Power Steering when car is ON... but not when car is CRANKED... wtf??

[©hris]

lol i noticed that when i turn the key over to the ON position i can hear the P/S Pump "whining" or "humming".... and it works! The car is much easier to turn. (rolled it 30ft in the driveway just to be sure)....

But when i CRANK the car up the humming stops and i dont have P/S!! WTF!! lol

wires crossed or something??

[SloWRX]

LOL! - sry

[StraightSix]

Assuming you're talking about the MR-2 , it sounds like there's an electrical problem somewhere. If there's a relay for the power steering, and there should be, I would check to make sure the relay is good.

FWIW, and this goes for anyone posting looking for technical advice, it's very, very helpful to post the car information, too. I nearly flamed you until I remembered MR-2s have electric p/s pumps.

[©hris]

its white, rwd, and has a turbo lol j/k

yes i was talking about the MR2... i'll check out that relay

[StraightSix]

The good thing is that I'm ok at deductive reasoning.

I found a wiring diagram of the power steering circuit. It's more complicated than I thought. Worst case, looks like it could be a bad p/s ecu.

[©hris]

REPS!

[chip P.]

does it whine when you turn the wheel?
i know this sounds like nothing,but check the power steering fluid level. u may be low

[kainkauz]

wow ive never heard of that.. lol good luck

[turbosx©]

does it work when the car is running?

[©hris]

nope

[ash7]

FWIW, and this goes for anyone posting looking for technical advice, it's very, very helpful to post the car information, too. I nearly flamed you until I remembered MR-2s have electric p/s pumps.

ditto for me

I'm glad i read the entire thread before i started.
[puts down lighter and can of brake cleaner]

-jonathan