protective screen by taking out the three bolts that hold it in place.

Now you can see the control unit, whose contacts can easily oxidise. Assuming this is the problem, spray the connectors with a release agent and see what happens.

If it doesn’t work, consider opening the control unit. But for now, start with the high-current connectors, then the sensor connectors.

De-oxidise all the contacts to check if this is the issue. Do not spray oil; instead, lubricate each one with a brush, using WD-40. Reinsert the various connectors.

Before reassembling the screen, try to restart the car to see what it indicates. The power steering seems to be working fine, and the warning light has turned off. You can reassemble everything.


Updated on 6 August 2026 by ScegliAuto


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by ScegliAuto

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