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Power steering suddenly stopped working then started working again

Tiny
RANDALL729
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
  • 3.6L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 94,000 MILES
I pulled into a store parking lot and the power steering quit. I left the car running for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then I had power steering as normal. I have never experienced this before. I have owned the car about a month now since buying from a used car dealership. The fluid level is where it should be. I wonder what caused this and how to prevent this happening again as I am planning on a long trip? Thank you.
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 5:25 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
More then likely the power steering pump is failing. The way to confirm this is to check pressure when this acts up again. However, there is no guarantee that this will happen. Based on what happened I would just replace the power steering pump if you are concerned about it happening on a trip. Clearly there is no guarantee that this is the issue but it is the most likely cause.

I attached the process for this. Let me know if you have questions. Thanks
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 5:43 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

Did you notice if there was any noise associated with the failure? For example, a squealing or chirping sound? I ask because it could be the accessory drive belt (serpentine belt) may be losing tension and not turning the pump fast enough when it's under a load.

I attached a pic below and highlighted the belt. If you open the hood, stand on the passenger side front fender and you should be facing the belt. Check to make sire it is tight.

Also, when you checked the fluid, was it red in color (or pink)?

Let me know.
Joe
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 5:46 PM
Tiny
RANDALL729
  • MEMBER
  • 59 POSTS
I have heard a chirping sound on previous starts. It disappears after a few minutes. The car didn't make the sound this time though. The dealer put a new serpentine belt on. I didn't look at the fluid color as of yet but will. Would it be advised to spray belt dressing or not to do this?
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 10:17 PM
Tiny
RANDALL729
  • MEMBER
  • 59 POSTS
Fluid is red. Fluid level is at maximum. Where would the in line filter be?
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Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 8:14 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
If the belt is new then you don't need to spray it with anything. Plus there is no filter on this system. Has this happened since the belt was replaced?
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Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 6:00 PM
Tiny
RANDALL729
  • MEMBER
  • 59 POSTS
Yes, I have heard the "chirping" sound when I first start the vehicle he the sound disappears after a moment. Not while driving.
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Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 11:31 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
The idea that you hear a noise, the belt was replaced, the fluid is full and clean, lead me to think the belt may not be tight enough. There is an automatic tensioner that can fail. Check the belt and see if it appears to be loose. I attached a pic showing the tensioner.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:45 PM
Tiny
RANDALL729
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Checking tensioner.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Good idea Joe. Let us know what you find. Thanks
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Thursday, October 1st, 2020 AT 6:33 PM

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