Hi - I own a Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI 2011 MK3. For the second time in a number of weeks I've started the car to find the power steering doesn't work. 

On the dash it says 'Steering assist malfunction', see manual for more information. All the manual says is get a technician to look at it.

The problem goes away when I move forwards and backwards a few times.

Any ideas? Not enough power getting to the power steering when the car starts? Is it a common fault with a Mk3? 

Thanks

Yes, its a fairly common problem. Some people have sorted it with a new battery (the power steering on these is electric). If it needs a new steering rack the Ford version is likely to be more than £1000 fitted or about half that for a reconditioned one. Getting the battery tested would seem to be a good place to start.

Yes I had the issue when I got my mk3 petrol. I got a new battery from the dealer when I got my car which helped keep the steering rack going for about 6 months but eventually it died completely about a year ago. I got quoted around £1200 plus fitting from ford but bought a refurbished rack with a 3 year guarantee for £400 and paid my local garage to fit it. £600 total returning my faulty rack. I would expect it to cost £1400-1500 from ford now. 

I found that stopping and starting the car usually resolved it while it was failing. 

Thanks for the replies.

I did get the battery replaced about 6 months ago. I remember it well as I have the auto stop / start and the garage fitted the wrong battery. Instead of a £50 battery it was over £200. 

Yikes, I really hope the steering rack doesn't go on it as it's been a really reliable car. Now got 112,000 miles on the clock. I've done the last 60,000 in it. What I might try is turning off the heating, lights etc when I start the car so I'm not using all the battery power. The garage also suggested revving the car when you start it. Willing to try anything to avoid a new steering rack. I remember my wife's Vauxhall Meriva needed a new electric steering rack, but luckily that was done under warranty.