When I was pulling into a parking spot today, the steering got really hard, and all the dash lights came on. I got parked, turned it off, and turned it back on, and it seemed fine. I havent driven anywhere yet, I"ve been reassured it could have just been dust, any one else have any ideas??
Sounds like the engine died (stopped running). If it restarted just fine and doesn't do it again, I would not worry. If it happens again have a dealer look at the car.
I have no idea. I assume they meant dust on a connection somewhere.. really I know NOTHING about cars, I'm lost and fearful of my 30 mile drive to Pittsburgh tonight. Any suggestions??
If the engine didnt die, maybe the power steering belt began slipping badly. This could make your power steering impotent. The same belt may have also driven the alternator.
also go out and simulate what you did a few times when it died . if nothing take a chance butt let your people know what 's going on so you dont become another stat in this countries M I A
If you know a friend or family member who can do simple auto maintenance, see if they will clean the throttle body and check the intake hose for cracks. This is fairly basic stuff for a shadetree mechanic and won't take long. These two items can cause random stalling.
Maybe go so far as to have them see how bad the spark plugs are and replace them along with the air filter and fuel filter if they are dirty/original. These items won't directly cause your problem (normally) but are necessary maintenance and go a long way towards preventing bigger problems in the future.
If you must go to a repair shop, I would wait until the stalling becomes worse or more predictable so that the mechanic can duplicate it and find the cause. Otherwise you will either be without your car for a long time or waste the diagnostic charge on a "Can Not Duplicate" situation.
I would suggest you get the basic maintenance items checked/fixed now seperate from the stalling diagnosis.
Did the engine actually die or did the steering get hard and lights come on?
If only the second, then I would be checking the level of the fluid in the power steering pump. There will be a cap on it with a dipstick inside the cap to tell the level.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
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