A couple of months ago my "POWER STEERING" light came on. I simply turn the car off and restarted it. It happened a couple of more times, and that was it.

A couple of days ago the car started making a noise like the power steering was low on fluid. Not sure how to top off an electrical steering motor. I also noticed that the dash lights were flickering. The noise went away once the car got warmed up.

Today it made the same noise and the battery light came on. I put the car back in my driveway.

My closest Chevy dealer tends to try "up sell" me on everything, they're also pricey. They are also the dealer where I purchased my HHR. I was hoping to make it further down the road to another Chevy dealer, that has always been good to me and very fair on their prices. I'm not sure the car will make it, that far.

My third option, is a mechanic next to the closest dealer. They have been excellent and they don't charge the dealer prices.

I know my HHR is due for the power steering replacement, due to it giving me the power steering codes.

What is the best thing for me to do? Should I bite the bullet and go close, have my HHR towed further down the road, or go to my favorite non-dealer mechanic?

TIA

JJ

 

There is an extended warranty on that power steering motor... If it's throwing codes for that it should be a free replacement.

 

The dealership has been mandated to replace the power steering motor at no charge.
If your dealership wants to denigh that, then go to another dealership.

 

You don't have to buy what they try to sell. You need to know that "Service Advisors" are commissioned salesmen, and the techs get paid by the job.

And since your car does not have a power steering pump or fluid you are going to need a better description of the sound.

Have you considered that the battery is 11 years old? Maybe the battery light is trying to tell you it died after outliving its projected life by 6 years.

 

Agree with the others, GM will fix your PS.

And about the battery, even if it isn't the original, it certainly could be no good. Just because it starts the car, doesn't mean it's good enough to run all the computers and everything else. Head down to your local parts store for a free charging system and battery test.

 

As has been said, your dealer should repair that free of charge. If not, contact GM customer assistance at 800-222-1020.