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Citroen C3 Picasso 2011 1.6 VTi - Intermittent Power Steering Failure: Causes & Solutions

Pawelamelk 25212 16
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What can cause intermittent electric power steering failure on a 2011 Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 VTi, and how should it be diagnosed?

Intermittent loss of electric power steering on this Citroen is most likely a fault in the steering controller/module or its power supply, not just a blown fuse. You need to read the fault codes first, because the diagnosis will show what is missing and whether the controller is even reachable [#16681375][#16682617] If the tester cannot see the steering controller, check its power supply, the CAN bus connection, and the fuses in the BSM; the controller is located behind the battery, and the assist module may be under the engine beam and can be affected by water ingress [#16682976][#16681754] One later fix mentioned was a blown relay in the engine module [#20130830] Another owner solved it by sending the steering unit for regeneration: it was checked, repaired, programmed from scratch, and cost about PLN 600 [#20219312]
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  • #1 16681168
    Pawelamelk
    Level 8  
    Posts: 20
    Rate: 27
    Hello. I have a problem with electric power steering citroen c3 picasso 2011 1.6 vti. The problem appeared from nowhere, namely while driving the message fault steering appeared and my assistance turned off. I went aside the station, disconnected the battery for 5 min and nothing. Somehow I got to I changed the fuse at home and everything was ok but only apparently because after 5 days the same. again the same process and I thought it was ok but I barely drove a bit to the store and the support disconnected again ... I did a little shopping and everything ok. after driving a few hundred meters again disconnected, I pulled aside I turned off the engine and again everything ok ... ... what could be the reason for this problem ??? if anyone had a similar problem or knows what it can be, please help. Regards
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  • #2 16681375
    grala1
    VAG group specialist  
    Posts: 9812
    Help: 1495
    Rate: 5036
    I understand that it doesn't burn a fuse.
    Read the errors and you will know what is missing.
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  • #3 16681754
    Pawelamelk
    Level 8  
    Posts: 20
    Rate: 27
    Does not burn the fuse. This morning I got to work without a problem ... my colleague suggested that maybe the module got wet during the rain and hence such circuses
  • #4 16681800
    Strumien swiadomosci swia
    Level 43  
    Posts: 27411
    Help: 1403
    Rate: 6379
    You won't even get close to repair without asking the driver.
  • #5 16682617
    Pawelamelk
    Level 8  
    Posts: 20
    Rate: 27
    I am after a visit to the mechanic and it turned out that the computer does not read the driver driver at all .. any suggestions ??
  • #6 16682679
    andrzej20001
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17696
    Help: 1568
    Rate: 6610
    Change the tester
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  • #7 16682692
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #8 16682933
    Pawelamelk
    Level 8  
    Posts: 20
    Rate: 27
    what do I mean by this ... ?? are you kidding yourself or are you somewhere in the mechanic previously occupying the driver but how could the car be flashing without the driver?
  • #9 16682976
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #10 16683182
    Pawelamelk
    Level 8  
    Posts: 20
    Rate: 27
    I do not know my absurd questions at all here ... but thank you look with a friend of electromechanics what it has done. Can you regenerate this part or rather not have fun playing such things?
  • #11 20091308
    andrzejmorawiec76
    Level 1  
    Posts: 1
    Rate: 11
    hello I have the same problem you managed to solve it
  • #12 20127273
    blankchoice
    Level 2  
    Posts: 4
    Rate: 10
    Has anyone solved this problem? It started for me.
  • #13 20130830
    blankchoice
    Level 2  
    Posts: 4
    Rate: 10
    Citroen C3 Picasso 2011 1.6 VTi - Intermittent Power Steering Failure: Causes & Solutions

    Added after 1 [minute]:

    Blown relay in the engine module.
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  • #14 20219035
    audic5
    Level 12  
    Posts: 41
    Help: 1
    Rate: 52
    hello but you fixed it or bought a new driver
  • #15 20219312
    blankchoice
    Level 2  
    Posts: 4
    Rate: 10
    Sent for regeneration. The cost of PLN 600. Repaired, checked, programmed from scratch and with a guarantee. You put on 2 screws, 3 plugs and a hula.
  • #16 20503304
    lecho320
    Level 1  
    Posts: 1
    You can specify where you regenerated, the matter is quite urgent, the same failure and the car is standing
  • #17 20503671
    blankchoice
    Level 2  
    Posts: 4
    Rate: 10
    motology.pl. ( 48) 782 223 332

    Added after 4 [minutes]:

    You have to unscrew it, throw it, bend the heat shield of the exhaust pipe and bend the pipe to the side by force and it will come out. 2 mechanics pressed me that the engine must be pulled out or the sledge should be knocked down.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around intermittent power steering failure in a 2011 Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 VTi. The user reports a fault message appearing while driving, leading to loss of power steering assistance. Initial troubleshooting included disconnecting the battery and changing fuses, but the issue persisted. Suggestions from other users included checking for moisture in the module, verifying the power supply and fuses, and examining the CAN bus for issues. A mechanic's visit revealed that the steering control module was not being recognized. Some users shared experiences of similar problems, with one mentioning a blown relay and another opting for regeneration of the steering module at a cost of PLN 600, which included repairs and programming. The discussion highlights the importance of proper diagnostics and potential solutions for resolving the power steering issue.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Intermittent EPS loss on a 2011 C3 Picasso often traces to a blown relay or failed module; repair/regeneration ran PLN 600, and “You put on 2 screws, 3 plugs and a hula.” [Elektroda, blankchoice, post #20219312]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps C3 Picasso owners quickly diagnose and fix sudden "Fault steering" cutouts with practical, verified steps.

Quick Facts

What causes the Citroen C3 Picasso “Fault steering” to appear and the assist to drop out?

One confirmed root cause is a blown relay in the engine module feeding the EPS. When the relay fails, the steering assist cuts intermittently or drops out entirely. Addressing the relay or refurbishing the module restores consistent power to the EPS system. [Elektroda, blankchoice, post #20130830]

My scan tool can’t talk to the EPS—where do I start?

Start with basics: verify the EPS controller has power, check the BSM fuses, and confirm CAN bus continuity. If the controller is unpowered or off the CAN, diagnostics will fail. Restore power or network first, then rescan for codes. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16682976]

Where is the EPS module located on the C3 Picasso?

Owners report the steering assist hardware mounted low, under the engine beam/subframe, with tight access from below. Expect heat shields and pipes nearby to constrain removal paths. Plan for under-car access and proper safety stands before attempting removal. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16682976]

Can moisture or rain cause intermittent EPS faults?

Yes. Users observed symptoms after rain, suggesting moisture intrusion can aggravate connections or the module. Drying and resealing help only if the underlying electrical fault is mild. Severe moisture damage requires repair or regeneration. [Elektroda, Pawelamelk, post #16681754]

I replaced a fuse and the EPS worked, but failed again days later—why?

Fuse replacement can temporarily mask an upstream problem. One owner saw the failure return after five days. The true cause often lies in a failing relay, poor power feed, or a compromised module that needs regeneration. [Elektroda, Pawelamelk, post #16681168]

What is the CAN bus in this context?

The CAN bus is the vehicle’s data network linking controllers, including the EPS. If the EPS loses CAN connectivity or power, scan tools cannot communicate. Restoring power and network integrity is mandatory before fault reading. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16682976]

How much does EPS module regeneration cost and what’s included?

One documented service cost PLN 600. It included repair, testing, fresh programming, and a warranty. The owner reinstalled it using two screws and three connectors with quick results. “Programmed from scratch and with a guarantee.” [Elektroda, blankchoice, post #20219312]

How do I remove the EPS module without dropping the subframe?

  1. Unscrew the module from below; access is tight.
  2. Slightly bend the exhaust heat shield and lever the adjacent pipe aside.
  3. Withdraw the unit carefully and disconnect the three plugs. Two shops claimed the engine had to come out; it didn’t. [Elektroda, blankchoice, post #20503671]

Do I need programming after the module is repaired?

Yes. The successful repair case included full reprogramming before return. After refit, the system worked immediately and carried a warranty. This avoids mismatch or coding issues after installation. [Elektroda, blankchoice, post #20219312]

My mechanic’s computer can’t see the EPS. Could the tool be the issue?

Possibly. One reply advised switching testers when the EPS wouldn’t respond. Use a PSA-capable scanner after confirming power and CAN. Tool compatibility affects access to steering and BSI functions. [Elektroda, andrzej20001, post #16682679]

Can I still drive if the electric power steering fails mid‑trip?

Yes, but steering effort increases sharply. An owner continued briefly after assist cutout, then stopped and restarted to restore assist. Drive only to a safe place and fix the root cause promptly. [Elektroda, Pawelamelk, post #16681168]

What early symptoms point to a coming EPS failure?

Watch for the “Fault steering” message, assist cutting out after short drives, and temporary recovery after key-off. Recurrence within days signals a deeper power or module issue rather than a simple fuse. [Elektroda, Pawelamelk, post #16681168]

Is relay replacement a DIY job, or should I send the module out?

A user had the module regenerated by a specialist with testing and coding included. That path avoids micro-soldering or relay spec pitfalls. "Repaired, checked, programmed from scratch and with a guarantee." [Elektroda, blankchoice, post #20219312]

Edge case: Why does my scanner show nothing even though the car drives?

If the EPS controller lacks power, it won’t talk on CAN, yet the car can still move without assist. Restore EPS power feed or BSM fuse integrity, then scan again for fault codes. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16682976]
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