Crossword Genius

Trace reported fault with steering device (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scintilla

'trace' is the definition.
(both can mean a small amount)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for scintilla that I've seen before include "Tiny hint, trace" , "littlest bit" , "The smallest amount" , "suspicion" , "Tiny, scarcely detectable amount" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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