Steering Problems and Check Engine light

New to the site and new to the Grand Prix. Wife and I just bought a 2001 GT 2 weeks ago and today the check engine light came on following a tight U-turn. Since we got the car I have noticed it is nearly impossible to steer when we're not moving. Once the car begins rolling it becomes normal. I already checked the fluid levels and belt tension. They're ok. Anyone have any info that may help me out? Thanks ahead of time.

New to the site and new to the Grand Prix. Wife and I just bought a 2001 GT 2 weeks ago and today the check engine light came on following a tight U-turn. Since we got the car I have noticed it is nearly impossible to steer when we're not moving. Once the car begins rolling it becomes normal. I already checked the fluid levels and belt tension. They're ok. Anyone have any info that may help me out? Thanks ahead of time.

On the SES/CEL light you should get the PCM computer odb-ii scanned for DTC error codes. Its probably emissions related and has nothing to do with the hard steering but you never know. National auto parts stores like Autozone will normally do it for free if the SES light stays on.

The GP GT and GTP has a variable ratio rack n pinion steering unit. It should be easy at low speeds and then get progressively firmer at higher speeds. The car should not be that hard to steer when not moving. Could be low pressure feeding the rack n pinion unit due to a defective power steering pump.

BTW - Welcome to the GP forum.




http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/gtp.jpg
Thrasher CAI, DHP v1.0 PCM,
3.25 SC pulley, CAIT GMAF, Hi-Flow CAT,
u-bend delete, 160 TS, ZZP Stage 1 TB,
TB spacer, MSD 8.5mm wires, Autolite 104s,
Goodyear Gatorback Serp. & SC Belt,
Nitto NT555R Drag Radials

[QUOTE=bnaylor3400]On the SES/CEL light you should get the PCM computer odb-ii scanned for DTC error codes. Its probably emissions related and has nothing to do with the hard steering but you never know. National auto parts stores like Autozone will normally do it for free if the SES light stays on.

The GP GT and GTP has a variable ratio rack n pinion steering unit. It should be easy at low speeds and then get progressively firmer at higher speeds. The car should not be that hard to steer when not moving. Could be low pressure feeding the rack n pinion unit due to a defective power steering pump.

BTW - Welcome to the GP forum.



Thanks! Well the dealership has the car now and they are fixing what ever they find wrong with it at no charge. But no word on what the problem is....

Thanks! Well the dealership has the car now and they are fixing what ever they find wrong with it at no charge. But no word on what the problem is....


Thats sound like a good deal. Let us know how it turns out. Good luck!



http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/gtp.jpg
Thrasher CAI, DHP v1.0 PCM,
3.25 SC pulley, CAIT GMAF, Hi-Flow CAT,
u-bend delete, 160 TS, ZZP Stage 1 TB,
TB spacer, MSD 8.5mm wires, Autolite 104s,
Goodyear Gatorback Serp. & SC Belt,
Nitto NT555R Drag Radials