QuestionI have a 1995 mitsubishi galant ls 4.0 automatic. i haven't had any major problems in a year. i discovered a tapping/hissing/ratteling noise coming from under the hood. I discoverd this noise on Sunday july 18th i was told it sounds like my belt wheel is where the noise is coming from.i was told to put belt dressing on it. i never did. Now on today July 22, my battery light and brake light stays on after starting the car the noise is still sounding and no power steering my steering wheel is hard to turn. can you give me any advice as to what direction i should look in to solve my problem.
Thanks Monica.
AnswerMonica,
When the battery light and brake light come on and stay one, that usually indicates your battery is not receiving sufficient charge from your alternator. I believe the alternator on your car shares the same pulley as your power steering pump. So if your alternator is not turning, your battery light and brake light will come on, and you loose power steering, that's a good indication something is not turning properly from your drive belts.
At this point, I do not think belt dressing will help too much. You may need to replace your alternator pulley, power steering pulley, or a tensioner within your drive belt set up. Most any mechanic can perform this. You can even take your car to an AutoZone or similar store in your area, and they can perform a free battery and alternator check. You may find your alternator is shot, and you need it replaced. If the alternator that is on your car is the original one, it probably does need to be replaced. Mitsubishi alternators usually last between 7-10 years. So, you're about due.
Be aware, if your alternator is not providing enough power to your car, that means you car is running off the battery. If that continues, your battery will continue to drain without getting charged until it's dead, and then you will be unable to even start your car. Get this problem fixed ASAP.
Good luck!
