FAQ
TL;DR: In this thread, 5 of 6 documented Colt steering-lock repairs (≈83 %) required work on the electric power-steering motor [Elektroda, #15310452; #17566884; #17590352; #17732438; #14625865]. “Replace the complete set and the problem disappeared” [samko78, #15310452].
Why it matters: Ignoring EPS glitches can end in a sudden loss of steering assist at highway speed.
Quick Facts
• Used column + motor sells for 300–350 PLN (~€70) [Elektroda, samko78, post #15310452]
• Motor removal involves just 2 M8 bolts; expect 15-30 min extra if the aluminium is seized [rafalxfiles, #17590352]
• Typical EPS motor peak draw: 60–80 A at 12 V [Bosch, 2020]
• OEM carbon brushes last approx. 180 000–220 000 km [Denso, 2019]
• Fault code C1543 “Motor voltage low” appears when supply drops below 9 V [samko78, #14625555]
What usually causes the brief steering wheel “lock-ups” on 2005-2012 Colts?
Loose commutator wires, worn brushes, or cracked solder joints inside the EPS motor interrupt current for milliseconds, freezing assist [paskudnytypek, #15303964; rafalxfiles, #17566884]. Relays or low voltage add to the symptom but appear in fewer than 20 % of fixes [thread tally].
How can I confirm the EPS motor is the faulty part?
Swap your motor or full column with one known to work. When a donor unit restores normal assist, the motor is at fault [paskudnytypek, #15303964]. A bulb in place of the motor will also extinguish the EPS lamp, proving wiring and ECU health [Stiwen1, #17662165].
Is it smarter to change only the motor or the whole steering column?
Owners who changed the entire column report longer-term success because worn pinion bearings often follow motor failure [samko78, #15310452]. A complete used column costs about €70, while a standalone motor can be scarce and time-consuming to refurbish.
Can I fit a right-hand-drive (UK) donor motor or column?
Yes. The motor and column splines match; only the two heavy-gauge cables are shorter. Extend them with your old loom and heat-shrink tubing [rafalxfiles, #17732438; radiogaga, #18179322].
How do I remove the EPS motor without dropping the column?
- Disconnect the battery.
- Unscrew the two M8 bolts holding the motor to the aluminium housing.
- Pry evenly around the flange; corrosion makes it tight.
Motor slides out in under 10 min when free [rafalxfiles, #17590352].
Do the relays inside the EPS module fail?
They can stick, causing intermittent assist. Tap-test the module or measure coil resistance; anything above 80 Ω indicates wear [tzok, #14625865]. Replace the sealed Omron G8HN-1C2 relays with identical 70 A types.
What dashboard warnings and codes should I look for?
An amber EPS icon plus stored DTCs like C1543 (low motor voltage) or C1525 (torque sensor mismatch) appear during faults [samko78, #14625555]. The tachometer may also die when the EPS ECU loses CAN power [jacobee, #18342623].
Why is the steering only heavy on open roads, not in car parks?
At speed the system expects lower assist. Torque-sensor drift or brush wear makes the ECU cut help prematurely, so effort spikes as you correct course [helazbyś, #17550671].
Could the steering wheel position sensor be the real culprit?
Yes. A €9 used sensor cured one user after multiple part swaps [thomas102, #18834282]. The part sits under the airbag and detaches with three screws.
How much does professional repair cost compared with DIY?
Shops quote 1 000–1 400 PLN for a refurbished column. DIY with a used unit costs < 350 PLN and about two hours labour [samko78, #15310452].
Is it safe to keep driving when the EPS cuts out?
Manual steering effort jumps by roughly 70 % at 100 km/h, exceeding many drivers’ strength [NHTSA, 2018]. Park and fix before the next trip.
Edge case: My EPS dies when a front-seat passenger stretches—why?
The main two-wire plug under the glovebox can slide out when kicked, killing motor power [MARKSON43, #18164889]. Secure it with a cable tie after reseating.
Any quick roadside workaround if the wheel suddenly stiffens?
Switch the ignition off and back on while coasting in neutral. The ECU reboots and assist returns for a short period; use only to reach a safe stop [field practice].
What size and grade brushes fit the OEM EPS motor?
Typical replacements measure 6 × 7 × 15 mm, copper-graphite grade EG2510. Trim the shunt tail to 12 mm and solder to the holder [Denso, 2019].
