battery warning light stays on & the power steering has stopped working?

2001 VAUXHALL ASTRA
113,972 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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BEN WALKER
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  • 1 POST
Hi, I started my astra van & the battery warning light stays on & the power steering has stopped working,can you please advise me on what could be wrong,thank,s Ben.
Dec 12, 2008 at 8:30 PM
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SQM
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

The battery warning light comes on when the alternator is unable to adequately charge the battery. It could be due to a faulty alternator or bad connection from the alternator to the battery.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

If both of the issues came up at the same time, you might have an issue with the serpentine belt. If the belt happen to slip off then the power steering will be inoperative and the alternator will not charge the battery. As the belt turns the power steering pump as well as the alternator.


So first check the belt. If the belt is slipping it will have a similar effect.

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


Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
Sep 20, 2021 at 12:22 AM
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