Jaguar Power Steering Failure, Common Sensor Problem Fix

I faced a very similar issue with my 2006 Jaguar S Type diesel last year. As someone with moderate experience working on cars, I initially thought it was a mechanical power steering problem. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I experienced, heavy steering, inconsistent power assist, and stability control acting up. The root cause turned out to be a faulty steering angle sensor coding in the steering column. The workshop ran a full diagnostic scan which confirmed issues with the steering sensor signals. They had to recalibrate and recode the angle sensor, total cost was 195€. This resolved both the steering problems and the traction control warnings. Before spending money on repairs, could you provide: Current mileage, When the problem first started, Any warning lights on the dashboard, Whether the steering feels worse at certain speeds, If you recently had any wheel alignment work done This information would help determine if your issue is identical to what I encountered. The steering column sensor systems are quite similar between X Type and S Type models of that era, but its worth confirming the exact fault codes from a diagnostic scan. The workshop should definitely check the wheel alignment as part of diagnosing this, since misalignment can sometimes cause the automotive sensors to provide incorrect readings to the stability control system.

Thanks for the detailed reply about the sensor issue. My mileage is currently at 128647 KM. The problem started about 2 weeks ago after my last service at 128000 KM. No recent alignment work has been done. The steering definitely feels worst at low speeds, especially when parking. The ESP warning light occasionally flashes on the dashboard when making tight turns. I will get the diagnostic scan done to check for steering sensor codes as you suggested. Given our cars have similar steering column designs, your experience with the sensor recoding is really helpful. Planning to take it to the shop next week for a proper diagnosis and hopefully just a sensor recalibration like in your case.

Thanks for providing those additional details. The timing after your recent service and the ESP warning behavior is very telling. My Jaguar S Type showed those exact same symptoms, particularly the heavy steering at low speeds and ESP warnings during tight maneuvers. Since your issue started after a service, its worth having them check if anything was disturbed in the steering column area during maintenance. In my case, the electronic stability system warnings were directly linked to incorrect steering sensor signals. The workshop will need to perform both electronic diagnostics and a physical inspection. When they fixed mine, they found that besides recoding the steering angle sensor, the wheel alignment needed minor adjustments. The total repair including sensor recalibration, alignment check, and diagnostic scan came to 285€. One thing to watch for, if the traction control warning appears more frequently before your appointment, try to note the specific conditions when it happens. This information helped my mechanic pinpoint the exact steering sensor calibration needed. Make sure they verify the fix with a test drive focusing on low-speed maneuvers where the problem is most noticeable. After my repair, the steering returned to its normal smooth operation and all electronic stability warnings disappeared.

Thanks for the input. Just wanted to follow up, took the car to the shop yesterday and you were absolutely right. They found the steering angle sensor was incorrectly calibrated, likely disturbed during the recent service work. The diagnostic scan showed multiple steering sensor codes. They performed a complete recalibration of the steering column sensors and adjusted the wheel alignment which had indeed shifted slightly. Total cost was 265€ which seems fair considering your similar repair costs. The electronic stability system is now working perfectly and the steering feels normal again, no more heavy steering or vibrations. The ESP warning light hasnt come on since the fix. Really glad it wasnt a more serious mechanical issue with the power steering system. Going to schedule regular alignment checks going forward since its clear how the wheel alignment can affect these steering sensors. Thanks again for helping me understand what I was dealing with.