While driving sometimes there is a clicking noise, error messages on dash and it gets harder to steer

REGALLS

MEMBER
1998 BUICK REGAL
3.8L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
300,000 MILES

When I drive my car listed above LS (with around 300,000 miles) I sometimes hear a clicking noise like something electric engaged or disengaged. Then the service vehicle soon, ABS light, and Trac off all come on and it gets harder to steer. It is only harder to steer when the noise happens and all the said lights come on. Lately it just stays with all the described lights on and hard to steer all the time. Any ideas? This car has been a very reliable and pleasant car to own. Thank you for any suggestions.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Hi,

The power steering is hydraulic, so I'm not sure what you are hearing. However, my concern is that all the lights come on as you described and the steering gets harder to turn.

Here is what I suggest. Since the lights are staying on now, you really need to have the computer scanned to identify where the problem is coming from. There will be diagnostic trouble codes that will help us identify where we should start checking.

Here is a video that shows how a computer is scanned:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize that most people don't own a scanner, but most parts stores will do it for you free of charge. This needs done first. Have it done and let me know what codes are found.

Take care,

Joe