92 Taurus With Varied Problems

This just started three days ago...I thought bit was a bad batch of gas, but now it's apparently not the case.

The car is still driving well, but the power steering is very heavy. The car "coughs" when it starts, like it's knocking. And when you throw it in reverse, it wants to cut off. It did cut off once, and all the idiot lights came on. Today, it tried to stall and just the oil light came on.

I recently had the timing cover gasket replaced $$$$$$$. I think the power steering is just the car's annual winter steering slowdown, but maybe it ties in. Otherwise, the car's in good shape with a 3.0 and 207,000 miles. Any ideas? I have to take it to the shop.

Check and make sure your belt is tight. Some of the symptoms could be belt oriented (power steering lagging, lights coming one, low idle).

Thanks. That would be an easy fix.