If the steering locked solidly as if the ignition were off, suspect the ignition switch. If the wheel was only hard to turn, the stall likely caused the oil light and loss of power steering. Have the computer scanned for codes, consider a tune-up or bad fuel if no codes are stored, and inspect the oil pressure sender for oil or moisture that could cause a short. If the oil light comes on while the engine is running, shut it off immediately.
A 1995 Jeep Cherokee with 93,000 miles briefly showed the oil light, lost steering assist, and stalled after less than a mile, then restarted and later ran normally. Experts said a solid steering lock points to the ignition switch, while a hard-to-turn wheel is consistent with a stall causing low oil pressure and loss of power steering. They recommended a computer scan, checking recent tune-up history and possible bad fuel or water in the gas, and inspecting the oil pressure sender for moisture or oil that could short it.
