Weird electrical issue in my Polo TSI is affecting the power steering

It is a bit loose / doesn't give the proper weight and feedback & doesn't return to the center with proper force. However, it starts working fine after I drive for about 3-4 km.

BHPian redmachine_2958 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I've been having this weird electrical issue for a while now.

Car : Polo 1.0 TSI AT 2021

The steering weight is not proper for the first few kilometres of drive after a cold start.

1.0 TSI models usually have a pretty stiff steering.

In my case, initially, the steering is a bit loose/doesn't give the proper weight and feedback. It doesn't return to center with proper force as well.

The steering functions properly after I drive for about 3-4 KM.

The issue won't show up for the remainder of the drive. But when I turn off the ignition and let the car rest for 1.5-2 hours, then the same issue will show up again for the next 3-4 KMs.

What is strange is that the stereo I am using (Blaupunkt ft Lauderdale 900) flickers during the first 3-4 KM. The flickering goes away as soon as the steering feedback returns to normal.

Car is under warranty but the service center has no clue about this. They have checked the battery voltage and it is fine.

The battery is new, less than 2 months old. Steering rack is new. Tyres are also new and the subframe, suspension mount etc were checked and reinstalled to make sure this isn't a mechanical issue.

I have checked the stereo and it is perfectly fine when connected to a different power source.

Here's what BHPian Rehaan had to say about the matter:

This is a massive hint, and clearly points to it being an electrical issue.

It could be something like low voltage, but more likely some sort of electrical noise / fluctuations causing this.

Could be something like a malfunctioning alternator, or any other "coil" (eg. motor, magnetic clutch) acting up and causing some harsh EMF.

Maybe as a simple test, have the alternator disconnected (eg. remove belt) and see if it solves the issue.

Here's what BHPian redmachine_2958 replied:

I connected an OBD scanner and the voltage seems ok. 12.X initially and 13.X when the engine is running. I assume that's the normal value.

I just found out that the stereo flickering goes away if I keep the ignition on for a while, without even the engine running. Very weird!

I will definitely check the alternator. Thank you for your input.

Here's what BHPian Rehaan replied:

Ahh... this would probably rule out the alternator then!

Have you tried just temporarily swapping the battery and seeing if that makes a difference?

Also, keep an eye on things like fans in the engine bay.

Disconnecting a few things one by one and then testing could be a good way to try and pinpoint the problem.

Here's what BHPian redmachine_2958 replied:

I installed a new battery 3-4 months ago. The old battery was way worse. Installing a new one reduced the initial time it takes for the problem to settle, whereas the old one would take way too long. Not sure how long.

ASC informed us they noticed rat hair in the engine bay some time ago. Could a rat bite on the wiring harness cause this? Is there a way to identify it apart from checking each wire individually?

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