vlad0691

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys I'm new to the forums and I just recently got my 2004 RX-8. A few days ago my power steering started acting a little goofy. Sometimes when I start the car my PS light will come on and I won't have any power steering. If I let the car idle for a little while or drive it for a bit and then turn it off and turn it back on it'll go away and my PS will work. It's all very random, but it seems as if I let my car run for a bit and then restart it my PS will work fine. The light has never come on and I've never lost my power steering while driving. I either have it or don't when I turn the car off. Any ideas on this?

dozer

iTrader: (3)

Sounds like youre connection is dirty...

if you search more you will DEFINITELY find the answer as i did. good look young padawan

vlad0691

iTrader: (1)

I appreciate it, I shall now do some advanced searching. I hope it works! Also, I'm planning on changing my oil with conventional 10w-30. I live in GA and the weather gets pretty toasty. Is 10w-30 thick enough? Or should I go thicker. I can get up to 20w-50 hahaha.

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

I'll save you from searching this time.
The power steering connectors are located below the air intake filter box. Once you remove that, there is a tray that supports that. Remove that. This will expose the wiring harness for the control and power cables for the electrical power steering. They may be covered in tape, so that will have to be removed. Just disconnect them, then reconnect. In most cases, this will correct the problem. This has happened to me twice in the 7 yrs I have had my car. Tools required: 10 mm socket wrench and maybe an extension.

vlad0691

iTrader: (1)

Thanks! Should I get any connector cleaner or anything?

dozer

iTrader: (3)

^what al said. but when you disconnect them you might wanna clean out the metal prongs with Keyboard duster (canned air) and dab some dielectric grease on both ends to help prevent rust and once again losing the connection.

vlad0691

iTrader: (1)

I've got both of those laying around, luckily. I appreciate it guys!

Asurada

This problem bugged me for few years.... I tried to clean them, but it'll only last about 6 months. At the end, I had to soldered those two wires. It has been at least three years since I soldered those wires and I never had to worry about getting no PS.

dozer

iTrader: (3)

i only had to clean my out once, problem has yet to come back, and its been almost 3 years for me too

1.3_LittersOfFurry

iTrader: (4)

Don't forget to extend the overflow hose to below the fans while your in there!
Preventive maintiance!

vlad0691

iTrader: (1)

Say wha?

ZOOM-I-DO

^^^ The overflow hose for the coolant bottle is two short and any overflow pours directly on to the connector being discussed. Get a longer piece of hose and route it so any overflow is directed in front of the radiator.

Grace_Excel

iTrader: (5)

Here's the link for the DIY, Power Steering Problem

vlad0691

iTrader: (1)

Done, done, and almost done! I changed my oil today along with cleaning the connectors did the trick. The light hasn't been on since and my power steering feels like butter. I got the piece of hose to re-route the overflow, but haven't hooked it up yet, but that shouldn't take too long.

Oh and is 10w-30 a thick enough oil to run? I live in Georgia, so the heat down here is pretty brutal.

monchie

5w30 would be just fine. I live in Vegas and i found out when i had my first oil change at the dealership last summer.