Intrigue Power steering issue.

[Regal_GS_1989]

Alright, I went to look at the intrigue that I was thinking about buying and got to take it out for another test drive. There is now an issue with the steering, that I originally thought was the PS pump, but now I read that It could be the Magnasteer system that has acted up.

 

The car is an early 99 (build jan. 99) GL

When the car is stopped, there is very little power assist in the steering. If you rev it up a little, then the assist comes back.

 

Also, when you try and turn the steering wheel when the car is stopped, there appears to be a chattering noise comming from under the hood, from I assume the power steering pump.

 

Just wondering if someone could shed some light on the situation

 

Thanks.

[GP1138]

That would be a mid to late '99. They start building model year cars the year before that year.... if that makes any sense.

 

You did check the fluid, right?

[Regal_GS_1989]

I did check the fluid. It appeared to be just about half way between the add and the full mark. Certainly not enough discrepancy for it to have fully operational power steering at the start of the drive, and then issues not even 30 minutes later.

 

On another note, having an issue like that arise during a test drive did not inspire me want to buy that car. I will be talking to the sales guy tomorrow once his mechanic has looked at it. I may just walk away from it for now if things dont pan out. Its a real shame though cause it's a very sharp looking car.

 

And yes, I know fully that the model year starts the previous year. It just slipped my mind when I noticed the january build date.

[Nick1234]

my impala does that exact same thing.....not sure what it is.

[Regal_GS_1989]

Well, I spoke to the guy at the lot and he said that his mechanic checked it out and couldn't really figure out what it was. He said that after it sat, it was a little firm, but nothing too bad, definately not like what it had been the day before, so i'm thinking it could be solved by a fluid flush. Either way, i've stepped away from this car for now. I really like it, and the interior kicks ass on it, but I'm gonna hold off for now and see if the dealer drops his price. He already lowered it once, and may lower it again.

 

Black intrigue + Tint + Charcoal leather + Chrome wheels is

[30306ss]

If you can get someone to pull the chassis dtc codes you would be way ahead of the game.

There are 2 sensors that are in the power assist system.

1) is on the rack and pinion unit.

2) is on the p.s.pump with a red/blue connector.

Both monitor system pressure.

The 3rd thing that could cause it is a faulty steering wheel position sensor(EVO sensor in some GM models)

It allows full assist at parking lot/idle speeds and reduces assist as vehicle speed increases.