2001 T&C intermittent Power Steering Loss

[Alphabravo]

Hi Everyone,
I have a 2001 T&C, 3.3L, 4-Speed tranny and around 116K Miles. On occasion I totally lose power steering for about a second or two. It acts like the engine has stalled and I have to muscle the steering wheel. There no belt squealing, no pump noise and the serpentine belt is relatively new. PS Fluid level is good. It seems to happen at idle RPM.

Of all the caravans I've had, this is a first.

Now, I'm OK with it as long as I don't let anyone else drive it. I know what to expect, and I can muscle the steering when necessary. Once this happened to my on a highway offramp and I was able to control it with no problems. I suspect it is a problem with the rack, maybe?

My question is this: Is this an indication of something going terribly bad, like total loss of steering control? Has anyone had this happen to them?

Thanks in advance.

[TCGrove]

I've got a 2001 T&C that had a similar problem just a few months ago. You'll want to look at the steering pump reservoir. There is a small screen in the bottom that get blocked with debris. This starves the pump and thus the steering won't work. I replaced mine with a new one from Amazon for $19.85. Search for 2001-2007 TOWN COUNTRY CARAVAN STEERING RESERVOIR MOPAR.
You can find them on Ebay too. There is a good video on youtube that shows you how to disconnect and flush the system too. I know some people have said they just punch a hole in the screen, but I think that will lead to bigger problems down the road. The other steering issue I've recently had is the belt slipping in rain. There are a lot of post related to that subject too. Good luck.

[Alphabravo]

I had a 2003 with the reservoir problem. I ruled it out in this case because this is not making the whining noise that the 2003 did. On the other hand, for the price it's worth a try. Come to think of it, my 2003 had around the same mileage when it started whining, so if this reservoir is not clogging up yet, I'm sure it will be soon.

Thanks for the reply!

[exalteduser]

I would try to flush a little bit. I have the "noise" but my screen was fine, not plugged at all.