Pontiac Repair: 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix, power steering racks, power steering fluid

Question
QUESTION: Today while driving, I noticed my turn signal blinking lights on the dashboard were very slow.  When I got into a quiet area, I heard a light whizzing/whirring sound.  After a few blocks, the ABS light on the dashboard came on (stayed on), and also the Charger light + / - came on and stayed on.  Hard to steer and brake, and eventually the car stalled.  Headlights were also very dim.  thanks

ANSWER: Hey Joseph:

The problme is with the aletrantor. it stopped charging that is why the battery light came on and the system voltage dropped low enough that the abs light came on and eventually low enough that there was not enough to run the ignition system. It's more than likely just a bad alternator and not any of the wiring to the alternator it's self. Now why was the steering hard?? Did the belt come off and that is why it stopped charging????? that could be related. The alternator could have stopped charging and seized up and the threw off the belt that is a possibility as well. Good luck :}


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi (again) Todd.  thanks so much for your quick and thorough response.  In response to several of your questions; yes, the steering was hard...I looked under the hood and the belt is not off (still on)... If any of this additional info. helps you, I'd appreciate another comment.  Thanks again, best -- Joe

Answer
Well you may have 2 issues here then a steering issue and also an alternator issue. Make sure the power steering fluid is full if not take a look under the car and see it you see anything leaking. My guess it it's either low of fluid or the pump may be on it's way out?? These cars are not really noted for steering pump failures more power steering racks going bad and leaking fluid.