Battery light on?

1995 CHEVROLET CORSICA
115,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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RYANJBILL15
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I started my car and it made a funny noise and the battery light came on and i can't move the steering wheel at all but it will still drive. Can you help me replace the alternator??
Jun 18, 2008 at 4:55 PM
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SQM
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello,

It almost sounds like the drive belt came off the pulleys.
As the battery light indicates the alternator is not charging the battery and the stiff power steering suggest that the power steering pump is not functioning either.
Since both of them happened at the same time, it indicates the drive belt is either came off the pulleys or broken.
First visually inspect the belt while the engine is off. Make sure it is in good condition.

Here are couple of helpful articles:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-serpentine-belt-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt

You might also find these articles helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator


I have attached the belt diagram as well as alternator diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.
Jul 30, 2021 at 6:18 AM
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