2003 Ford Escort Loud POP followed by battery light and no

2003 FORD ESCORT
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ECCEBEN
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  • 6 POSTS
Steering problem
2003 Ford Escort 74500 miles

Hi -
I have a 2003 Ford Escort ZX2 and just had a problem while I was backing up. While the car was in reverse, I had the wheel turned sharply to the right and I heard a distinct and loud POP from what sounded like the right side of the car. Immediately the battery light came on and the steering wheel became almost impossible to turn, almost like power steering went out. I turned off the car and started it back up and the battery light was still on and the steering wheel very hard to turn. I was wondering if you have any suggestions on what this might be. I'm thinking perhaps a belt popped, perhaps a serpentine belt? Could you recommend a way to check if that's the case? Prior to this happening, whenever I would initially crank the car, I would hear a squeaking under the hood that would last about 10-15 minutes or so until the car warmed up and then it would stop.

Thanks for any suggestions you might have!
Jul 1, 2009 at 7:19 PM
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BUDDYCRAIGG
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i'm betting the belt broke, and the POP you heard was the belt tension er slamming into place.

with the engine off, open up the hood and take a look at the belt.

it should be tight and neatly wrapped around all of the pulleys.
Jul 1, 2009 at 7:45 PM
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ECCEBEN
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Thanks for the reply!

I'm going to check it out right now.

If it is the belt that's popped off, do you know of a diagram or instructions on how to replace it myself? Or is it somethign a mechanic should handle? I'm trying to avoid having to have it towed to a mechanic shop.

Thanks!
Jul 1, 2009 at 9:11 PM