(Kind of Long - Sorry)

So about 6-7 months ago I parked my truck for the winter. Long story, it made sense, all of that good stuff. These problems manifested themselves the last time I actually drove it before I parked it, but I didn't give it much though since I had just gotten back from not driving it for about a month.

I started it once a month or so but usually had to jump it. (probably a mistake not starting it more often, you know hind sight)

Now I need to put it back on the road and the power steering appears to be out.

My batter was not charging so I took it to a auto parts place, they tested it, battery was bad.

Brought the new battery home, put it in, turned the key and it clicks.

So I jumped it, started right up, let it run for ten minutes. Turned it off. Back on. Click.

So I jumped it, started right up, drove it around the block a few times, let it run for 20 minutes including driving. Backed it into its spot. Click.

So the problems appear to be persistent.

Couple of questions - any chance the power steering thing and whatever is going on electrically are related?

Are there fuses or relays related to the power steering?

I guess it could be the alternator but before I changed batteries I pulled the negative cable off with it running and it kept going. I now realize that wasn't a good idea but what's done is done.

Another thing I did was touch the jumper cables together before and after I jumped it. This was probably a really stupid thing to do but there was very little spark prior to the jump and a 'really good' spark afterwards.

Is it just coincidence that my alternator and power steering pump went out at the same time or is there something I'm missing?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

just have to ask this, have you checked your engine belt? if its not there your not going to have power steering or your alternator working. no your power steering is not electronic it works off of hydraulic pressure put out by the pump to make turning easy. if you bought a new battery and it was dead when you got it, you might have got a bad one or one that has been sitting on the parts shelf for awhile.

 

From my experience these trucks need to be driven regularly. My truck sat for over 6 months before I bought it, and I had a bunch of problems all at the same time. I was convinced the dealer went out of their way to screw me. Now that I drive it everyday, and take it on a long trip every few weeks it runs like a top. I was having my doubts in the beginning, but now I think it is the best truck I have owned. Have not had one problem the past few thousand miles. I'd like to store it over the winter so the salt doesn't ruin it, but I'm also worried about letting it sit. Fix the problems, and drive it daily!

 

Yeah, it is my daily driver now.

In the shop now getting whatever the problem is diagnosed.

Good times - can't wait.

 

Update on this one in case anyone is keeping score at home.

Turns out Im an idiot and it was just corrosion on my battery cables.

So the power issue wasn't really an issue at all.

The power steering started working on its own - no idea how that happened.

Thanks guys.

 

Too bad I didn't see this sooner. I had the same issues on my Ford Focus. I eventually got rid of it because the corrosion got real bad and I didn't feel like re running new wires. So instead of I bought 05 FX4 SuperCrew.

Thats great you got it working. I try to regularly check my battery terminals because of those issues.

 

if you do your own oil changes, keep an eye on the terminals when you change your oil or check your oil. i have also seen the terminal corrode off at the starter on one of our work trucks. i coat all of mine with dielectric grease to help prevent the corrosion.