Can the power steering return hose problems cause the Check Engine Light to come on?
My 2004 Corolla apparently needs a power steering return hose replacement according to the dealer. I have had check engine light turn on randomly during the winter (Illinois) before and I was told by several repair shops that the vibration of the engine when it starts up on cold days is setting off the check engine light and that it really doesn't need any repairs other than resetting the code. The check engine light came on several weeks ago and I was wondering if it could have something to do with the power steering or if it could be just some other random issue.
My car has 119000 m
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello there, you have several different issues going on with your 2004 Toyota Corolla. Without knowing what the Check Engine Light is, I cannot determine if it has anything to do with the engine shaking or not. The power steering return hose is a commonly replaced hose in the power steering system and is usually replaced due to leaking. A qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, will be able to diagnose your Check Engine Light and replace the power steering hose as needed.
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When the check engine light comes on when turning the steering wheel, this usually is for the power steering system. There could be an issue with the power steering pump or the rack and pinion steering system.
Signs of a bad power steering pressure hose
Hose is leaking – if you notice a red-colored fluid leaking out from the bottom of your car, that is hydraulic fluid that may be coming from your power steering pressure hose. Old hydraulic fluid may turn darker in color and look similar to engine oil.
Purpose. The high-pressure (supply) hose carries high-pressure oil from the power steering pump to the steering gear. The low-pressure (return) hose carries oil from the steering gear back to the pump or its reservoir.
One of the most common high-pressure line leaks is where the line connects to the power steering pump and rack and pinion. These connections use small o-rings to seal the connection so, over time, these o-rings can become hard and brittle which leads to a leak.
Follow our recommendation on how to check power steering fluid on your vehicle. Note: This fluid is best checked if the car has been running for a few minutes and has had time to warm up. Check levels with the engine off.
If the power steering pump pulley starts to fail or intermittently binds, you might notice that your car`s steering will either not respond well when you turn the wheel, or it will respond excessively. When the pulley binds for longer periods of time, you may notice a burnt smell under the hood of the car.
Age and constant usage are the two biggest contributing factors to a power steering fluid leak. As the supply and pressure hoses start to age, they may develop holes through which the fluid can leak. Likewise, the O-rings and seals gradually lose their flexibility as your mileage increases.
If the hose or a coupling fails, power steering fluid can blow all over the hot engine. That fluid is flammable and can start a fire. Or if you`ve been driving for a few weeks with low power steering fluid, that could ruin your power steering pump. Replacing the pump is an extra expense you can probably live without.
When to the consider replacing the power steering pressure hose: Groaning, whirring noise or difficulty steering. Noise, or difficulty turning the steering wheel, may reflect a low power steering fluid level, which could be due to a leak in a pressure hose, or a leak elsewhere in the power steering system.
Driving your car for extended periods without power steering fluid can damage the pump. While there`s nothing that physically stops you from driving your car if you have a power steering fluid leak, once the level drops, your pump runs dry. This causes increased friction and heat and can quickly cause expensive damage.
Power steering pumps require a hose with a vacuum rating of 28 INCHES/HG on the inlet side, and a minimum ½”inside diameter. This is required to keep the hose from collapsing at higher RPMs.
Turn the engine off. The power steering reservoir is in a different location based upon the make and model of your vehicle.
One of the most common sounds that occur with a faulty power steering pump is a groaning sound. You may also hear whining, especially when you crank the wheel tightly. Either way, your steering shouldn`t make any noises while you are navigating your vehicle.
There should be no movement or play from side to side. Misalignment – Misaligned pulleys will cause belt chirp noise problems and are caused by worn bearings. Cracked or Broken Pulley – Check for obvious physical damage.
A serious problem with a faulty power steering pump is steering that doesn`t respond. You may turn the wheel, but your vehicle may not change direction. As you can imagine, this can put you in a very dangerous situation and might even cause an automobile accident.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Can the power steering return hose problems cause the Check Engine Light to come on?
ANSWER : Hello there, you have several different issues going on with your 2004 Toyota Corolla. Without knowing what the Check Engine Light is, I cannot determine if it has anything to do with the engine shaking or not. The power steering return hose is a commonly replaced hose in the power steering system and is usually replaced due to leaking. A qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, will be able to diagnose your Check Engine Light and replace the power steering hose as needed.
Traction light/reduced engine power and check engine light coming on
ANSWER : Hello. From what you describe, it would appear that your vehicle may be experiencing some sort of intermittent wiring or sensor issue. If the problem occurred again after driving over a bump, then it may be possible that a damaged or loose wire is shorting or having contact issues. A common issue that can cause stalling is a faulty crank position sensor or wiring. I would carefully examine the engine for any loose or damaged wires. If the Check Engine Light comes back on, I would recommend having the trouble codes scanned before resetting the computer.
I am not getting any power when I turn the key to the on position. there is no dash lights only check engine lite comes on.
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Reduce engine power / check engine light is on
ANSWER : Hi there. Most of the time, reduced engine power is caused by a restriction of fuel, or the throttle body’s inability to efficiently mix air and fuel. This could be caused by a failing mass air flow sensor, EGR valve or other fuel system components. Since the check engine light is on, you should have a professional mechanic complete an inspection at your location to determine what codes are stored and which components require repair. This should resolve your issue.
Check Engine Light comes on after starting pickup
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ANSWER : Your car has what is called a "safe mode" that will be engaged by the computer when it detects that something critical has gone wrong related to any of the major components in your engine chassis or power train. This may be related to a number of things, most of which should have been registered in the computer when the check engine light came on. I recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to inspect your check engine light and diagnose any codes registered by your vehicle’s computer.
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Car started to slow down and then the check engine light, battery, and engine oil light came on. What could cause this?
ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible that the battery cable came loose or the wires to the oil pressure sensor has came loose or failed. Check the battery cables and make sure that the terminals are tight and clean. Check the wires to the oil pressure sensor and make sure that they are connected and not broken. If everything looks good, then the oil pressure sensor may have failed. Plus, check the computer for codes and see what is stored. This will lead you to the part that could have failed. I recommend replacing the oil pressure sensor then checking to see if the lights will go out. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your vehicle, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you with the warning lights that came on.
