Engine shuts off when turning the steering wheel?

1990 CHEVROLET CHEYENNE

196,936 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 4WD

ERNIE NINER RAMIREZ

MEMBER
1 POST

Okay, I start my truck and when I back it up in reverse as soon as I turn the steering wheel the truck wants to shut off and when I put it in drive and slightly turn the steering wheel it wants to shut off. my lights go dimmer and it shuts off only when I turn my steering wheel. anyone know what the problem might be?

Apr 4, 2021 at 4:19 AM

KASEKENNY

✓Experienced Mechanic
18,907 POSTS

Sounds like the power steering pump is failing. More then likely the pump is locking up and when you turn the wheel and the pressure goes up it actually slows the belt down and the alternator slows down and the engine RPM drops.

What I would suggest is remove the belt and then drive the vehicle. Clearly you won't have any power steering but just back it up in a parking lot or other safe place just to test it. If it still does it then it is not the pump.

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

However, I suspect it won't have the issue at which point I would replace the pump.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump

Below is the process from the manual that will help with this as well.

Let us know what happens. Thanks

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Apr 5, 2021 at 10:22 AM

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