Power steering failure. Reservoir not empty. Solutions and safe to drive?

[doctorwedgeworth]

Hey,

The power steering failed today on my 98 non-turbo MR2. The reservoir behind the spare tyre is about 15% full so it's not empty - does it need to be full or does this rule out the fluid?

On full lock or close it whines a bit. And recently there has *occasionally* been a squeal from the engine when I start it up, it lasts about 5-10 seconds. Not sure if related.

Is there anything simple I can look at before taking it into a garage? And secondly, my favoured garage is about 30 miles away (about 60% motorway driving). Am I going to make it worse if I take it that far?

Thanks.

[thomp1983]

Your power steering cap has a dip stock on it with a mark the fluid should be there when cold. Is the p/s light on?

It's probably the common issue of contacts degrading in the relay, try turning your ignition from off to position 2 (all dash lights on but engine not started) quickly about 30 times this usually gets it working again

[oVerboost]

try turning your ignition from off to position 2 (all dash lights on but engine not started) quickly about 30 times this usually gets it working again

Beat me to it I had this issue on my last MR2 (n/a rev5) and turning the ignition switch 20 or so times fixed it for me and lasted a good few months of daily driving, it did do it again but knowing what to do it again lasted a fair few months and I sold it with the problem not showing itself again, although I did tell the new owner what to do in case it did do it again.

[doctorwedgeworth]

Thanks, that did the trick