FAQ
TL;DR: Clio II got factory electric power steering in 2001, and “without the shaft position sensor the support will not start.” [Elektroda, milejow, post #16973469]
Why it matters: This FAQ shows how to choose between electric, hydraulic, and electrohydraulic options and wire them correctly for a 1999 Clio II.
Quick Facts
- Factory EPS appeared on Clio II Phase II (from 2001); 1999 cars lack it from factory. [Elektroda, milejow, post #16973469]
- EPS needs steering shaft position sensing plus engine-run and vehicle-speed inputs; it’s progressive by speed. [Elektroda, milejow, post #16973469]
- Engine-run signal can be taken as the tach signal to the cluster (e.g., Sirius32 pin 70). [Elektroda, milejow, post #16973629]
- Popular retrofit: Astra G electrohydraulic pump with 4 wires (+, −, IGN, alternator lamp). [Elektroda, andrzej20001, post #16972736]
- Saxo pump needs a high-current OEM relay; it runs whenever IGN powers the relay. [Elektroda, smutekh, post #16977673]
What parts do I need to add electric power steering (EPS) to a 1999 Clio II?
You need the EPS steering column with motor, a compatible rack (with shaft position sensor), the EPS controller, and the correct connector blocks. This is the baseline “set” for an original-style electric assist swap. Without the compatible rack and controller, the system will not initialize. “Find the VISU schematics… you will have everything exactly described.” [Elektroda, milejow, post #16973814]
Will my original 1999 mechanical rack work with EPS?
No. The EPS requires a steering shaft position sensor on the rack. Without that sensor, the support will not start. Pre‑2001 Clio II racks typically lack the required sensing hardware, so plan on swapping the rack with a compatible unit. [Elektroda, milejow, post #16973469]
What inputs does the Clio EPS need to operate?
Besides power and ignition, the EPS controller needs an engine‑running signal and vehicle speed. The assist is progressive with speed, so missing signals prevent start‑up or force limp behavior. That’s why proper wiring to ignition, tach, and speed sources matters. [Elektroda, milejow, post #16973469]
Where do I tap the engine‑running signal for EPS on Clio II?
Use the rotation (tach) signal that feeds the instrument cluster; it’s available from the ECU as noted on Sirius32 pin 70. Route that to the EPS controller’s engine‑run input as per the VISU diagram for your variant. [Elektroda, milejow, post #16973629]
Can I avoid EPS and fit a hydraulic system with an electric pump instead?
Yes. Keep or fit a hydraulic rack and drive it with an electrohydraulic pump, such as the Astra G unit. That pump uses four connections: battery positive, battery negative, ignition‑switched positive, and alternator lamp signal for control. [Elektroda, andrzej20001, post #16972736]
Which electric pump is commonly used and how many wires does it need?
An Opel/Vauxhall Astra G electrohydraulic pump is a common choice. It requires four wires: +12 V, ground, ignition‑switched +12 V, and the alternator lamp signal. This simple interface eases retrofits where full EPS integration is impractical. [Elektroda, andrzej20001, post #16972736]
Will a Saxo electrohydraulic pump work with my stock mechanical rack?
No. The Saxo unit powers a hydraulic rack. If your rack is purely mechanical, there’s nowhere for hydraulic pressure to act. Swap to a hydraulic rack first, or choose a true EPS column and matching rack. [Elektroda, milejow, post #16980541]
How should I wire a Saxo pump so it runs only with the engine on?
Use an ignition‑controlled high‑current OEM relay to feed the pump’s positive lead. Connect the pump negative directly to battery ground. The relay’s coil gets ignition +12 V, so the pump runs when the engine is on. Avoid light‑duty universal relays. [Elektroda, smutekh, post #16977673]
Is there an EPS option that can run with minimal signals for swaps (e.g., tractors)?
Yes. Install EPS from Megane II. It can start after power alone in an emergency mode, which simplifies non‑OEM uses. Full functionality still needs proper vehicle signals for progressive assist. “In tractors, they mount support from Megane II.” [Elektroda, milejow, post #16973469]
From what year did Clio II have factory EPS?
Clio II received factory EPS starting with Phase II in 2001. Earlier Phase I cars, like 1999 models, did not get electric assist from the factory. Plan retrofits accordingly to match components across phases. [Elektroda, milejow, post #16973469]
Where can I find exact pinouts and connector references for this retrofit?
Consult the Renault VISU wiring schematics for your model and year. They show connector references, pin numbers, and wire colors for EPS, instrument cluster, and ECU links. Use these diagrams to avoid guesswork. [Elektroda, milejow, post #16973814]
Will my alternator handle the added load from an electrohydraulic pump?
The thread does not state alternator capacity. It notes the pump’s alternator lamp input among the four wires. Use the lamp signal for control and verify current draw versus your alternator’s rating before installation. [Elektroda, andrzej20001, post #16972736]
How do I wire an Astra G electrohydraulic pump? (3‑step)
- Connect heavy +12 V and ground directly to the battery via appropriate fusing and cable gauge.
- Run an ignition‑switched +12 V line to the pump’s IGN input.
- Connect the alternator lamp signal wire to the pump’s control input.
[Elektroda, andrzej20001, post #16972736]
What’s a CAN bus, and do I need it for these swaps?
CAN bus is a vehicle network linking modules. The Astra G and Saxo pumps described here use simple discrete wires, not CAN. The Megane II EPS can start in emergency mode with only power, though full features expect vehicle signals. [Elektroda, milejow, post #16973469]
What’s an EPS “progressive” assist map?
Progressive assist means lighter steering at low speed and firmer feel at high speed. The EPS controller adjusts torque based on vehicle speed input. Missing speed input can prevent start‑up or force fail‑safe behavior. [Elektroda, milejow, post #16973469]
What failure modes should I watch for when retrofitting?
Common issues include no‑start assist from a missing rack sensor, no engine‑run signal, or absent speed input. Mismatched components—like a mechanical rack with a hydraulic pump—will not work. Verify each required signal before final assembly. [Elektroda, milejow, post #16973469]
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