Foose
New Member
Hey fellas -
New guy here with a question. I just picked up a 2002 KJ Limited, 103k, 3.7L, etc., and I'm having an issue with the power steering.
Upon start up, the power steering does not kick in. Once I get the RPM's up it seems to engage and work just fine. Same when doing slow tight turns (less than 5 mph), like when parking. I've also noticed it fading out after going down a long hill off throttle, which can be scary mid turn at 55 mph when the power steering suddenly kicks in!
Basically, when the engine is under very light or no load the power steering fails. It's not a huge issue, but when it kicks in mid turn at highway speeds it jerks me into the other lane if I'm not anticipating it.
I've checked the p/s fluid constantly since I got it and the level has never changed, so it's not leaking. When the p/s works it works great, so it doesn't make sense for it to be the rack.
My parents owned the jeep since new so I know the history, it's never been wrecked, never even smacked a curb.
Would this be the p/s pump? What about this p/s sensor? I've changed the p/s fluid and there was no change...
I see p/s pumps are cheap for these, but I dont want to waste $80 if this isn't the problem.
Thanks for your help...
New guy here with a question. I just picked up a 2002 KJ Limited, 103k, 3.7L, etc., and I'm having an issue with the power steering.
Upon start up, the power steering does not kick in. Once I get the RPM's up it seems to engage and work just fine. Same when doing slow tight turns (less than 5 mph), like when parking. I've also noticed it fading out after going down a long hill off throttle, which can be scary mid turn at 55 mph when the power steering suddenly kicks in!
Basically, when the engine is under very light or no load the power steering fails. It's not a huge issue, but when it kicks in mid turn at highway speeds it jerks me into the other lane if I'm not anticipating it.
I've checked the p/s fluid constantly since I got it and the level has never changed, so it's not leaking. When the p/s works it works great, so it doesn't make sense for it to be the rack.
My parents owned the jeep since new so I know the history, it's never been wrecked, never even smacked a curb.
Would this be the p/s pump? What about this p/s sensor? I've changed the p/s fluid and there was no change...
I see p/s pumps are cheap for these, but I dont want to waste $80 if this isn't the problem.
Thanks for your help...
Last edited:
