Tranny Failed then Power Steering Switch?

[Sami_Girl_FL]

My 2002 PT Cruiser had less than 36,000 miles on it last month when the transmission went. I took it to the local dealer who rebuilt it and also took care of the power steering recall. Now, the OEM light came on today and they are telling me that it is a short in the power steering switch. Any chance these things are related (I don't want to have to pay a deductible for the repairs!)?

Thanks!!

[quicksilverdon]

Welcome, Sami.
Sorry about your grief. I don't know what a power steering switch would be - power steering on the PT is all mechanical - a belt-driven pump gives hydraulic assist to the steering. [:I]

[KingKole02]

Just wanted to say hi from the South Cape/Coral, Ft Myers area in Sunny Florida, now that all the trees are gone. [8D]

[Cal Cruzer]

I didn't know that there was a light for the power steering system. Are you sure it wasn't the brake fluid indicator or the check engine light?

[MX-5]

The power steering has a pressure switch to let the PCM know to raise the idle speed to compensate for the extra load on the motor when turning at idle.

You can verify this by watching the tach and turning the wheel while in park.
The same increase in rpm happens when you have the AC compressor engage.

The code is for a fault in the PS switch CIRCUIT, not just an indication of a defective switch. It must be diagnosed and tested to determine the cause of the code.

[quicksilverdon]

Once again, I learn something. Thanks, MX-5.

[Sami_Girl_FL]

Thanks everyone for your input!

I got my Cruiser back last night good-as-new.

Take Care!!

[DJmart]

I have the same issue, I topped off the power steering fluid, still a problem.

I cleared the code twice already, once before fluid, and after.

How do I diagnose if the switch is bad or not? Thanks!!!!!

(BTW the RPM goes DOWN instead of up, but does not stall)

EDIT:
By turning the wheels to the end of the left or right steering.

[Cartman]

DJmart- in theory you could test it with a DVOM. Problem is the car would have to be running and someone would have to turnt he steering lock to lock, while you were under the hood accessing the switch which is on the steering rack. it sounds like your switch isnt working, if the part is cheap enough it might be feasable to replace it. If your good with electrical, this might help you out.
OPERATION
The switch provides an input to the PCM during periods of high pump load and low engine RPM; such as during parking maneuvers.
When power steering pump pressure exceeds 2758 kPa (400 psi) , the switch is open. The PCM increases idle air flow through the IAC motor to prevent engine stalling. The PCM sends 12 volts through a resister to the sensor circuit to ground. When pump pressure is low, the switch is closed.

[DJmart]

Originally Posted by Cartman

DJmart- in theory you could test it with a DVOM. Problem is the car would have to be running and someone would have to turnt he steering lock to lock, while you were under the hood accessing the switch which is on the steering rack. it sounds like your switch isnt working, if the part is cheap enough it might be feasable to replace it. If your good with electrical, this might help you out.
OPERATION
The switch provides an input to the PCM during periods of high pump load and low engine RPM; such as during parking maneuvers.
When power steering pump pressure exceeds 2758 kPa (400 psi) , the switch is open. The PCM increases idle air flow through the IAC motor to prevent engine stalling. The PCM sends 12 volts through a resister to the sensor circuit to ground. When pump pressure is low, the switch is closed.

sounds like something I can do!!! I am electrical handy

I'll work with my mechanic (we are good friends) and I will test the switch.

So I am guessing, no 12v reading... bad switch.?