Hey guys,
Today as I was pulling into a parking lot off a main road, doing about 30, my car died. The steering locked up and the brakes had no pressure, so I almost went straight into a curb. It was at night, and the only light that came on, that I noticed right away, was the battery light, right when it died. I didn't look to see what else, I just tried to start it up and move out of the way. It started back up no problem. Just some background, it's been having trouble sometimes starting, where it needs to crank for 3 seconds or so to go. Other days it's fine. It usually only has problems in the heat trying to start right away. It's important to note that the car has always started.. Last week I did a 300 mile road trip and during the trip, upon starting the truck, it died right away 3 times. First time it has died once its been started. I should also mention the battery connection is probably crappy. The nut got stripped, and only holds tight to the battery at certain angles, other wise with every bump the voltage will dip as the nut wiggles. I installed an alternator about 2 months ago that has been fine, along with a new serpentine belt. One last thing! ever since the road trip, the oil pressure gauge will drop below the 30 dash, and probably near 15 or so, causing the "check gauge" light to come on. This only happens during acceleration and it is split second. The needle moves down and then right back up to 30-35. I know it's a lot of info, so I appreciate if you've made it this far. I'm just wondering why my car died and why my oil pressure gauge is being funky. Thanks!

 

And I would just like to re iterate that the steering wheel was locked. It was not manual steering. Fully and completely locked. I've driven it for a year, and I locked it every time I put it in park. So I do know the difference between no assisted steering and locked steering.