Power Steering on 2005 Civic

[JQ]

I've just picked up a cheap 2005 3dr Civic 1.6 auto, which I intend to run for a few months.

The power steering is very stiff when not moving, I went to have a look at the power steering fluid level to see if it needs topping up today. For the life of me I couldn't find where the reservoir was and neither the handbook nor Google seem to be very helpful.

2 questions -

Can anyone suggest why it may be stiff - only when stationary or moving slowly?
And where is the reservoir so I check if it's fluid level that's the reason?

Cheers

JQ

[normalbloke]

I thought most modern Hondas had electronic power steering. ie no fluid.
Does it have an EPS light showing?
Does an EPS light come on, then off during the start cycle?

[Glosphil]

JQ said:

I've just picked up a cheap 2005 3dr Civic 1.6 auto, which I intend to run for a few months.

The power steering is very stiff when not moving, I went to have a look at the power steering fluid level to see if it needs topping up today. For the life of me I couldn't find where the reservoir was and neither the handbook nor Google seem to be very helpful.

2 questions -

Can anyone suggest why it may be stiff - only when stationary or moving slowly?
And where is the reservoir so I check if it's fluid level that's the reason?

Cheers

JQ

I have a 2005 Honda Civic Type-S which definitely has electric steering and a EPS light in the instrument cluster. Not particularly heavy at low speed.

Tyre pressures low?:-)

[JQ]

Cheers. That would explain why I couldn't find the reservoir.

and yes, the tyre pressures were low. The previous owner was running them at 24psi, I've just topped them up to 30psi and things have improved.

Thanks for the help.

[wheelsandbeers]

Funny that we're on the same boat when I first had my civic. The electric steering's quite tricky, but I couldn't love it more if it's not electric. Good thing you figured it out. Cheers!