When the power steering suddenly fails or the exhaust system of your Volkswagen Touran starts showing fault signals, an immediate inspection is essential. These problems occur regularly and can seriously affect the safety and performance of your car. Recognise the warning signs. Know what you can do before a minor issue turns into an expensive repair.
Power steering not working on VW Touran: what are the solutions?
A failing power steering system reveals itself through an abrupt change in steering behaviour. The steering wheel suddenly feels heavy, as if it is stuck. At the same time, a warning light appears on the dashboard. This makes driving your Touran considerably more difficult, especially at low speeds or when parking.
The most common causes are found in the electrical supply. A weak battery can disrupt the power supply. A faulty alternator or poor connections also lead to problems. This can cause the steering assistance to cut out suddenly. Always start by checking the battery. The voltage should be above 12.6V when the engine is switched off.
Communication problems with the control unit are also common. If there is no connection to the steering control unit, this points to a defective control module. A control module is only considered faulty if the wiring is intact. Use an OBD scanner to read out the fault codes. Codes related to the steering angle sensor can sometimes be temporarily resolved with a reset. Permanent repair, however, requires professional diagnosis.
On models with hydraulic power steering, a worn belt can be the culprit. Check the belt for cracks or frayed areas. A damaged belt reduces the efficiency of the pump and makes the steering heavier. If in doubt, replace the belt immediately.
“ Lambda sensors are prone to wear and should be replaced once the mileage exceeds 100,000 km. ”
Exhaust system fault VW Touran warning light on
A warning light for the exhaust system often appears in combination with loss of power. This problem is usually related to sensors or the catalytic converter. On Touran diesel engines, a clogged diesel particulate filter is common, especially if you mainly drive short distances.
Symptoms range from visible smoke to reduced performance. Faulty gaskets or a failing catalytic converter cause leaks. You will notice this from a smell or abnormal noises from the exhaust. If you drive a diesel, check the system for soot build-up.
Sensor faults activate the so-called limp mode. The engine then reduces its power to prevent damage. This occurs more often on older Tourans with a particulate filter. Lambda sensors are prone to wear and should be replaced once the mileage exceeds 100,000 km. This not only improves emissions, but also fuel consumption.
Squeaking noises from exhaust on Touran 1.2 TSI
Squeaking or whistling noises from the exhaust of a Touran 1.2 TSI often indicate a leak in the system. The cause is usually worn gaskets between exhaust components. Because of vibrations and temperature fluctuations, these gaskets become damaged.
Another possible cause is a small crack in the exhaust pipe itself. A crack in the exhaust pipe can develop due to corrosion or mechanical damage. This process is accelerated particularly in winter, when roads are treated with salt. Have the exhaust system visually inspected to find the exact source of the noise.
On some 1.2 TSI engines, the squeaking also comes from the turbocharger or the blow-off system. These components vent excess pressure. If the squeaking mainly occurs while accelerating or when lifting off the throttle, the cause may lie with the turbocharger or the blow-off system. A garage can confirm this with a diagnostic test.
How do I reset a power steering fault code on a Touran?
Resetting a power steering fault code can provide temporary relief, but it does not always resolve the underlying cause. You need an OBD scanner to read and clear the codes. Connect the device to the diagnostic port, which you will usually find under the steering wheel on the driver’s side.
First read the fault code before clearing it. Write the code down so you can look it up or pass it on to a mechanic. Common codes are related to the steering angle sensor or communication errors with the control module. After clearing the code, start the engine and turn the steering wheel a few times from full left lock to full right lock.
Turning the steering wheel from left to right helps the system to recalibrate. Note: if the fault code returns immediately, there is a hardware fault. In that case, a reset will not solve anything. Professional repair is then necessary. Around 30 percent of owners report that a software update at the dealer resolves the problem permanently.
Safety and preventive measures
If the power steering fails, safety is the top priority. Drive slowly and avoid sharp turns. The risk of an accident increases significantly when you can no longer steer smoothly. Find a safe place to stop as soon as possible and call in professional help.
Preventive maintenance avoids many problems. Regularly check the following:
- Power steering fluid level on hydraulic systems
- Condition of the drive belt for cracks or wear
- Fuses and earth connections for electrical components
- Software updates at the dealer for up-to-date systems
For the exhaust system, preventive cleaning with additives helps, especially if you mainly drive short journeys. This prevents soot build-up in the filter. Replace lambda sensors in good time to avoid emission problems and loss of power. Use a high-quality battery to minimise electrical faults in the power steering system.
Costs and experiences of Touran owners
The cost of repairing power steering problems varies widely. A simple reset or software update costs between €50 and €150. Replacing the control module can run from €300 to €800, depending on the type and the labour rates at your garage.
Owners of the Touran 1.9 TDI report that this model is particularly prone to power steering problems, especially on cold starts. Monitor the system extra carefully in winter. After a battery replacement, several owners recommend having the steering system recalibrated. If not, warning messages may return.
For exhaust system repairs you should expect between €200 and €600, depending on which component has to be replaced. A complete catalytic converter or particulate filter is considerably more expensive than a gasket or sensor. Always ask for a diagnosis before agreeing to a repair so you know exactly what needs to be done.
Discover more about your Touran
Power steering and the exhaust system are complex components that require regular maintenance and attention. By recognising symptoms in good time and having them checked professionally, you can avoid costly repairs and unsafe situations. On the Carnews website you will find much more information about common car problems, maintenance tips and experiences from other car enthusiasts. Discover more about your Touran and stay informed about practical solutions for all models.
Frequently asked questions
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The error message “[object Object]” indicates that somewhere in the code or website a JavaScript object is being shown directly as text instead of a readable error message. This is usually a programming error: the object first needs to be converted to a string, for example using `JSON.stringify(error)` or by showing a specific property such as `error.message`. In practice this means that the real error message is hidden behind this generic text. The solution therefore lies with the developer, who must correct the error handling.
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The “[object Object]” message means that something is going wrong in the software or website you are using: instead of readable text, an internal data object is shown. This is almost certainly due to a programming error or bug in the application, not to your car or a physical fault. Try refreshing the page, using a different browser or updating the app, and if that does not help contact the developer or helpdesk with a screenshot. Without a correct error message it is not possible to give a specific technical diagnosis (for example about power steering or the exhaust).