98 Taurusp power steering quits when hitting rain puddle

[Sasquatch]

My daughter drives my 98 Taurus and she has told me several times over the last few months that when driving the car at slower speeds that when she hits a water puddle the steering wheel won't turn, the check engine light comes on and sometimes she hears a squealing noise. She says that after about five minutes the steering corrects itself and the engine light goes back off. Of course it never does this when I drive it. I'm wondering if it could be a sensor or something that get water splashed on it? Could it be that the water hits the harmonic balance pulley and the belt slips on the pulley for a second? That might explain the loss of steering and the squeal. Anyone else have this problem? Any ideas?

[Dan_in_WA]

The drive belt is getting wet and slipping, probably because it's loose.

Check/replace the belt and you should be good to go.

[zoey]

Dan in Wa is definatley right. It is the belt slipping when it gets wet, you should check the condition of the belt and replace if needed and also have a look at the spring loaded tensioner, I had one that was seized solid and was not applying any tension to the belt, I just soaked it with penetrating oil and worked it back and forth until it was free.