My daughter's 2003 MCS lost power steering after she hit big pothole. Before assuming it was the pump, I did some basic diagnostics and found it's not getting alternator power to pump (Yellow Wire). I did check for chaffing/grounding near the exhaust shield over starter (common problem) but no issues. No issues with relevant fuses or relays. The harness routing seems to disappear under the air-cleaner and I'm hesitant to chase the Yellow-wire further, but tempted to just run a new wire from the alternator.


Anyone have this type of issue in the past? Recommendations? Fixes?

 

I would use a jumper cable either from the battery to the pump, or even better from the alternator to the pump, if that fixes it, maybe run a new wire and try to pull the old one out.

 

Hey Racinggy04, thanks for quick feedback. I guess that's the next step. I was hoping for an "easy button" type of fix. There is no good place to tap into the alternator lead, either go to "service mode" and get to it thru the front or maybe thru passenger wheel-well. Wiring on these cars is a be-yatch!!

 

Update, seems the Yellow sensor wire is providing voltage, but very low amperage so as to not light up my test light. Both the green/white and yellow wires are reading between 12.6 and 13 volts. I read about 14.2v at the main power RED wire. Should these voltages power the pump?