2008 highlander limited power steering issue
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
It is not clear what is wrong with it so it is hard to answer the 1st questions. Regarding the 2nd question, steering is very important. Probably it is more important than brakes and anything else on your car so I would get it fixed if this is a safety issue.
Any codes? First thing I would check is battery/alternator/grounds/relays because it's an electric power steering unit. When my alternator failed the power steering was intermittent (and terrifying af, def super unsafe, please stop driving until it's resolved).
IIRC on a 2008 it's hydraulic. That being said could be as simple as low fluid or loose drive belt
Yup, it is indeed hydraulic in the earlier years, my bad.
Joined
·
57 Posts
what year is considered early? My 08 is electric ps.
OP needs to provide a lot more details as to what they drive.
Its like asking my car is broken, how much will it cost to fix? LOL
Oh weird, I just looked at RA for 2008 and they sell a hydraulic ps pump and reservoirs.... But most Google hits also suggest it's electric... I guess maybe they made them with both?
Maybe hybrids or certain option packages
Well its pretty easy to verify. Maybe flashlight is needed that bright. forget using a phone. LOL
Look around the serpentine bell and see whats driven by it. Alternator, idler, main engine pulley etc. The pump will be there somewhere along with a fluid reservoir. If not its electric and should be documented in the electrical PDB fuse breakout as well. Guessing ...all above it appears.
Look around the serpentine bell and see whats driven by it. Alternator, idler, main engine pulley etc. The pump will be there somewhere along with a fluid reservoir. If not its electric and should be documented in the electrical PDB fuse breakout as well. Guessing ...all above it appears.
Nope
Joined
·
5 Posts
It is random. If I start it with it not working and drive several yards it will work if I restart it. Has to be an electrical issue. BTW not driving it.
@strick147 , you have a long list of knowledgeable people eager to help you on this thread, they need to know if you have electric power steering or hydraulic power steering. Also have you scanned your car for any codes?
Joined
·
5 Posts
Electric. The only code is the red steering wheel alert and a message saying get it checked by the dealer. I havent had it diagnosed yet. Hoping to take it in next week. Thanks
You need to get the code read through the OBDII system. Any auto parts store will read it for free. The dealer will charge you as much as possible, maybe even a little more. EPS is not as common as hydraulic, so you may get stuck with the dealer at some point, but it would never be my first option.
Joined
·
5 Posts
Thanks for the suggestion. I will do that Monday
Be aware that an Auto Parts store's scanner will likely NOT be able to read any of those codes. If you have a trusted dealer go there and don't waste your time. Most dealers are not there to try screwing you. And don't try to be a diagnostician to the dealer. Simply explain the problem. Odds are it may be something relatively simple anyway. If you don't have a trusted dealer then take it to a trusted independent shop. They will have the higher end scanners necessary to dig that far into the system for a proper diagnosis. All the parts store will use is a $59.95 special scanner and it won't dig in enough.
You're having a situation which makes safe driving of the car sketchy. So don't waste your time.
You're having a situation which makes safe driving of the car sketchy. So don't waste your time.
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
