Paid for Power Steering....I don't think I got it...

[ryan112ryan]

I had paid for the power steering option, but it seems rather....well....non powered lol I don't think it was a case of being cheated, if it is the case I think its an honest mistake...

Is there a way I determine definitively if I do or not? Maybe looking at something in the car that would only be there if it had power steering?

[jefferios]

If you are parked with the car running try moving the steering wheel with one finger, if its fairly easy you got it. If its impossible, you don't have it.

[Old smart]

Many owners do not think P/S was ever any better than without it. An 1800+ car with a 55% weight bias to the rear doesn't need P/S - it is an added complication.

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by Old smart

Many owners do not think P/S was ever any better than without it. An 1800+ car with a 55% weight bias to the rear doesn't need P/S - it is an added complication.

Agreed. Only in very VERY tight places do I sometimes wish I had it, but in the 5 months of ownership, I think that may have happened only twice.

Like "jefferios" said, 'If you can turn the wheel with one finger with the engine running, while parked? Then you have P/S.'

BUT if you break your finger, then you don't........but you had BETTER have a good health insurance plan!



P.S. according to your profile, your smart has 'black leather'. The only way to get that is with the "Comfort Package" which INCLUDES POWER STEERING.

[smcnally]

I've driven both and I can only tell the difference when the car is stopped.

[WhiteNBlack08]

Originally Posted by ryan112ryan

I had paid for the power steering option, but it seems rather....well....non powered lol I don't think it was a case of being cheated, if it is the case I think its an honest mistake...

Is there a way I determine definitively if I do or not? Maybe looking at something in the car that would only be there if it had power steering?

Like Panda said, if you have black leather, you have the comfort package, and have P/S. I have it, and I would classify it as "high effort" power steering. I have an early '80's Chrysler with their famous "arms shot up with novacane" power steering that you can literally move with your pinky finger. If you want a visual check, remove the service hatch in front and follow your steering shaft down to the rack, if you have power steering, you will see a small electric motor mounted on the side of the unit near where the steering shaft enters the unit. These units are electric assist, not the more traditional hydraulic assist.

[HGB]

If leather seats... then you have power steering.
To confirm PS look for the correct fuse that protects power steering and remove it.
Then turn the wheel while standing still. Compare effort with fuse and without.
My 2 cents.

[Padawan]

The easiest way to tell would be to sit in your driveway with the engine off. Turn the wheel back and forth, and notice the effort. Then start the engine, and turn the wheel back and forth again. There should be a noticeable difference in effort.

[JD10367]

Originally Posted by jefferios

If you are parked with the car running try moving the steering wheel with one finger, if its fairly easy you got it. If its impossible, you don't have it.

Originally Posted by Big Panda

Like "jefferios" said, 'If you can turn the wheel with one finger with the engine running, while parked? Then you have P/S.'

BUT if you break your finger, then you don't........but you had BETTER have a good health insurance plan!

I don't know what you guys look like, but I have muscle-less noodle-arms, and I don't have power steering, and I can still turn the wheel with the car stopped pretty easy. I mean, it's not like you're trying to turn a semi's wheels with the engine off...

[SmartDigger]

I was told it adds stability at Highway speeds. I never drove a non power-steering smart on the highway