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[Solved] Smart ForFour 2005: Locating Auto Power Steering Controller - Assist Driver Inquiry

spinacz 14655 17
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Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
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  • #1 16784432
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    Hello.
    Colleagues, as in the topic where is the auto power steering controller 2005
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  • #2 16785100
    Tomcio192
    Level 8  
    look at the fuse box in the glove box
  • #3 16785467
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    Left side at the driver's feet?
  • #4 16785496
    coperfild
    Level 35  
    On the right, in front of the passenger's legs, the engine in the steering gear is usually dead.
  • #5 16785588
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    The first diagnosis in the workshop that he repaired was with the engine, they checked the brushes ok, the engine ok, they replaced the controller.
    The car drove 3 months and the same thing again, but my car, error in support C1541, suggestion of the service manual, replacement of the controller.
  • #6 16790874
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    The controller turns out to be rather ok, at the output of the engine gives voltage, but you do not feel it on the steering wheel, the option of the damaged engine comes back, on Saturday I will go to it and check it myself.
    Colleagues, do you know what the engine is like, how to look for it? Will it come from some other car?
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  • #7 16792167
    radiogaga
    Service technician RTV  
    The engine has a manufacturing defect. Look for a Mitsubishi Colt, preferably from an Englishman with low mileage. It is the same power steering. Yes, it will fail in a while.
  • #8 16792315
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    What's raining there? In general, now you have to jerk the steering wheel hard to activate.
  • #9 16793534
    radiogaga
    Service technician RTV  
    As I wrote, it is a defect of the engine and its interruption in the initial phase, then complete loss of work.
  • #10 16793766
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    But is it the brushes' fault? Commutator? Windings?
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  • #11 16794817
    radiogaga
    Service technician RTV  
    Winding fault.
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  • #12 16794829
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    I found an advertisement on the Allegro that a certain company regenerates the engine and controller for PLN 1400 and gives a lifetime warranty, I wonder if they rewind or display some other engine and possibly some mechanical reduction that would fit.
  • #13 16796523
    radiogaga
    Service technician RTV  
    Sure BBA R .... There are a lot of drivers for PLN 50. There is a big problem with dismantling the engine. The screw is connected hot. The rotor is a total failure.
  • #14 16796619
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    The driver is ok because I put the second and the same, and as I wrote earlier, after the intervention of other mechanics who allegedly dismantled the engine and replaced the computer, the car ran about 3 months.
  • #15 16796698
    licho23
    Level 20  
    Can the torque sensor itself be repaired / replaced in this support? The sensor does not work and the assistance is also turned off.
  • #16 16799152
    radiogaga
    Service technician RTV  
    Former computer diagnosis? If you have a donor, sensor replacement is not troublesome. Calibration is important.
  • #17 16800613
    licho23
    Level 20  
    Checked, diagnosed - sensor released
  • #18 17001806
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    The car did not come to me anymore, there was no opportunity to dismantle the engine.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around locating the auto power steering controller in a 2005 Smart ForFour. Participants suggest checking the fuse box in the glove compartment and the area near the driver's feet. Issues with the power steering system are highlighted, including a recurring error code C1541, indicating a potential need for controller replacement. Diagnoses reveal that the engine in the steering gear may be defective, with recommendations to source a replacement from a Mitsubishi Colt due to compatibility. The conversation also touches on the possibility of repairing or replacing the torque sensor and the importance of calibration after such replacements. Various mechanical failures, including winding faults and issues with brushes and commutators, are discussed, along with options for regeneration services for the engine and controller.

FAQ

TL;DR: Typical controller sits near the passenger footwell; some replacement "drivers" cost around PLN 50, and "The rotor is a total failure." [Elektroda, radiogaga, post #16796523]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps Smart ForFour 2005 owners quickly locate and diagnose EPS faults without guesswork.

Quick Facts

Where is the Smart ForFour 2005 electric power steering controller located?

Owners report finding the EPS controller/motor assembly on the right side, in front of the passenger’s legs. Remove the lower trim to access it. Some users also peek at the glovebox fuse area for related circuits, but the working location callout is the passenger footwell. [Elektroda, coperfild, post #16785496]

Does fault code C1541 mean I must replace the EPS controller?

One owner saw C1541 with a service manual suggestion to replace the controller. Their shop swapped the controller, but the issue returned after months. Treat C1541 as a starting point. Confirm motor health and torque sensor data before buying parts. [Elektroda, spinacz, post #16785588]

Is the common failure the controller or the motor on ForFour/Colt EPS?

Community diagnosis points to the motor as the usual culprit. Repeated cases cite a manufacturing defect that begins with intermittent assist and progresses to loss of assist. An expert summarized the root cause as a winding fault. [Elektroda, radiogaga, post #16792167]

What exactly fails inside the EPS motor?

Reports cite a winding fault and rotor failure. Over time, the defect causes interruption and then complete loss of assistance. As one expert put it: “Winding fault.” Inspect windings and rotor before assuming the ECU is bad. [Elektroda, radiogaga, post #16794817]

How can I quickly confirm the EPS motor is at fault?

One user measured that the controller delivered voltage to the motor, yet no steering assist was felt. That observation implicates the motor assembly. If power delivery is present at the motor but assist is absent, prioritize motor teardown or swap. [Elektroda, spinacz, post #16790874]

Can I swap in a Mitsubishi Colt unit as a donor?

Yes. The Mitsubishi Colt uses the same EPS setup. A low‑mileage donor from a right‑hand‑drive car is recommended. Verify connectors and mounting points before installation, then calibrate if you swap the torque sensor. [Elektroda, radiogaga, post #16792167]

Why did a replacement controller fix my EPS only for 3 months?

A member reported the car drove about 3 months after a controller swap, then failed again. That pattern suggests the controller was not the root cause. Investigate motor windings and rotor condition to avoid repeat failures. [Elektroda, spinacz, post #16796619]

What are signs I’m dealing with an early‑stage motor defect?

Assist may engage only after you sharply jerk the steering wheel. This intermittent behavior can precede complete loss of assist. Do not ignore it; plan a motor inspection or donor swap to prevent sudden failure. [Elektroda, spinacz, post #16792315]

Is removing the EPS motor difficult on this platform?

Yes. An experienced member warns of a major removal challenge. A critical screw is hot‑connected, and the rotor is considered a total failure point. Plan time, heat, and proper tools before attempting. [Elektroda, radiogaga, post #16796523]

Can the torque sensor be replaced or calibrated separately?

Yes. With a donor unit, replacing the torque sensor is not troublesome. Perform a proper calibration afterward, or the assist will not behave correctly. Scan for faults first to confirm the sensor is the issue. [Elektroda, radiogaga, post #16799152]

What happens if the torque sensor itself fails?

If the torque sensor stops working, the EPS disables assistance entirely as a safety behavior. Confirm with a diagnostic scan and live data. Replace the sensor and calibrate to restore proper function. [Elektroda, licho23, post #16796698]

Is there a budget path if my controller seems dead?

One expert noted that used controllers can be found for about PLN 50. Verify part numbers and test before installation. Remember that many no‑assist cases trace back to the motor, not the controller. [Elektroda, radiogaga, post #16796523]

Are commercial rebuilds worthwhile for this EPS?

A listing mentioned engine and controller regeneration for about PLN 1400 with a lifetime warranty claim. Evaluate the provider’s reputation and what components they actually rewind or replace. Request calibration support details. [Elektroda, spinacz, post #16794829]

How do I diagnose a no‑assist condition quickly?

  1. Run a computer diagnosis and record codes and live torque data.
  2. If a donor is available, swap the torque sensor to A/B test.
  3. Calibrate the sensor after replacement and retest assist engagement. “Calibration is important.” [Elektroda, radiogaga, post #16799152]

What’s an edge case I should watch for before condemning parts?

If the controller outputs motor voltage but you feel no assist, suspect the motor despite a controller‑related code. This scenario appeared in the thread and led back to the motor assembly. [Elektroda, spinacz, post #16790874]
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