Steering Column Repair: power steering column 06 chevy cobalt, chevy cobalt, chevrolet cobalt

Question
Hi. So it all started when my front light went out. My dad replaced it and it wouldn't work then finally after taking of the entire left light part it worked. My dad left the car on because it was really hot out and i was leaving in. 5 minutes i step in the car a to my surprise it seemed as if the heater was on it was only hot hot air coming out.  he went out and looked at it to try to fix it and he did. So i go out get in the car and try to turn the wheel and nothing it is hard to turn it. I did take my car to the chevy dealership to have the power steering motor replaced but they said it was th steering column. I just think it is a huge coincides everything was fine until my dad messed with it to fix the light and a/c. Now my wipes aren't working or the lights for a/c. Oh and when the car is lifted of the ground the wheel is fine. My dad is a mechanic but he learned everything on his own and has more experience with older models. Any suggestions please. Thank you.

Answer
Hello Livi:

Sorry about your car.  The problem you are experiencing is a common part failure on this model.  It most likely has nothing to do with what your dad has done (I'm pretty sure), but the good news is this...
There is a current recall for your vehicle that will replace the power assist motor in the steering column FREE of CHARGE.  Here is the information for that recall.

Good luck

Doug
Recall Issue Date: 20100303

Campaign ID: 10V073000

Summary: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.

Consequence: IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED IN THE RECALL FILE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Notes: GM`S RECALL NO. N100023.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION`S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .