1995 Dodge Intrepid Loss of power assist

1995 DODGE INTREPID

90,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

DUVALKG

MEMBER
3 POSTS

A few months ago, my mother had an incident with her car where it suddenly lost power steering and power brakes. She managed to stop the car, and when I got there, the car was fine. She continued to drive the car for 2-3 months without further incident, however, yesterday the same thing happened again. By the time "help" arrived, the car was fine. What could cause this intermittent problem?

Aug 10, 2010 at 3:46 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,248 POSTS

First, they are two seperate units that can fail when the engine dies. Is that what happened? Is it both PS and brakes that are affected?

Aug 10, 2010 at 5:07 PM

DUVALKG

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I questioned her about this and she denies that the engine died. On this particular day, she says that she drove without incident to the store and as she accelerated from a stop in the store parking lot, she realized that she had no power brakes or power steering, and that the car was still running.

Aug 11, 2010 at 1:53 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,248 POSTS

That is odd. If that is the case, there has to be two seperate problems, or the engine idle was so low, the PS pump didn't assist. Same with the brakes. Have you checked to see if there are any leaks in the vacuum hose from the intake to the power brake booster? Also, have you ever checked to see if the booster will hold pressure by using a gauge?

Aug 11, 2010 at 2:48 PM

DUVALKG