My 97 has a number of problems. HELP!

[TJ Agg]

Most recently and most troubling, something recently went wrong with my steering. When I turn, it makes a nasty sort of strained sound and it's a lot harder to turn at all. I don't have to turn it more, just harder (similar to how hard it is to turn when it has to be put in neutral and pushed).

In addition, my air conditioner smells like gas so I can't use it.

When I start my car, no warning lights come on, but then after I've driven for a while they all come on. I know it's a problem with the lights because the alternator light, the oil light, and the seatbelt light all come on when I have a new alternator, enough oil, and my seatbelt buckled. The light that's supposed to be on for my running lights and blue for highbeams is always flashing yellow.

My radio cuts in and out when I'm driving if I accelerate a bit or step on the brake. I think it might be related to my warning lights problem.

That's all that comes to mind.

[TJ Agg]

Well I fixed my power steering (there was a huge gash in my hose because it rubbed against my AC), and I found out the gas smell is my fuel injector, which has to be replaced. Also, I need to repair a gasket in my transmission.

If anyone has any idea about my electrical problem, though, that'd be great.

[matt09524]

The lights issue. Do they all come on at once or do they come on one by one? Also, when these lights come on, do your meters seem to be functioning?

A thrown drive belt coupled with a bad alternator will cause the light to eventually come on one by one. I had this happen to me. Have your charging system checked.

[TJ Agg]

When I start my car, the lights aren't on. Then when I pull out of my driveway they all come on at once. The charging system thing actually makes sense, but I just had my alternator fixed the other day.