I own a '98 Grand Voyager. Last night I got caught in a heavy storm and hit a flooded section on the only route I can take home. When that happened, the power steering stopped working, the engine started to overheat, and the battery "idiot light" went on. The engine did cool down by the time I got home and this morning the battery light turned back off, but the engine doesn't idle quite right and the power steering is still shot. My husband thinks it's just a fuse but I think it's more serious and I refuse to drive the van until I know. Can anyone help?
2007-07-11 02:27:20 · 7 answers · asked by Judy 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I wanted to update and thank everyone. Yes, it was the serpentine belt - hydroplaned right off due to the water, just like some of you said, and yep it is a common problem. A mechanic my father in law recommended immediately knew about it and he's putting a fix kit on to keep it from recurring.
What surprises me is Plymouth doesn't think this is a safety issue? I couldn't steer my car! How is that NOT a safety issue?! Sheesh!
Thanks again for your help, I appreciate your prompt answers.
2007-07-12 05:48:43 · update #1
The serpentine belt probably slipped off when you drove thru the flooded street, which would also cause the overheating and "idiot light" to come on.
2007-07-11 02:44:46 · answer #1 · answered by sadie_oyes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your power steering is powered by a belt ran off of your driveshaft pulley.
Your alternator is run off a belt ran off your driveshaft pulley.
It's possible that the water pump is also run off your driveshaft pulley.
Excessive moisture and water can cause belts to slip or come off. Chances are when you were driving through the water some of it got onto the buttom of the belts via the driveshaft pulley since it's at the bottom of your engine.
So here's what to check for. Pop the hood on your van. Look at the front of the engine. You should either see 1 serpentine belt that connects everything together or a combination of 2 belts. Belts basically look like black rubber bands except their made of hard rubber with steel mesh cores. If you don't see any belts on the front of your engine this is definatly the problem. If you see a belt or belts give them a firm pull. They shouldn't give more than 1/8 of an inch.
If you're still unsure have it towed to a garage. It'll be cheaper than having to fix the major problems that can occur if your belts did come off.
2007-07-11 02:42:41 · answer #2 · answered by kharmageddon74 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You mean 800 RPM? Obvious question but have you checked the oil level? Is it within the appropriate range? If it is then it's probably an oil pressure or sensor problem. At low RPM there's less pressure in the crankcase which could trigger the light. It's probably not so much the speed you're driving, it's how much throttle your giving it. How to fix it? If it's not the oil level then you need to take it to a mechanic. Buying a car "as is" from a dealer was probably the main problem. In some states, I believe if it's within 3 days of purchase, you may be able to return the car.
2016-05-19 06:47:26 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sound like the serpentine belt came off common problem
2007-07-11 02:32:20 · answer #4 · answered by Dave A 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the serpintine fell off it happens a lot on that car when its raining hard or you go through a deep puddle just slip the belt back on there is a "map " of how it goes under the hood the dealer sells an upgrade of the splash shield that may help prevent this from happining agin
2007-07-11 02:39:26 · answer #5 · answered by mobile auto repair (mr fix it) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lol power steering runs a pump off of a belt...no fuses involved...check and clean battery commections and wipe down plug wires with wd 40 for starters.
2007-07-11 02:33:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check fluid level. then check fuse box then take to quick lube or some place like that. you could probaly drive in town just don't go to far.
2007-07-11 02:31:24 · answer #7 · answered by victor h 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋