Quote:
Originally Posted by Tomking
This is the sequence of the event:
I accelerated hard pulling from 60 KM/H to 80 and up to possibly 120 KM/H to over take few cars. During this time I noticed the steering became stiff. I have been driving like this through this freeway on a daily basis and did not noticed any issue previously so I thought it was normal...
Immediately after the acceleration, I came into a sharp bend. Unsuspected of the problem I tried to steer the car as normal but was shocked when found that the steering was not turning (or resist turning). I was breaking and turning the vehicle but ended up on the opposite lane luckily there was no incoming car. At this point I could see the Power Steering malfunction light has came on on the Odometer.
I was able to steer the car inch by inch back into my lane then stop the car. I then waited for 5 sec and turn on the car again but the malfunction power steering light was still on and the steering was still heavy.
I then stop the car again and waited for 10 sec, this time the malfunction light disappeared. I was able to drive for another 10 mins then the problem and the malfunction light came on again.
I repeated the previous procedure and was able to reached home (under 10 mins) and park the car until the morning.
The next morning I started the car but the problem seem to have gone away. I took it to Toyota and they too could not reproduce the problem. They wanted to give me the car back as it was but I refused to accept it and complained to Toyota Australia. It took them a full day to get back to me and the decision was to replace the electric Power steering unit and the ECU controlling the steering.
Now, for though who has missed the important part of this thread is that the Power Steering faulty light did come on ...twice... followed a beep sound so this is a real problem and not my imagination. It may have been a single incident but this could happen again to anyone of you out there.
Just to make it clear that I do not seek any attention or defame the 86 because I still love it to death despite what has happened ....
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If I had to wager, I would guess you had a faulty unit, and replacement was the correct path, and you were fortunate that Toyota Australia took your side. Faulty pieces happen, and I am willing to bet this is an isolated incident, as this is the first time I have heard something like this happening.