How can we fix our Fiat 500 steering problems?

My daughter owns a Fiat 500 soft-top and the power steering has failed. She has spent £300 trying to get it sorted but no-one seems to know what to do. I am told this is not a rare occurrence with this model. Are you able to help, please?

Asked on 17 December 2016 by Baron B

Answered by Honest John
This is electric power steering by means of a powered steering column (an electric motor around the column itself). If the car is frequently held on full lock this burns out the motor. The answer is to never use full lock. Always wind a tiny bit back off. She can't have gone to a FIAT dealer because a dealer would immediately prescribe a new powered column.
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