My car overheated, power steering is out, and battery light is on?
So for the last few days I have smelled a burnt smell when I turn on my heater, then today I was driving home and all of a sudden the power steering went out and the temp. Gauge was in the red. I went back out a few hours later when it had cooled down and turned it on, the power steering is still out and the battery light is on. There doesn't seem to be any leaks. What could be wrong? Oh, and I drive a 2003 Ford Focus ZX3.
Accessory drive belt is broken / missing / loose.
This is the rubber belt on the front of the engine that drives the water pump (overheating) Power steering pump (not working) and alternator (battery light on)
BTW, if the temp gauge goes into the red, STOP the car. You can do serious damage to the engine driving it like that.
Mr. Lanab nailed it. Your "serpentine belt" is laying on the road somewhere. If you have a battery charger, hook that up until you get a new belt. (Your battery took a beating) Pick a "cool" day to go get it fixed. Find a shop that knows you are coming so you don't have to drive around and overheat.
You need a new belt; in the good ol' days a lady's stocking could be used as an emergency get you home kit.
Uhh, belt?
One point to mention is that if you smelled a burning smell. You probably not only lost a belt but may also have a accessory item that is locking or locked up i.e. A/c compressor pulley, alt., or water pump
Thanks everyone! The pulley and belt were broken. All fixed and running good now.
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