Power steering problems!!!

[jons-auto94Q45]

I have a 94 45a and when the car is "cold" everything works great. However when things get "warmed" up, loses power to 2000 rpm. from 2000-4000rpm it's ok. At 4000rpm it falls on it face. At the same time, the power stering goes out as well. Any ideas... computer, maybe I need a new car? Help please!

[maxnix]

Probably a combination of things.

Maintenance history? Accessory belts and pulleys?

Welcome to NICO.
Modified by maxnix at 7:43 AM 7/19/2007

[jons-auto94Q45]

The lady who owned it previously I doubt maintained it. She used regular unleaded. She claims that she invested in a steering rack. There are alot of little things that need to be fixed on the car but this is my main concern at the moment.

[Q45tech]

Take it to an Infiniti Dealer in Tampa/Clearwater PAY them [1-2 hours] to perform a total inspection with a written list of every problem they find.

We can review and make recommendations.

[maxnix]

The lady who owned it previously I doubt maintained it. She used regular unleaded.

Ouch! Better do as Q45tech recommends. Bound to be a myriad of deferred maintenance. We can help you triage.

[jons-auto94Q45]

You guys are right. I am by no means an Infinity specialist. This is actually my first. I have worked on all sorts of cars all my life and have used what I know to diagnos these symptoms. Before I take it to the dealer, though, do you think it would hurt to try a computer.(ECCS) I have a good used parts guy down here and he will sell me one at a really good price. I have checked alot of the sensors on this car and they checkout ok. However the snap-on scanner says there is no communication. The only reason I'm inquiring is I am leary of the dealerships around here.

[maxnix]

An extra ECU is always a good thing, but I doubt it will fix your porblems. Does your friend have an active ECU?

Do you have the FSM?

[96Qowner]

Take it to an Infiniti Dealer in Tampa/Clearwater PAY them [1-2 hours] to perform a total inspection with a written list of every problem they find.

Or download a FSM and start going through all the diagnostics, yourself.

http://www.phatg20.net/modules...id=62

With no power steering, the speed sensors(s) or the power steering control unit may be involved.

zerothread?id=254987

Or the harness, or the alternator, or ....

Dunno til you get more info.

And by all means, search this site for more info. I found that thread on the control unit in just a few minutes. You can get a lot of background and possible solutions from spending a little free time searching. Be sure to search in "Post Bodies". Do more searches for new terms you run across in the threads you read, etc.

For instance, the rpm ranges you mention for low power are odd, and since it only happens when warm, it brings temperature issues to mind - bad thermostat or sensor or again, harness.

Anything happen lately that might have fried electronics?

Need more info.
Modified by 96Qowner at 11:03 AM 7/19/2007

[maxnix]

And by all means, search this site for more info. I found that thread on the control unit in just a few minutes. You can get a lot of background and possible solutions from spending a little free time searching. Be sure to search in "Post Bodies". Do more searches for new terms you run across in the threads you read, etc.

Don't forget to also search archived posts the same way, and read all posts by Q45tech.

[jons-auto94Q45]

Nothing I know of happened to the electronics. Do you think that the speed sensors could be dirty? or something to that effect?

[96Qowner]

No, a speed sensor wouldn't be dirty; it'd be dead.

If the power steering goes out at the same time/rpm/speed that the engine loses power, you're probably looking at something wrong with electronics - a sensor or 'puter somewhere.

You can't get a code reader to communicate with the ECU? Odd. You could try unbolting it, turning the screw on it and manually reading the flashes. You need to get some data so you know where to start looking.

Seriously, get it to a Nissan or Infiniti shop and have 'em hook it up to the Consult. You're not going to get many people here who are willing to just guess. If it doesn't sound familiar to Q45tech, it's unlikely anyone can tell you what's wrong without more info.

It has some characteristics of a corroded connector. I'd take a good look at the MAF (air flow meter) connector and the CAS (cam position sensor) connector. Pull 'em and clean 'em up.

But it would sure be nice to get some OBD codes.

[xerexabante]

see if your ECU Coolant Temp Sensor id bad

[elwesso]

see if your ECU Coolant Temp Sensor id bad

How would that have any direct correlation to PS?

IF you want to buy parts to have them as a spare, thats fine, but dont think that buying random parts will fix the problem.

Does the instrument cluster (mainly speedo) ever go dead? Does this happen all the time? Have you checked the fluid and added ATF and active fluid?

I have a feeling the dealer will tell you to replace the R/P when Im not sure thats the root cause.

Are we mainly dealing with a loss of power or malfuntioning power steering?

[ScottJackson]

when it's warm, does it fall flat at 4000rpm when you're stopped and trans is in park?

[xerexabante]

None. I was trying to see why at cold everything os O.K. Then warmed up everything goes bad.

Yes, there is no relevance on the power steering with the ECU Temp Sensor.

[jons-auto94Q45]

I'd only assume that the power steering would be a hydraulic problem. I have had several guys tell that the seals in the neck of the rack are probably failing due to heat and sending pressure to both sides and giving me the false impression that I'm losing pressure. In actuality I have good pressure counteracting inside itself. It could be the R/P. The fact that I'm losing power could be that my MAF sensor is bad. Car does not stall when disconnected. Secondly te computer did nothing to the car good or bad. Back to the power steering, is the active suspension pressurized by the P/S pump? I added suspension fluid when I first got the car so I have a slight suspicion that could be part of the problem. What do you guys think?

[jons-auto94Q45]

Both but mainly power steering. Just to answer.