Battery had to be jumped a few times since I drive a lot less. Today on my way out I didn't need a jump but took a long time to start and gauges re-zeroed themselves. I got maybe 2mi from home. Car died/went to limp mode.

Read the codes: P1617 and P1692, pending P0500. Car refused to jump start at this point

I've had issue with my power-steering cutting in and out randomly. Could this be from a bad battery/alternator combo? Or do I need to start looking at sensors/other electrical gremlins?

 

P1617 Electronic Control Module H Bridge Controller
P1692 Electronic Throttle Control Monitor Level 2/3 Motorized Throttle Control and Fuel Injection Switch Off 'A' - some info here and here.
P0500 Vehicle Sped Sensor - some info here.

Do you have the lights on your dash besides the CEL? When you try to start it does it crank? Check over the throttle body as I've seen a few threads pointing to that as an issue for one of those codes. P/S cutting out intermittently might be a pump issue. Check for leaks under the car. How old is your battery? You could always test your battery to rule that out of the equation. I did see some instances with one of those codes where a battery replacement fixed it. Not too sure if that is your issue though.

 

Bad battery terminals or a ground strap issue. Trace all the connections.

1. Check the battery voltage first and have it load tested

2. Also check the terminals and ground points

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...dding-wth.html

12429805422





https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ne-ground.html

 

Unless you had or have a battery light on the alternator is charging as it should, so if the PS is cutting in and out chances are it'll probably need a pump.

The 1617 & 1692 codes are both for throttle body electrical and mechanical problems, and would be why the car went into limp mode. You will need to diagnose why this is, whether it is a wiring issue, ground issue, or throttle body issue.

There are only a few major grounds on the car, and if they were failed or disconnected chances of the car starting are small.

OP has a G1 car, the above linked picture is a 2nd gen ground strap.

 

I THINK the root cause was a relay that worked itself loose.

Stiff suspension plus NJ roads...

 

Thanks for the update. NJ has some tough roads. Especially down by jersey city.

 

Jeff, which relay triggered the P0500 code for you and how did you get it to turn off? I unplugged the R1 relay (the engine icon with thunderbolt) when diagnosing a low speed fan issue and it turned on the SES light and scanner has a P0500 code. SES light eventually went off by itself but the P0500 code persists.