Power Steering Loss

[Strype]

Hey guys/gals my name is Jon. I frequent mustang boards mostly.

A friend at work has a (EDIT:2005) Explorer and isn't really familiar with forums so I thought I'd pop by and ask a question in the emergency section, then get him signed up


PS: I did just get rid of a 2003 Ranger last year and I miss it DEARLY- I will be buying another.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The emergency section only allows members with elite membership to post a new thread. You could still post a question in an existing thread. What kind of problem is he having? You could post the question in another section on this site.

 

[Strype]

Hey thanks!

When he is driving down the street, a random warning light comes on and then POOF he loses power steering, but not his power brakes- I think he said he loses other things electrical too. He pulls over and cranks it up and drives away.

It's happened twice and his wife drives the car so he's very afraid. I'd like to say I'm fairly handy with cars but I'm stumped.



EDIT: Motor is not dying, he's seeing every warning indicator turn on and then he loses power steering. Cuts the truck off and starts it back up and it works

 

[BrooklynBay]

The P/S pump is not electric. It runs off of the engine with a drive belt.

 

[Strype]

The P/S pump is not electric. It runs off of the engine with a drive belt.

That's exactly what I said...

The more I think the more I suspect the alternator. I think he's just imagining the power brakes are still there because they may still have good pressure.

 

[BrooklynBay]

I suspect that the vehicle stalls, and he sees the indicator lights turn on. The steering gets stiff when the engine cuts out, but the power brake booster still has enough vacuum to stop.

 

[Strype]

fuel air and spark... I think he has a long road ahead

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[Strype]

I really hate to do this to you guys but he clarrified that the motor is not dying, the warning lights come on and then he loses power steering... Wierd

 

[BrooklynBay]

If he is getting a check engine light, he should get the code read. Maybe it will give us a clue. Autozone could read them for free. It might be covered by Ford if it's a 2005.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

Make sure the serpentine belt isn't slipping. I just had to replace the tensioner on mine, since it was so weak it barely kept any tension on the belt. I replaced the OEM belt with a Goodyear Gatorback while I was in there too.