2001 Minivan - power steering locks up

My wife drives a silver, 2001, chrysler town & country minivan lxi. If you
look closely, there is about 20 of them in the mall parking lot right now~

2 wheel drive. 3.4 liter.

Here's the problem. When first starting the power steering freezes up,
making the car unable to be steered. It will go away soon enough, but it can
be very dangerous at first.

I just checked the fluid, and we're fine (hat's off the Engineer that gave
me a window on the outside - GeNiUs).

Thought maybe it was only in cold weather, but, today was rather warm. So,
looks like I have a problem here. Quick perusal of the NG (here and
groups.google) and didn't see anyone else with this problem.

Any thoughts?

(I bought the car 2nd hand, and it comes with a warranty *not* from
Chrysler. feel free to tell me how that's not going to work, too)

 

Must be (1) Slipping (loose/oily/glazed) belt, (2) Bad pump, or (3) Bad
rack.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
adddress with the letter 'x')

 

I'm tempted to agree with your diagnosis. Don't think a belt, probably not
the rack (as it's intermittent), must be the pump. Any idea how long to R&R
that unit? (I can check for prices, and guestimate the hourly rate, myself)

 

I have no idea. Those are the only things in the system that something
could go wrong with (other than hoses, and you didn't mention any
leaks). 8^)

I will say I've seen many threads in which the OP corrected similar
problems simply by replacing the p.s. fluid! Worth a try. (BTW - use
ATF+4 for the fluid if your existing fluid is red, or use Mopar MS5391
if your existing fluid is yellow - depends on the build date of your T&C
per TSB No. 19-005-03.)

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
adddress with the letter 'x')