1997 Corolla Wheel Turning Issue

[Mikepelosi]

Hello everyone,

I was driving in fairly bad weather (rain/snow) and went through a puddle...nothing that appeared to be serious but it was very dark outside. As I turned through the puddle on to the street, I noticed my wheel locked. I couldn't turn it without excessive force. After two or three seconds, it went back to normal. During the turning time, the battery light came on, then went off.

A week ago, on an extremely cold morning (19 degrees) that battery light came on, then went back off. There was resistance backing the car up.

I know a little bit about the battery but the not being able to turn the wheel thing freaked me out a bit. It's nothing I have experienced before. Alternator and battery are 3 years old.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Mike

 

[JoshuaVaipulu]

have you looked at your fender liner? the water could have splashed up and ripped off your fender liner. so now when you turn it gets caught and when you back up it pulls on the liner. this is a very long shot, but bear with me here, the battery has a ground on the transmission. if the ground was loose and then had water or other debris get into it i could see it slowly draining your batter.

 

[Donabed Kopoian]

Sounds like your drive belt got soaked and was slipping. Take a look at it.

 

[fishycomics]

Don is on to it, but one more thing must be checked out. the belt tensioner. They will freeze up. Get your belt changed out!. No One here knows your Mileage, And it is a serpentine belt, will cost a little more?

Three belt system, Ac, fan + alt.

With car OFF, how much tension are on the belts, if you know what to look for?

Also If you are getting water from below, best beware the next big surprise will be your condenser, get that checked out fast. Salt water on those parts , kiss tat condenser good bye