Faulty Earth Strap

[BJB]

Some information which may be of interest / use to others in the future.

Rav4 has just been in to dealer to check a Power Steering alarm. Symptoms were 'red P/R' fault light and although the power steering worked. the steering very heavy but drivable. I have in the past, had a complete failure of the power steering when I lost a drive belt. Then I could hardly turn the wheel.

Fault came on when starting in the morning. Restarting after a run, no alarm.

Dealer has diagnosed a corroded engine earth strap and a replacement is on order (Toyota approved used warranty).

I am thinking that the high resistance of the corroded strap meant there was a higher than normal voltage drop when starting a cold engine which brought up the alarm. Starting a warm engine would require less current therefore the voltage drop would not have been as much so no alarm.

Any thoughts re the diagnosis?

Bryan

[bothwell_buyer]

I've had problems with the earth strap corroding. Got 2 more fitted. I think it may be more common than folk think - depending on how old the car is.