powering steering gone (reads CHECK SYSTEM CHARGE)

[Green Machine 95]

I was driving my car and all of a sudden the power steering went out, the battery volt light came on, and 'check system charge' came on. I checked the fluid, it was running low, filled it up, and it hasnt fixed it.

Anyone know what the problem could be?

[Retro-D]

Originally Posted by Green Machine 95

I was driving my car and all of a sudden the power steering went out, the battery volt light came on, and 'check system charge' came on. I checked the fluid, it was running low, filled it up, and it hasnt fixed it.

Anyone know what the problem could be?

Check the serpentine belt, maybe it broke or seized on an accessory.

RD

[chris_fit]

Also check the alternator.

[The Rebel]

filled it up, and it hasnt fixed it.

Your joking right? I think you would notice the belt off the pulley?
If the serpentine belt (Gates) is still on check the drive way & engine area to see if there is fluid. You may need a hose (upper or lower) or even the pump itself. Hows the steering?

[Green Machine 95]

its hard as shit to make any turn, the battery voltage runs at about 12.3...12.4

[ghutchin]

If you lost both powersteering and the alternator is out its a pretty safe bet that something is wrong with the belt.

[Green Machine 95]

i drove the car still, the car still ran and seemed fine...

[ghutchin]

Yeah it will run fine until the battery dies. This should be an easy inspection. Also with this car since the water pump is drivern off of a separate belt you wouldn't have the overheating issues associated with other cars that loose their main drive belt.

[oldsdad]

Sounds just like when my belt broke first no power steering then DIC shows battery drain and alt. light comes on drove it home replaced the belt runs great now. Check your belt more than likely thats the problem. Yes you can tell the weight of the car and the width of the tires when you try to steer not fun for sure.

[Green Machine 95]

yea, making a left turn with a 2 ton car with no power steering is pretty damn hard heh

[LarsBars]

My wife just called and is stuck at a gas station with these exact problems. Looks like I am going to have have it towed home. I will let you know if the belt is broke.

[Retro-D]

Originally Posted by LarsBars

My wife just called and is stuck at a gas station with these exact problems. Looks like I am going to have have it towed home. I will let you know if the belt is broke.

I hope it's not caused by a seized A/C compressor like what happened to mine.
Good Luck,
RD

[LarsBars]

Originally Posted by Retro-D

I hope it's not caused by a seized A/C compressor like what happened to mine.
Good Luck,
RD

Belt was shredded. I will change and hope it was just an old belt.

[Indy8]

Along the topic of belts, may I suggest to everyone to carry both spare belts in the car in a sealed bag heavily coated with silicone spray to stop dry-rot. Both can be changed on the side of the road in ten minutes.